The Executive Chairman of Ika North East Local Government Area, Hon. Monday Odigwe, joined the Obi of Igbodo Kingdom, HRM Obi (Barr.) Ikechukwu Nkeobikwu Osedume, and the people of Igbodo community to celebrate this year’s New Yam Festival (Iwa Ji) — a cherished cultural event that honors the harvest season and unites the people in thanksgiving.
Hon. Odigwe and his entourage were warmly received at the Obi’s Palace in Igbodo, where they participated in the colorful and symbolic festivities that showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Igbodo people and the wider Ika North-East community.
In his address, Hon. Monday Odigwe expressed profound appreciation for the continued support of the Igbodo people toward his administration. He commended the community’s strong commitment to preserving their tradition, peace, and unity, noting that the New Yam Festival is not only a celebration of agricultural abundance but also a reflection of Igbodo’s enduring values of hospitality and togetherness.
“The New Yam Festival reminds us of our roots and the importance of community. It is a time to give thanks for the year’s harvest and to strengthen the bonds that hold us together,” Hon. Odigwe said.
He further emphasized the vital role of agriculture in the local economy and reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting farmers across Ika North-East through initiatives that promote modern farming techniques, sustainable food production, and improved livelihoods.
The Council Chairman assured the people of Igbodo that his government will continue to create an enabling environment for development, growth, and cultural preservation, ensuring that traditions such as the New Yam Festival continue to thrive for generations to come.
The event concluded with Hon. Odigwe joining in traditional dances and communal activities, symbolizing unity and mutual respect between the Ika North-East Local Government and the Igbodo Kingdom.
He departed the celebration inspired by the resilience, warmth, and cultural pride of the Igbodo people — reaffirming his dedication to the progress of the entire Ika North-East.
