At New Yam Festival, Nkerefi Community Hails Gov Mbah’s Rural Development Drive

The Enuogu-Nkerefi Autonomous Community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State came alive on Thursday with colourful displays, rhythmic Abia dance steps, and the inviting aroma of roasted yam as the people celebrated their annual Iri Ji (New Yam Festival).

The event, held at the palace of the traditional ruler, Igwe Emmanuel Onukwube, drew dignitaries, traditional rulers, government officials, business leaders, and indigenes from far and near. It was also marked by glowing tributes to Governor Peter Mbah for his rural development initiatives aimed at bridging the economic gap between urban and rural communities across the state.

In his address, Igwe Onukwube, the Ogu I of Enuogu Nkerefi, expressed gratitude to God and his people for another successful celebration, describing the New Yam Festival as a sacred cultural event that reinforces unity and thanksgiving among the Igbo.

“The festival signifies the beginning of harvest and a season of thanksgiving for bountiful yields and divine blessings upon our land,” he said.

The monarch, who has reigned for 23 years, lauded Governor Mbah for his transformative rural development agenda, noting that Nkerefi has benefitted significantly from the administration’s infrastructure push.

According to him, the once deplorable access road to the community which had forced travellers to pass through Nkanu West, Aninri, and even parts of Ebonyi State before reaching Nkerefi— has now received massive attention under Mbah’s government.

“I want to commend our governor, Barrister Peter Mbah, for his rural development drive. We are grateful that he has extended this goodwill to Nkerefi. It is now much easier to drive down here without taking those long, distressing routes,” Igwe Onukwube said.

He also thanked the governor for appointing indigenes of Nkerefi into key positions in government, saying the gesture has given the community a stronger voice in state affairs.

The monarch further applauded the establishment of two Smart Green Schools and two Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres in Nkerefi, describing them as “life-changing projects already touching lives in real terms.”

In a goodwill message, the traditional ruler of Imeoha-Nkerefi Autonomous Community, Igwe Luke Okorie, praised the host community for sustaining the age-long cultural festival and commended the state government for the ongoing construction of roads and bridges in Nkerefi.

He noted that the Nkerefi bloc comprising Imeoha, Enuogu, Ishienu Amofu, and Ohuani Amofu communities remains one of the state’s major food baskets, producing yam, garri, rice, and other staples in large quantities.

“This festival has drawn our sons and daughters from far and near to celebrate together. Just two weeks ago, my community held its own Iri Ji, and I am delighted to be here with my brothers in Enuogu. We also use this occasion to draw government attention to our needs. Governor Mbah has shown uncommon love for our people, and we pray for the speedy completion of the ongoing projects to ease movement of goods and services,” Igwe Okorie stated.

Addressing the crowd, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Publications, Mr. Josh Ejeh, explained that the recent alignment of the Mbah administration with the All Progressives Congress (APC) was driven by Enugu’s collective interest.

Prince Josh Ejeh

He said the decision was not about political expediency but a deliberate effort to attract greater federal presence and investment to the state.

“The governor’s decision to align with the APC is in the collective interest of Ndi Enugu. It is a strategic move to ensure that Enugu fully benefits from federal projects and national decision-making. Already, we are seeing the results here in Nkerefi through smart schools, healthcare centres, roads, farm estates, and water projects— clear evidence of purposeful leadership,” Ejeh said.

He urged the people to remain supportive of the administration and to embrace the APC as a platform that promotes the interest of the South East, assuring them that more developmental projects were already planned for the community.

Highlights of the festival included the symbolic cutting and eating of the new yam, captivating cultural displays, and the Abia traditional dance performed by the royal fathers and their council of chiefs a colourful showcase of the unity and heritage of the Nkerefi people.