By Chiekezie Emmanuel

Ezeagu – Saturday, October 19, 2024 was indeed a colourful day at Umana Ndiuno in Ezeagu Local Government Area as the people marked their annual New Yam Festival with colourful display of their rich cultural heritage.

Known as Ibono, it is the most respected and celebrated event in Umana Ndiuno and Ezeagu local government at large.

The Festival, which has become an annual ritual in four communities that make up the town, is always celebrated once a year on the Uka Ǹkwọ day in October with the aim of encouraging peace and harmony in the community as well as to show appreciation to their God for the new yam harvest.

Ibono is celebrated by for the communities comprising Okunito, Umuene, Owelemba and Obinagu which draws their great sons and daughters and in-laws back home to partake in the festival.

The two-day celebration starts on Friday when the in-laws bring food items, drinks, and native cock to their mother-in-law’s house to maintain and strengthen peace between the two families. Then on Saturday masquerades parade at the entire communities before moving to the Village square (Nkwo Arụsị) for entertainment and merriment

Dignitaries who graced the festival includes the Executive Chairman of Ezeagu Local Government, Hon. Vitalis Ndu; the General, traditional ruler council of Ezeagu Local Government Area, Igwe Emmanuel Chi Aha, of Olo; traditional rulers of Isi Ugwu Umana, Igwè Ozo Anichebe, among others

While cutting the new yam, the Council Boss, Hon. Ndu, stated that Ibono festival is the most celebrated in Ezeagu local government Area describing it as a bond binding the whole Ezeagu people. He further said that it is a ritual rite which should be observed by all the Ezeagu people as it was handed down to them by their progenitors

He promised that his administration will bring needed infrastructure in Ezeagu council and pledged to support in promoting the culture of the people which he said is their identify