The Traditional Ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, HRM Igwe Samuel Asadu has urged Nigerians to invest more in agriculture to enable the country to achieve food security.
Asadu who is the Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, gave the advice on Saturday during the Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kindom 2024 New Yam Festival Celebration.
He said for the country to achieve food security that would reduce prices of food items and make food available and affordable, everybody both government and citizens should invest and devout more time to agriculture.
"The economic hardship and high cost of food items in the market should be a wake-up call for government and citizens to invest more money and time in agriculture, especially farming.
Iwa ji (new yam celebration) is one of the key traditional practices in Igboland that should be promoted by everybody, it doesn't only sustain the age-long culture of our forefathers but helps in promoting yam farming.
"There is a need therefore for government and citizens to invest more time in farming, especially yam, which has served as one of the most available staple foods in the country.
"Our commitment to uploading the high value placed on agriculture is one of the key reasons that this year's ceremony is going ahead despite the severe economic hardship being experienced across the country. We cannot in the face of these challenges, despair and abandon agriculture," he said.
The traditional ruler commanded the state Governor, Peter Mbah, for his developmental strides in the States as well as his huge investment in agriculture and urged the people of the States to give his administration their full support in his effort to turn around the economic fortune of the State.
"Edem-Ani Ogwugwu is grateful to our governor for the support he has been given to this Kingdom without which this event couldn't have held as well as his administration's developmental presence in the community.
"I want to commend him especially for his massive developmental strides in the States which would help in scaling up Enugu’s agricultural productivity.
"I therefore urge the good people of the State to give the governor they are maximum support in his effort to transform the state economy to the next level," he said.
Speaking further, Asadu who is the immediate past Chairman of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, appealed to President Bola Tinubut to consider the release of Mr Nnamdi Kalu, the Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) explaining that, his release would go a long way in reducing tension and insecurity in the South East region.
In a remark, Chief Ozo Chidi Ezema, the chairman of the occasion said that the new yam festival holds a special place in Nigerian society, adding that the festival deeply rooted in Edem-Ani history and agricultural practice serves as a key cultural event that symbolizes prosperity, unity, and gratitude.
Mr. Patrick Ubru, the Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro industrialisation, Chief Jude Asogwa, the Executive Chairman of Nsukka LGa, Chief Vita Abba former Chairman, People Democratic Party in Enugu State, many traditional rulers were among the dignitaries present during the occasion.
The high point of the occasion was the cutting and eating of roasted new yam by Igwe Asadu, as as well as the display and showcasing of yam barn, and parade of cultural dance troops and masquerades.
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