.…Agunechemba Urges Nigerian Youths to Prioritise Farming and Agricultural Production in 2027
By Anselem Anokwute
The serene atmosphere of Ezi Omi, Uzoagba Autonomous Community in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, was transformed into a colourful cultural carnival on Sunday, October 25, 2026, as the community celebrated its New Yam Festival in grand style.
The festival, popularly known as Iri Ji, attracted community leaders, traditional culture enthusiasts, religious figures, and other well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the harvest season, promote Igbo cultural heritage, and offer prayers for a fruitful farming season.
The event was organised and celebrated by one of the community’s illustrious sons, Chief Chibuzor Egbujuo Agunechemba I of Ezi Omi, Uzoagba Autonomous Community, a community leader and cultural revivalist who has consistently promoted the preservation of Igbo traditions through the annual New Yam Festival.
The celebration was described by participants as one of the community’s cherished cultural events, reflecting the people’s appreciation for a successful farming season and their prayers for greater agricultural productivity in the coming year.
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Priest Ekwueme Amarikwa of Uzoagba, Alaga of Imo State, Amb. Chief Ekwueme Dibia, and Prophet Moses Eze, Oracle of the Most High God and General Overseer of Covenant Prayer Ministry, Aba, Abia State, expressed appreciation to the celebrant for sustaining the annual cultural tradition.
They commended Chief Chibuzor Egbujuo Agunechemba I for his commitment to cultural preservation, support for farmers, and consistent encouragement of the New Yam Festival.
The religious and traditional figures also offered prayers for God’s blessings upon the celebration and urged other community leaders and well-meaning individuals to emulate the celebrant by supporting activities that promote cultural heritage, agricultural development, and community unity.
According to them, the New Yam Festival provides an opportunity for thanksgiving, reflection, and prayers for continued blessings, while also strengthening the bonds of unity among members of the community.
Another speaker at the event, Deacon Jasper Ifeanyichukwu Anyamele, a police officer serving with the Imo State Police Command, expressed delight at the celebrant’s passion for preserving Igbo culture and traditions.
Anyamele, who identified himself as a Deacon in the Assemblies of God Church, maintained that the celebration of the New Yam Festival should not automatically be viewed as being opposed to Christianity.
He argued that cultural practices that promote gratitude, unity, peaceful coexistence, and appreciation for God’s blessings could be embraced without compromising one’s Christian faith.
He cautioned Christians against indiscriminately rejecting their cultural heritage in the name of religion, urging them to examine traditional practices carefully and distinguish those that promote positive values from those that conflict with their religious convictions.
According to him, farming remains fundamental to human survival, while the New Yam Festival provides an opportunity to appreciate the efforts of farmers and the importance of agricultural production.
He further stressed that food security could be strengthened through increased agricultural production, noting that Nigeria needs greater participation in farming to ensure an adequate supply of food for its growing population.
Anyamele encouraged Nigerians, particularly the younger generation, to develop a positive attitude towards agriculture and recognise its potential to create employment, generate income, and contribute to national development.
Responding to the goodwill messages and prayers, the celebrant, Chief Chibuzor Egbujuo Agunechemba I of Ezi Omi, Uzoagba Autonomous Community, thanked God for the opportunity to celebrate the 2026 New Yam Festival.
He expressed gratitude for the harvest season and disclosed that the yams presented during the celebration were locally grown, reflecting the community’s agricultural heritage and the importance of farming to its people.
Chief Agunechemba I used the occasion to call on youths in Ikeduru, other parts of Imo State, and across Nigeria to embrace agriculture and participate actively in food production.
He emphasised that farming should not be limited to yam cultivation, urging young people to explore other agricultural ventures, including piggery, poultry farming, fishery, and other productive agricultural activities.
According to him, increased participation in agriculture would help improve food availability, create employment opportunities, strengthen household incomes, and contribute to the economic development of communities.
The community leader also advised young Nigerians not to depend exclusively on white-collar employment, which he noted was not readily available to everyone.
He urged them to take advantage of opportunities in agriculture and other legitimate businesses to become self-reliant, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to society.
In his words: “Don’t wait for white-collar jobs, which we all know are not readily available. Go into farming and other agricultural activities to develop yourself and make society better.”
Chief Agunechemba I further warned young people against criminal activities and unwholesome lifestyles, urging them to channel their energy into productive ventures that would secure their future and promote the well-being of their families.
The celebration ended with renewed calls for the preservation of Igbo cultural heritage, greater support for farmers, and increased youth participation in agriculture as a practical pathway towards food security, economic empowerment, and sustainable community development.