By Udo Akam-Alo, ABAKALIKI
The House of Representatives Member representing Ikwo/Ezza South constituency, Comrade Chinedu Ogah has appealed to the Constituents to embrace peace.
He made the appeal on Friday while addressing the people of Ikwo during the Ikwo Noyo New Yam Festival Celebration otherwise known as ‘Nnesweoha’ held at Ili Noyo in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Comrade Ogah expressed satisfaction with the day’s festive mood which brought to scene the presence of some Catholic Priests, saying that it was best of its kind ever.
According to the Rep Member, “my prayer is that this Festival will restore total peace in Ikwo and our hearts henceforth.
Ikwo Noyo New Yam Festival
“‘Nnesweoha’ has always been celebrated but this year’s own is the most special because all the priests ordained in Ikwo and all those serving in Ikwo are here today to celebrate with Ikwo people.”
Responding on behalf of the clergy, Reverend Father Charles Nweke said it was a preamble experience, noting the need to value culture and tradition.
According to him, “It is a thing of joy for me to be here today for the first time in my life. If it was possible, all the Ikwo-Serving Priests would have been here.
“We are here on behalf of all the priests serving in Ikwo and praying for the good of Ikwo and in the name of all Christian believers.
“We are here to let the whole world know that there is no discrimination between the church and the tradition because any community without custom and tradition is not worth existing.
“Church also has tradition and that makes it real. The church is only against any tradition that is harmful to the progress and well being of man. So, we thank God for this gathering and pray for unity and peace in our land.”
On the other hand, the immediate past Caretaker Chairman and the incoming Chairman of Ikwo LGA, Elder Steve Orogwu, attested that introduction of Christianity has done more harm than the expected good to the people’s culture and also highlighted the significance of the festival under celebration.
“Those that introduce Christianity have tried to take us away from our culture. Yes, the ideal thing really is that as Christians, we should not worship idol but anything that affects our faith as Christians, we should not acknowledge that, but that does not rule out the fact that our culture and our tradition should be epitomized and maintained.
“Therefore, the greatest challenge is the issue of Christianity. We should rather understand ourselves and marry Christianity and Tradition, not idol worship.”
‘Nnesweoha’ is a celebration where the head of the family wakes up in the morning and calls on the gods, invoking the spirits in appreciation of the protection. After that, he does his sacrifices to the gods but for us who are Christians, we are not involved into that.
“Today is not actually the New Yam Festival in the culture of Ikwo. It is the last day of the outgoing year. Tomorrow is the main celebration of ‘Nnesweoha Ikwo’ and by next tomorrow, we are already on transition to a new year. So next tomorrow is neither this year not next year; we call it ‘katafonafo’ which means it is not outgoing year it is not incoming year,” he said.
Stakeholders present at the celebration were, the Members representing Ikwo North and Ikwo South at the State House, Engr. Humphrey Nwuruku and Hon. Moses Odunwa, amongst others.
He further prayed for total restoration of Peace and Unity for the growth of Ikwo.
