Umueri community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State has celebrated its 2021 Okika Mmuo Festival.
Okika Mmuo-Umueri is a New Yam Festival preparatory ceremony organised traditionally by the community Prime Minister (Onowu), to inform the traditional ruler of the town, Igwe Ben Emeka, his royal cabinet and the entire community, the date to commence eating of New yam and the celebration of the crop proper.
Yam, the king of all crops is accorded high respect by Ndigbo which is the reason communities across Igbo land celebrate new yam festival otherwise known as Iwaji every year.
It was gathered that the atmosphere at the Mgbago premises of the thirteenth Onowu of the community, Onowu Iyasele Mike Ekweonu, venue of the 2021 Okika Mmou festival was friendly, as people from all walks of life, including government functionaries, industrialists, traditional rulers, friends and well wishers gathered to share in the joy of the long culture.
Different groups, the Umuadas, the Duurus, youth organizations, kindred, families as well as business associates equally paid homage to the Prime Minister and his family.
Onowu Ekweonu, while performing the kola nut ritual, thanked God for a bountiful harvest and prayed for the sustenance of peace in Umueri and its neighboring communities for sustainable development, as the community goes for the New Yam Festival celebration proper.
The governorship candidate of People’s Redemption Party (PRP) in the forthcoming Anambra election, Chief Nnamdi, who witnessed the event, noted that his presence showed that Anambra communities are no longer in conflict but are pursuing measures to sustain the existing peace among them. He assured the people that if elected the next governor, he will do more to cultural development in the state.
Representative of Ikenga Umueri Unity Forum (IUUF). Comrade Chinedu Ekweonu, who also spoke at the event, commended the Onowu and other guests who honoured the occasion, noted that the event is a culture that promotes peace and brotherly love. The event was sponsor by Ikenga Umueri Unity Forum (IUUF).
