...Rep member hails traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and women for preserving cultural identity, communal values
Member of the House of Representatives representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, has congratulated the people of Izzi Nnodo Ekumenyi on the grand finale of the 2026 Ojiji Izzi New Yam Festival, urging them to use the celebration to strengthen unity, peace and communal development.
Ogah, in a goodwill message marking the festival on Saturday, described Ojiji Izzi as more than a harvest celebration, saying it represents a significant expression of the history, cultural identity, traditions and communal values of the Izzi people.
He said the annual festival provides an opportunity for the people to celebrate the blessings of the harvest while reinforcing the bonds of brotherhood, peaceful coexistence and collective responsibility.
According to him, “Ojiji Izzi is more than a celebration of the new yam harvest; it is a proud expression of the rich cultural heritage, history, identity and communal values of the Izzi people.”
The federal lawmaker commended the traditional rulers, community leaders, elders, women and youths of Izzi Nnodo Ekumenyi for their sustained efforts towards preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the people.
He urged the people to continue to transmit their customs and traditions to younger generations, stressing that the preservation of indigenous culture remains essential to maintaining communal identity and social cohesion.
Ogah said the festival should also serve as a platform for renewing the collective commitment of the people to peace, unity and sustainable development across Izzi communities.
“As we celebrate, may the spirit of Ojiji Izzi continue to strengthen the bonds of unity among our people, promote cultural pride and inspire greater development, prosperity and peaceful coexistence across our communities,” he said.
He further prayed for abundant blessings, good health, peace and prosperity for Izzi families, while expressing optimism that the celebration would further deepen relationships among the people and promote a stronger sense of community.
Ogah also prayed for wisdom and strength for the Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, in his efforts to advance the development and wellbeing of the people of the state.
He wished the entire Izzi Nnodo Ekumenyi a peaceful, colourful and memorable celebration, urging the people to continue to uphold the values of unity, hospitality and peaceful coexistence associated with their cultural heritage.
“Once again, I extend my warmest felicitations to the entire Izzi Nnodo Ekumenyi. May this year’s celebration be peaceful, colourful, joyous and memorable,” Ogah added.
