By: Ijeoma Sandra, Nnewi.
Nnewi Community in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State has flagged off the 2025 Afia-Olu (new yam) festival.
The Afia-Olu festival is a traditional festival celebrated annually, typically in August, which holds deep cultural significance.
During the opening event of the 2025 Afia-Olu Nnewi, held on Wednesday, 27 August, at the Nkwo Triangle, Nnewi which was marked by a series of important milestones, the traditional ruler of Nnewi Community, Igwe Kenneth Orizu lll been represented by the Crown Prince, Sir Obianaefo Charles Obi Orizu, in a kola nut ritual blessed the people of Nnewi home and in diaspora.
He said Afia-Olu is a significant event in Nnewi, symbolizing gratitude for a great harvest and honoring the Igbo’s cultural heritage.
He noted that Yam is regarded as the king of crops, which made it an important crop that serves as food in Igboland.He added that a man’s yam barn shows his strength, wisdom and capability to feed his family members and kinsmen.
“Today, seeing this amazing Yam pyramid,I am happy that our people have grown massively in farming.
It must be noted that agriculture has contributed immensely to the community’s livelihood” he added.
In his remarks, the President General of Nzuko-Ora Nnewi, Hon. Jude Osumuoh expressed his profound gratitude to God Almighty, the giver of life, the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Kenneth Orizu lll, the three Obis of Uruagu, Umudim and Nnewichi, the Chairman of the occasion, Sir Emeka Etiaba (SAN), Nnewi North Mayor, Mayor Echezona Anazodo, Honourable Member Representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal constituency, Hon. Peter Uzokwe, Hon. Austin Ike-edoji, all the four quarters PGs among others.
He said that this year’s Afia-Olu festival has been specially designed, which according to him has been a testament that unity, peace and love have been restored among them.
“United we stand, divided we fall.We are United that is why this year’s celebration is power packed.A better Nnewi is assured with our collective efforts.
“Some of the programs designed to make this year’s Afia-Olu festival a memorable one are cooking competition,wrestling, lectures, empowerment, awards and so many others” he disclosed.
Hon.Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe, a Member Representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, In his remarks, expressed his gratitude for been part of this 2025 Afia-Olu Nnewi festival.
He said the Afia-Olu festival is a time to thank God for the bountiful harvest, for his protection and life.
“This is our tradition not barbaric.This is the tradition of our forefathers handed over to us which we strongly believed and respected” he said.
Hon. Uzokwe revealed that in this year’s festival,150 petty traders would be empowered with the sum of one hundred thousand naira, tagged “Fund Your Idea With one Hundred Thousand Naira”.
He further revealed that because of the promise he made to late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah,he would not disappoint the people of Nnewi.
“Nnewi people voted me, because of that , my first project was the school I built at Edoji. I bought solar lights.
“I will support Mr Governor, Prof Charles Soludo 100% by mounting solar lights in all the roads he constructed in Nnewi” he said.
The highlight of the event included traditional wrestling, cultural displays and empowerment.