A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Imo State, an erstwhile federal lawmaker, and founder of the Dr. ThankGod Ezeani Center For Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Hon. Dr. ThankGod Ezeani (Ogbaturuenyi), has congratulated His Excellency, former Governor of Imo State Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, and entire Mbaise sons and daughters worldwide, on the celebration of the 2021 New Yam Festival, which holds on, Sunday,15th August 2021.
Ezeani, popularly called Ogbaturuenyi, who described the symbolism of the festival as a cultural rebirth, re- union and a celebration of the king of crop, stated that it is worthwhile that the people of Mbaise nation, being peace-loving and hospitable, have also been consistent in sustaining the age-long Iri Ji tradition.
According to the former Lawmaker, the New yam celebration have been consistently reputed to also foster peace and unity in Mbaise nation, having constantly attracted illustrious Mbaise sons and daughters within the country and in the diaspora, for the festival.
He noted further that the Mbaise nation has shown great commitment to hoisting the cultural flag of the Igbo ethnicity with regularity and passion.
He also used the occasion to commend farmers who have constantly kept the festival alive by producing yams; the very quintessence of the celebrations. He then prayed to God for continuous great yield on the part of the farmers.
He called for a peaceful celebration among the people, urging the youths to shun all forms of violence within the period and beyond.
He finally thanked and prayed God’s blessings on our visionary leader, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha for putting Mbaise nation on the spotlight.