Igwe Ogadagidi Celebrates New Yam Festival, Warns Youths Against Drug Abuse, Masquerade Excesses

His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, Ogadagidi I of Edem Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom and Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Council, has celebrated the 2026 New Yam Festival, known as Iwa Ji, in grand style, using the occasion to warn youths against drug abuse and the misuse of masquerades.

The colourful ceremony, held last Saturday at Grace Land, the venue of the event, attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, dignitaries from within and outside the kingdom, indigenes, and visitors who gathered to celebrate the community’s cultural heritage and give thanks to God for the new harvest.

The festival featured cultural displays, masquerade performances and other traditional activities that transformed the occasion into a carnival-like celebration.

The monarch, members of his Council of Chiefs and other dignitaries were ushered into the venue amid cannon gun salutes, to the excitement of community members and elders who turned out in large numbers.

Addressing the gathering, Igwe Asadu described the festival as more than an occasion for feasting and merriment, saying it provided an opportunity to reflect on the kingdom’s cultural identity, unity and development over the past four years of his reign.

He expressed appreciation to members of the Council of Chiefs and his inner cabinet for their counsel and commitment to the administration of the kingdom.

He also commended the men of Edem Ani for their contributions to agriculture, particularly the cultivation of yam, the king of crops, cocoyam and cassava, which he described as the foundation of the New Yam Festival.

The monarch equally acknowledged the contributions of the Umuada and other women’s groups to peacebuilding across the communities, while praising sons and daughters of Edem Ani at home and in the Diaspora for supporting community development, education, scholarships, healthcare and other humanitarian initiatives.

According to him, these collective efforts demonstrate the unity, cohesion and shared commitment required to move the kingdom forward.

A major highlight of the royal address was the monarch’s warning to youths against the use of illicit and harmful substances, including mkpuru mmiri, Colorado and Indian hemp.

While commending young people making positive contributions in business, education and vocational skills, Igwe Asadu lamented that substance abuse and other social vices could undermine the future of the younger generation.

He urged parents to pay closer attention to their children’s habits, the substances they consume and the company they keep, stressing that responsible conduct, sound judgment and personal discipline were essential to leadership and community development.

The traditional ruler also cautioned against the misuse of masquerades, particularly those regarded as sacred in the kingdom’s cultural tradition.

He said masquerades remained an important part of the people’s heritage and their connection to their ancestors, but warned that cultural practices must not be used to intimidate residents, extort money, assault women and children, destroy property or obstruct roads.

Igwe Asadu said the community would not tolerate such misconduct, adding that offenders could face sanctions, including a ban on masquerade activities where necessary, as well as legal consequences.

“Let culture bring joy, not tears. Let us celebrate with discipline and respect,” he urged.

Turning to the future of Edem Ani, the monarch outlined a development vision centred on economic empowerment, agriculture, health, education and peace, with security as a critical foundation for progress.

On economic empowerment, he urged the people to reduce their dependence on government employment by exploring business opportunities, acquiring practical skills and investing in initiatives that could create sustainable livelihoods.

He recalled that in May 2024, 48 youths from Edem Ani, Akpa and Ugwu na Agbo were taken to Abuja for training in different vocational skills as part of efforts to improve their economic prospects.

He encouraged the beneficiaries to use the opportunities and resources provided to them responsibly and, in turn, support other young people seeking to become self-reliant.

The monarch also disclosed that the Eke Edem Ani International Market had been reactivated to stimulate commercial activities and expand economic opportunities in the kingdom.

He said the community was considering additional skills-acquisition programmes in areas such as tailoring, information and communications technology, and hairdressing, with support from indigenes in the diaspora and through cooperative initiatives.

On agriculture, Igwe Asadu urged young people to embrace farming, describing it as a time-tested source of wealth and food security for the community.

He noted that agriculture had sustained previous generations and remained central to the cultural significance of the New Yam Festival.

To encourage greater participation in farming and boost food production, he announced plans to introduce agricultural exhibitions at which farmers would showcase their produce and receive prizes in recognition of outstanding yields.

The initiative, he said, would help restore interest in agriculture, encourage productivity and promote food sufficiency.

The monarch commended medical personnel and philanthropic individuals who organise free health checks for residents, urging the people to maintain clean surroundings and observe proper sanitation.

He also encouraged residents to embrace health insurance, noting that it could help reduce the financial burden of medical treatment.

Igwe Asadu further urged the people to take advantage of the Edem Ani Community Hospital, which he said provides free medical treatment to community members.

On education, he described learning as an indispensable instrument of human transformation and community advancement, urging youths to acquire the knowledge and skills required to compete and succeed in an increasingly demanding world.

He stressed that sustainable development could not thrive in an atmosphere of disorder, calling on residents to uphold peace, discipline and mutual respect.

The traditional ruler also praised community policing personnel for their efforts to protect lives and property, urging residents to cooperate with them and provide the necessary support to strengthen security across the kingdom.

He called on all sons and daughters of Edem Ani, both at home and abroad, to remain committed to the kingdom’s progress, stressing that collective responsibility, cultural preservation and investment in the younger generation were essential to building a prosperous future.

Celestine Amoke is a Communications Strategist, Agribusiness Coach, an author, Book Editor, Teacher and Researcher.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Independent Newspapers Limited, registered on July 17, 2001 (RC No: 419927), commenced publication on October 1, 2001. With registered office at 15b, Daranijo Street, off Odusami street, off Wemco road, Ogba, Ikeja