Ndi Eze Ohuhu New Yam Festival and the Need to Honour Our Culture
The New Yam Festival holds a sacred place in the cultural life of the Igbo people, and for Ndi Eze Ohuhu, it is more than just a celebration—it is a symbol of unity, heritage, and gratitude. Every year, our revered traditional rulers, Ndi Eze, come together with sons and daughters of Ohuhu to give thanks to God and our ancestors for a bountiful harvest and to usher in peace, prosperity, and renewal for the land.
This festival is not only a display of our rich cultural heritage but also a moment to reconnect with the values that define us as a people—respect for tradition, reverence for hard work, communal solidarity, and the celebration of life. Through the rituals, dances, music, and sharing of the first yam, the community is reminded of the dignity of labour and the blessings of togetherness.
In today’s fast-changing world, where modern influences threaten to erode traditional values, it becomes even more important to honour and preserve our culture. The New Yam Festival of Ndi Eze Ohuhu is a living testimony that culture is the soul of a people; without it, identity is lost. Honouring our culture strengthens our bond as a community, teaches the younger generation pride in their roots, and ensures that our customs and traditions endure.
Therefore, the celebration of the New Yam Festival should not be seen merely as a yearly ritual, but as a call to preserve, promote, and honour our cultural identity. By doing so, Ndi Eze Ohuhu and the entire Ohuhu community affirm their commitment to safeguarding the heritage passed down from our forebears and passing it on with pride to generations yet unborn.
