Umana Ndiuno Ezeagu Celebrates New Yam/Ibono Festival

Umana Ndiuno in Ezeagu Local Government Area held its New Yam Festival, known as Ibono, today, October 19, 2024.

By Chiekezie Emmanuel Ezesinachi

Umana Ndiuno in Ezeagu Local Government Area celebrated its New Yam Festival, known as Ibono. Ibono is the most respected event in Umana Ndiuno and Ezeagu Local Government Area at large.

This celebration is held once a year during Ụka Nkwo to promote peace and harmony within the community and to thank their Chi for the new yam harvest. The Ibono Umana is celebrated by the villagers of Okunito, Umuene, Owelemba, and Obinagu.

The festivities begin on Friday when in-laws bring food items, drinks, and native cocks to their mother-in-law’s houses to maintain and strengthen the bond between the two families. On Saturday, masquerades parade through the entire community before moving to the village square (Nkwo Arụsị) for entertainment.

Among the notable personalities present at the event were the Executive Chairman of Ezeagu Local Government, Hon. Vitalis Ndu, the General Traditional Ruler Council of Ezeagu Local Government Area, Igwe Emmanuel Chi-Aha of Olo, and the Traditional Ruler of Isi Ugwu Umana, Igwe Ozo Anichebe, among others.

The Executive Chairman of Ezeagu Local Government Area, Hon. Vitalis Ndu, while cutting the new yam, stated that the Ibono Festival is the most celebrated in Ezeagu Local Government Area and serves as a bond that unites the entire local government. He further emphasized that it is a traditional ritual that must be observed, saying, “It started from our forefathers and continues in our generation.”

Hon. Ndu also highlighted that his administration aims to bring positive change to Ezeagu Local Government Area through infrastructure development. He pledged to preserve the culture and utilize development efforts to combat insecurity in Umana Ndiuno and the wider local government area.