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New Yam Festival: Kenneth Ifeakandu Wins N500,000 for Heaviest Yam
History was made in Obeledu community, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, when Kenneth Ifeakandu of Okofia village won N500,000 for harvesting a 95-kilogram yam during the 2024 New Yam Festival.
The “Yam Competition,” part of this year’s festival, aimed to revitalize and promote agricultural practices, particularly among the youth, to achieve food self-sufficiency.
Ifeakandu expressed his excitement, stating that the prize money would be reinvested into his farm to enhance future yields. He remarked, “The prize is a significant boost to my farming efforts. I plan to expand my farm and return next year with an even more impressive harvest to show my gratitude.”
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Ken Echendu, President-General of Obeledu Progress Union, explained that the agricultural show was integrated into the festival to encourage more people, especially the youth, to pursue farming. He noted, “There is a misconception that Anaocha’s land is not suitable for agriculture, but we are changing that narrative. This initiative aligns with Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s push for agricultural development in the state.”
Heaviest Yam
Traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Igwe AC Oragwam (Ezeoranyelu III), thanked God for a bountiful harvest and urged the community to maintain peace, which he described as essential for growth. He reminisced about how the yam competition, now recognized internationally, began in his community.
Ikechukwu Okafor, Secretary of the Obeledu Media Department and Media Aide to former Aviation Minister Chief Osita Chidoka, credited the festival’s success to the community’s unity. He noted, “The enthusiasm and participation have been remarkable. To sustain this momentum, we distributed fertilizers to farmers to ensure a bumper harvest next year.”
Okafor also praised the monarch for donating yams and cash to the less privileged in the eight villages of Obeledu and expressed optimism about the current Executive Council’s leadership.
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Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Collins Nwabuwanne, congratulated the community on their successful festival. He emphasized that Obeledu’s efforts in agriculture would receive government support and encouraged other communities in Anambra to follow their example.
The festival featured a church service, traditional dances, a yam competition, masquerade displays, and other cultural activities, with dignitaries including Senator Victor Umeh, Anaocha Local Government Transition Committee Chairman Romanus Ibekwe, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Emeka Obegolu, and other royal figures in attendance.
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