- Cardinal Okpalaeke, Anambra Monarchs, others eulogise the priest for introducing new method of yam cultivation
By Nna Anulumadu
Joy rented the air last Sunday, August 18th 2024, when a priest of Catholic diocese of Ekwulobia and parish priest Holy family parish Akpo in Aguata LGA of Anambra state , Rev Fr Philip Okoye flagged off new yam farming season shortly after harvesting from his farm what may be described as” biggest yams” in Anambra state.
The event which took place at Holy family parish Akpo attracted the presence of Cardinal Ebere Okpalaeke of diocese of Ekwulobia, priests, traditional rulers of various communities in Anambra state and other guests who came to witness the 7th edition of “come see yams”
Speaking at the event, Fr Philip Okoye , an award winning farmer stated that the flagging off new yam farming season in August instead of the usual February – March was possible because of new way of yam tuber germination he discovered recently, adding that with the new discovery, farmers now can be able to cultivate yams three times a year without interruption..He pointed out that the Idea was to end the season of food scarcity ( Ugani) that follows the planting season. Fr Okoye explained that shortly after the planting season, people begin to find it difficult to feed well because the food items expecially yam harvested the previous year must have been exhausted.
He made it clear that once farmers begin to apply the new method of yam tuber germination, yams can be cultivated any time of the year and would be harvested at the due time.
The renowned farmer who had earlier introduced new method of yam cultivation called ‘Philoko’ few years ago to boost yam production in Nigeria also testified that Philip oko method has continued to assist in producing big yam tubers in Anambra and beyond every year. He revealed that farmers who learnt the new method from him have been producing big yams in various part of the state and beyond. He also stated his readiness to teach any one or group of people who are willing to learn the new methods of yam germination and cultivation. Fr Okoye made it clear that the yam his parish will present at cathedraticum next year February will come from the tubers he will cultivate this August. He challenged yam farmers in the state to a competition, expressing confidence that he will emerg first position in entire Aguata and in Anambra state during the contest for producers of biggest yam coming up soon. He also informed the guests that he won the same competition of producer of the biggest yam in Akpo town staged by the community recently . It was also on record that he won similar competition in Obeledu kingdom when he was serving as a parish priest in one of the parishes in that community. In previous years, he had won the producer of the biggest yam in Akpo.
Cardinal Okpalaeke who was represented by the Chancellor of the Diocese Very Rev Fr Lawrence Nwankwo in his speech rained accolades on Fr Philip Okoye for his exploits in farming and for discovering new method of yam cultivation for bountiful harvest, noting that his methods are unprecedented in the history of yam cultivation in Igbo land and beyond. Describing the new methods of yam cultivation as commendable innovation, the prince of the church urged Igbo people and the entire nation to tap from Philoko method of yam cultivation and apply same in order to produce sufficient food for the nation.
The President General Akpo development Association, Nze Henry Dim in his contribution said the big yams Fr Okoye produced was not common in our society, adding that he has never seen such before.. He enjoined the state government to give him special land for cultivation of yam as that will boost farm produce in the state.
The traditional rulers of Igboukwu and Obeledu kingdoms HRH Alexander Ejikemeuwa and HRH Augustine Chijioke Oragwam respectively who spoke to the press extolled Fr Philip over his innovation in the area of yam cultivation, charging the state government to partner with the priest in order to extend the Philoko method to every community in the state for greater harvest.
Also, Sir Joe Okpalaobi and Chukwujekwu Okoye Omeife in their similar remarks praised Fr Okoye for discovering the best method of yam cultivation for greater out put. The duo also called on the government to support farmers with irrigation facilities so that the regular cultivation yam as championed by Fr Okoye can be possible in every part of the state.
Mr Joseph Ozue and Nze Uchenna Okpalanwa also added their voice in calling on government to ensure that Fr Okoye ‘s method of yam cultivation is spread throughout the entire state by supporting and encouraging all round farming season.
High points of the event include official flagging off of new yam cultivation season by Cardinal Okpalaeke and cutting of the new yam by Akpo monarch Igwe Jonathan Okpalaezecha.
Featured at the event include cultural dance as every guest ate to his or her satisfaction.
