- Cardinal Okpalaeke Commends Priest for New Method of Yam Cultivation
By Nna Anulumadu
A Catholic priest of Ekwulobia Diocese, Rev. Fr. Philip Uche Okoye, last Sunday, August 16th, 2026, showcased the biggest yam tuber harvested in Anambra State, weighing 100.65kg.
The event, tagged “Come and See Yam 2026” was part of activities to celebrate his 10th anniversary as a yam farmer.
Speaking during the Holy Mass that kick-started the event, Cardinal Peter Ebele Okpalaeke, represented by the Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Lawrence Nwankwo, extolled Fr. Okoye for discovering a new method of yam cultivation that guarantees all-year-round planting and the production of extraordinary large tubers.
He also praised the priest for sharing the knowledge freely and for using his harvest to feed the hungry and the elderly. The Cardinal described Fr. Okoye’s yam cultivation as a “food apostolate.”
In his speech, the celebrant, Rev. Fr. Philip Okoye, recalled how he started yam cultivation ten years ago at his former parish in Obeledu town. He said that since then, he has been channeling proceeds from the farm into church projects, while a large percentage of the harvest goes to charity.
“Initially, all the tubers of yams I harvested every year were distributed to the less privileged and the elderly. A few years ago, we began to auction some of the harvest, and through that initiative, we raised funds used in putting up structures such as a Grotto, chapel, and secretariat in my current parish,” he said.
Fr. Okoye briefly described his cultivation method, which he named ‘Philoko’. He explained that it involves digging permanent small holes for each tuber.
“After sowing the tuber, cover the holes with sand and add manure. At harvest, you will be surprised at the size of yams produced,” he said.
He disclosed that at this year’s yam exhibition organized by the Anambra State Government, the biggest yam harvested weighed 80.3kg, but his own biggest tuber scaled 100.65kg, making it the largest in the state this year.
Fr. Okoye called on the government to engage the youth in farming and empower them to produce large quantities of food for local consumption and export. He noted that his method is gradually spreading to other farmers.
The Traditional Ruler of Akpo town, Igwe Architect Jonathan Obiajulu Okpalaezecha, who spoke to Trinitas Newspaper extolled Fr. Okoye for revolutionizing yam cultivation in Akpo and beyond, describing him as a blessing to the community and the Church.
Also, the Mayor of Aguata LGA, Dr. Chibueze Oforbuike, showered accolades on Fr. Okoye for producing the biggest yam in the state. He pledged that the government would adopt his method and engage more youths in farming.
The chairman of the event Nze Uchenna Okpalanwa (Okwute) in his speech congratulated Fr Okoye for coming with the biggest yam, describing him as a source of inspiration and motivation to yam farmers.
A community member, Nze Chima Iloetomma, testified that Fr. Okoye has impacted Akpo people greatly through his yam cultivation.
“Personally, I was amazed seeing his inspiring yam cultivation method, and that made me give out land for his use,” he said.
Sir Joe Okey Okpalaobi (Akunwanne) and Nze Christopher Okpalaobi, former Vice President of Akpo Town Union, while congratulating Fr. Okoye on his 10th anniversary in yam farming, said he is transforming yam cultivation in their community. They revealed that Fr. Okoye is not just an outstanding yam farmer but also a philanthropist who uses proceeds from his farm to feed the less privileged.
It is worth noting that Fr. Philip Okoye has over the years won laurels as the biggest yam producer in Anambra State. He has been moving from one location to another teaching interested farmers his method. Many who have learnt the Philoko method have started harvesting big yam tubers, with some winning laurels at recent yam exhibitions.
