- Catholic priests, Monarchs, others commend Igwe Eze achuomu agha over philanthropism, developmental strides
By Nna Anulumadu
Ogidi Kingdom in Idemili North Local Government, Anambra State, was set agog last Saturday , September 7th, 2024 as the traditional ruler of the town HRM, Pharm, Alex Onyido celebrated age-long annual new yam festival.
The spectacular event which took place at Igwe’s palace kicked off with a Holy Mass presided over by the parish priest of Our Lady of Assumption parish Ogidi, Rev. Fr Aloysius Agba, assisted by another priest.
The event witnessed the presence of Ndi Ichie, Igwe’s cabinets, Umuada, friends, well-wishers, youths, men and women as well as Ogidi Community members.
Speaking during the Holy Mass, Fr Agba described Igwe Alex Onyido as a humble, peaceful and prayerful monarch who is leading his Kingdom with fear of God. He stated that his transformative leadership has touched so many lives, describing the king as a kindhearted man who always shows much interest in the welfare of the people of his Kingdom.
The traditional ruler he disclosed has been sponsoring so many youth through his scholarship scheme, adding that so many indigenes of the town he empowered with skills are now successful persons in the society.
Fr Agba further urged the people of the town to always pray for the monarch and support his good works for the greater good of Ogidi Kingdom.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the celebration, HRM, Pharm, Onyido explained that the new yam festival, known as ‘Iri-ji Ofuo’ is a revered celebration that promotes Igbo cultural heritage and ties together spiritual and cultural significance, reinforcing the people’s connection to their heritage, forefathers and the divine.
The Monarch noted that the festival, will go along way in re- awaking agricultural consciousness among the community members and motivate them to embrace farming in order to tackle the looming food crises facing the Nigerian country.
He advised youth who are relegating agriculture to the background in a quest for white-collar jobs, to have a re-think and go back to farming as that is the ultimate means of survival now.
Pharm Onyido who is a renowned pharmacist pleaded the Federal Government to bring down tariffs placed on drugs importation, expressing worry that the tariffs charge is still on the high side.
Monarchs including HRH Igwe Godwin Odiegwu of Abacha town, HRH Igwe Surveyor Charles Agbala of Uke town and HRH Igwe Dr. Oranu Chris Chidume of Omor kingdom who graced the event, in their separate messages commended Igwe Eze achuomu agha of Ogidi for staging a beautiful cultural activities to celebrate new yam festival, describing him as a good custodian of Igbo cultures.
High Chief Dr. Chris Onwudiwe who also graced the event in a chat with newsmen rained accolades on the monarch for reviving and sustaining the Igbo culture through his yearly new yam festival.
He disclosed that the first person to taste new yam in Ogidi is the Monarch, explaining that four days after that, Ogidi people in general will kick off celebration of the new yam known as “Ilomuo” He further described yam as King of food in Igbo land, emphasizing that it’s harvest every year calls for celebration of this kind.
The Transition Committee Chairman of Idemili North LGA Hon. Stanley Nkwoka who also graced the event poured encomiums on the Monarch, testifying that his transparent leadership is taking the kingdom to unprecedented height.
Other community members who spoke to the press eulogized the traditional ruler for his sincere commitment in cultural revival through preservation and promotion of Ogidi’s rich cultural heritage through festivals, traditions, and historical documentation. They posited that apart from promotion of culture through new yam festival, Igwe Alex Onyido, the traditional ruler of Ogidi Kingdom, has made significant developmental strides in his domain, transforming the community and improving the lives of his subjects. They revealed that some of his notable achievements include:Infrastructure development,’ Establishment of scholarships for Ogidi students, renovation of schools, and introduction of modern learning facilities.
In the area of healthcare, it was stated that the monarch has upgraded healthcare facilities in the community by provision of medical equipment and drugs.
Trinitas learnt that in the area of Economic Empowerment, the monarch use to engage the youth of the town in entrepreneurship, skill acquisition programmes, and promotion of local businesses.
His community members further extolled him for strengthening of community security through collaboration with law enforcement agencies and establishment of vigilante groups.
Trinitas also gathered that under Igwe Onyido’s visionary leadership, Ogidi Kingdom has witnessed unprecedented growth, development, and progress, earning him recognition and admiration from his people and beyond.
