His Royal Majesty Eze Dr. AMB. Jude Chukwude Ihenetu, Igbo traditional leader in Ghana, has reiterated the need for Nigerians to abide by the laws of their host country.
He said abiding by the laws puts them in good standing with the country, and enables them to thrive at all levels.
Speaking at the 2023 annual Yam Festival celebrated in Accra last week, Dr. Ihenetu emphasised the importance of law, peace and security, as well as the relationship that has existed between Ghana and Nigeria over decades.
He was of the firm belief that the festival would cement the symbiotic relationship between these two West African countries through culture, trade and diplomacy.
Dr. Ihenetu spoke of the transfer of culture to the youth and Africa unity as key ingredients for uplifting the continent.
The festival, dubbed ‘2023 Ndigbo Ghana,’ was held under the theme: “Sustaining the culture and tradition of the Igbo people in the diaspora.”
The festival is the 11th Igno Day (Iri ji) or New Yam Festival celebrated in Ghana.
About the Yam Festival
The Iri ji festival is celebrated by the Igbo ethnic group in Nigeria, who have sojourned to neighbouring Ghana.
The festival marks the conclusion of yam harvesting, new yam and a start of another cycle of farming.
In Igbo culture, yam is an important crop, hence, the celebration and invocation of God’s blessings by the Paramount Chief on his subjects.
He performs this ritual by cutting through toasted yam, dipping a piece in a sauce and taking a bite.
There was a rich display of culture, particularly how the chiefs were accompanied to the durbar ground amid singing, dancing, musketry and loud cheering.
Young woman carried buckets of yam to the durbar as proof of this year’s harvest.
Awards
His Royal Majesty also awarded some distinguished individuals for their roles and contributions in their society, country, and the Western African region as a whole.
Some of the awardees on whom the title Chief was bestowed upon as an honour were Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addae, Chief Executive Officer at Peace and Love Hospitals, Blessed Godsbrain Smart also known as Captain Smart, morning show host at Onua TV, and Beatrice Agyemang Abbey, CEO of Media General.
Guests
The festival was graced by the National Chief Imam, Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, and chiefs from the various traditional areas of the country.
