Anambra community declares support for Soludo's re-election, kicks off New Yam festival

 

By Okechukwu Onuegbu 

The people of Umueri community in Anambra East Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State, have vowed to continue supporting the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo on its resolve to deliver a liveable and prosperous homeland.

 The traditional rulers of Umueri, HRH Igwe Dr Ben Emeka, who disclosed this in a press conference heralding the community's 2025 new yam festival, recalled that the incumbent administration has revived the Umueri General hospital, appointed some of their natives in the government and they are hopeful of more projects during his second term.

Igwe Emeka, however, used the opportunity to implore governor Chukwuma Soludo to consider construction of Umueri portion of the road leading to Chinua Achebe International passengers and cargoes airport so as to make it easier and accessible for the people within a few minutes.

"Some of us have missed our flights while driving from our homes to the airport through Oyi LGA. This road was started by former governor Willie Obiano but yet to be completed. We are appealing for its completion at least to enable us the host community equal access to the airport in a jiffy. We have also noticed that hoodlums are trying to takeover the road path since it was left.

" We believe that completing the road will help to comb the bush path and chase away hoodlums. I am also appealing to the government and airport authority to consider increasing the numbers of flights been received in the airport to at least 2 times daily to make it very busy and boost the economy of the State and Nigeria at large. The government should also consider building of warehouse around the airport to attract more traffics to it. They can give out the building to private individuals through PPP," he added.

On the new yam festival holding on Saturday September 6th, 2025, Igwe Emeka said the programme would be a topnotch due to various cultural displays, empowerment programmes and others taking place on the day due to sponsorship and reformations.

The festival will feature the Igbo notable ncho sporting competition, wrestling competition, empowerment of the less privileged, dancing, award winning ijele and other notable masquerades recognised internationally.

Igwe Emeka noted that since his assumption of office as Okebo II 9 years ago, Umueri has gone through cultural reformation aimed at jettisoning all the ungodly practices, embracing modernity and creating values for the people through worship of Christ.

According to him, this also informed the decision of the New yam festival committee to reintroduce wrestling under three different categories of people, and other indigenous sporting competitions geared towards promoting healthy living, wealth creation, peace and harmony among the people, residents and neighbours.

Igwe Emeka noted that the event had many sponsors, who according to him, would be offering free cooked food and food stuff, drinks, provisions and groceries to the guests, as well as empowering the less privileged during the occasion.

He enumerated some of the expected guests to include Governor Chukwuma Soludo and other top government functionaries, including the Chairman, Anambra East LGA, traditional rulers across the State, among others, adding that even those without formal invitation would be highly appreciated and celebrated.

"This year's own is very spectacle in many ways. Our people will wine and dine, clad in different attires as government will welcome the government and other guests. We urge you all to come because there will be various cultural displays and competitions you wouldn't like to miss. There will be a lot to eat, drink and even take home," he stated.

"Some cabinet chiefs of Umueri, including Chief Princess Ngozi Okoye, High Chief Joe Onuigbo, and High Chief Prof Sam Umeadi, who were elated by Igwe Okebo's transformation since assumption of office nine years ago, prayed God to strengthen him to impact more lives positively.

According to the cabinet Chiefs, his humanitarian services, contacts and goodwill have attracted several meaningful developments to Umueri, reposition them to the map of the world and created good pathway for the youth and aged to follow for continuous personal and communal development.