I, Chief Frank Alochu Ikpobu on behalf of my family, Alochu foundation and associates wish to felicitate with Igede kings led by the Chairman of Igede Intermediate Area Traditional Council, HRH, Oga Ero (CP Rtd); Adutu Oju, HRH Daniel Ulegede; Adutu Obi, HRH, Chris Ijale, all leaders and Agba descendants, visitors and well-wishers on the festivities of Igede Agba New Yam Festival, 2021.
l am grateful to our ancestors for the great initiative and vision designed to promote and preserve the vital aspects of our cultural heritage through Igede Agba festival. I salute the agrarian populace who produce the yam, the celebrated King of all Crops; as well as all the custodians of Igede culture and tradition for sustaining our age-long cultural festival. I hence, congratulate everyone who ensures that this great initiative with its enormous potentials thrives from generation to generation.
There is an increased recognition of the potentials of festivals like Igede Agba by the world because they are best ways to rekindle unity and identity, integrate the rural populace into economic system and stimulate economic growth, and generate employment and wealth.
The age-long tradition of Igede Agba has a deep meaning and significance which extends beyond just a drinking and eating culture. Its observation is convoluted characterised by union and reunion and connection with culture and people of blood affinity and friends. Furthermore, its significance also lies in socio-economic development, effort to alleviate hunger as well as getting closer to community with a view to formulate and foster Development Agenda. Equally, it is a season for identity renewal in terms of knowledge, faith and relics of the past. merriments, cultural displays, and share with the needy, friends and well-wishers.
To be completely at peace within ourselves, there must be conformity between our deepest values and how we actually live. By implication, we must be committed and dedicated to our deepest values and seek to live according to them in the pursuit of our personal agenda or Igede Development Agenda (IDA). These agenda may include but not limited to the quest for national and international recognition, revival of Igede traditional values, peace-building, youth empowerment and employment, scholarships, access roads, economic opportunities, security of lives and properties, sustainability, innovation and infrastructure, entrepreneurship and acquisition of the global 21st Century skills.
To this end, the quality of any society is directly linked with the significance of shared values. As we celebrate, in addition to those mentioned values and agenda, perseverance, love, honesty, egalitarianism, common interest, commitment, selflessness, and hard-work that were dearly cherished by our forefathers should be reinvigorated and instilled among the citizens. To do this, our Keen role is to preserve and pass on to our children and youths the heritage that was bequeathed to us, and showcase the same right from the grass root, to the state, national and international arenas.
While I pray for peaceful celebration and bountiful harvest in subsequent years, I also urge all the youths to shun all forms of over merriments and violence. May the peace, progress, love, hospitality, longevity, prosperity and more fulfilling years ahead be our portion as we celebrate Igede Agba New Yam Festival, 2021. Cheer!
Odochu1 of Amono Kingdom,
CEO of Odochu Global Enterprise and the President/Founder of Alochu Foundation
Comments