Prince Benjamin Benedict Apugo(2nd left), performing one of the rites at Egwu Ibeku to kickstart the eating of the new yam
THE 2024 edition of Ibeku New Yam Festival which held on August 30, 2024 turned out to be a magnificent spectacle.
Although, the people of Ibeku clan in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, had over the years exhibited uncommon reverence for yam during each year’s celebration, what made this year’s New Yam Festival manifestly outstanding was the huge number of youths that actively participated in the memorable occasion.
“Over the years, I had kept away from participating in Ibeku New Yam Festival, but this year I decided to be part of the celebration because I realised the need to promote the culture and tradition of our people,” said one of the youths who gave his name as John Okechukwu
It was unarguably against this backdrop that several hundreds of Ibeku youths – boys and girls – sang and danced enthusiastically along strategic roads and streets of Umuahia the state capital, on
August 30, to celebrate Ibeku New Yam Festival.
In their book “Ibeku in Igbo History,” O. N. Njoku & others, writes that “ many festivals exist in Ibeku, but Iri ji(New Yam Festival), is the most prominent probably due to the importance attached to yam.”
According to the authors, the New Yam Festival marks the end of unwu(famine) season.
“The Iri festival, therefore, is a celebration of survival from hunger and heralds to a period of plentiful supply of food. The festival is usually celebrated in a joyful note throughout Ibeku land.”
The time was 9.00 am on August 30. Several hundreds of youths and old men had amassed at the palatial residence of Prince Benjamin B. Apugo(Ochiagha and Oparaukwu Ibeku) on Bende Road, to kickstart the day’s event.
But the occasion will never start until Prince Apugo, a big-time farmer, successful businessman, astute politician, and custodian of Ibeku customs and tradition performs the traditional rites at Egwu Ibeku, to herald the eating of yam.
According to historical account, “Ibeku” is the name of the founder of Ibeku Kingdom, whose full name was “Ibeku Ukwu,” and his accolade was “Ogurube,” (Great multitude).
He lived, died and was buried at a place now called Egwu Ibeku, located at Isieke Ibeku.
At 9.30 am, the “Kurutu” (the voluble locally made gun) sounded to announce the commencement of the movement from the home of Prince Apugo, to Egwu Ibeku.
Our Reporter observed that the journey to Egwu Ibeku which ordinarily would have taken ten minutes, lasted for about an hour due to the large crowd who thronged the Bende Road to have a view of Prince Apugo as he arrived to perform the traditional rituals to kickstart the day’s event.
“It is an abomination for any Ibeku man or woman to eat the new yam until all the traditional rites had been performed by Prince Apugo at Egwu Ibeku, said one elderly man in the area who said tradition precludes him from disclosing his name on the new yam festival day.
“I am amazed over the number of people, particularly youths who turned out this year to celebrate our new yam festival.
“This is an indication that every Ibeku son and daughter living in Abia and outside Abia, and even in the Diaspora is aware that we are celebrating our new yam festival today.
“It’s a historic event, and our people are getting more and more interested in promoting their culture and tradition, and that accounts for the large turnout of people today.
“I have not seen this kind of crowd before, and being the custodian of Ibeku custom and tradition, I feel quite excited,” Prince Apugo told Reporters.
He debunked claims from some quarters that though Ibeku people do not plant enough yams, yet they celebrate new yam festival in grand style.
He also dispelled the notion that he personally does not cultivate yam, yet he celebrates new yam festival with gusto.
He said: “If you doubt that I am a farmer, I challenge you to come out tomorrow, and my people will take you to Alulu, and you’ll see the large acres of land I Ochiagha and Oparaukwu Ibeku cultivated.
“And let me remind you that Ibeku people are the only people that are farmers in the whole of Umuahia North and South. The Ohuhu, and Olokoro man will tell you that Ibeku people are the real farmers in this area.
“I inherited farming from my parents, and 45 percent of the yams I cultivated in my farm are from my parents. Why am I living in the village, if I cannot farm?
Indeed, there are many festivals in Ibeku ancestral kingdom, but more prominence is accorded the New Yam Festival clearly due to the fact that yam is regarded in Ibeku land, and throughout Igbo land as king of all farm crops.
The event was witnessed by many dignitaries including Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, (OFR) represented by his deputy Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, the member representing Umuahia/Ikwuano federal constituency, Hon Obi Aguocha, traditional rulers, and captains of industry.
The singing and dancing on the streets of Umuahia continued even late into the night, symbolizing the peoples undiluted reverence to YAM, the king of all crops, and continued respect to the custom and tradition of Ibeku land.
It is hoped that as Ibeku new yam, and yams from other Igbo communities find their way into the market, the price of the crop will come down.
