The 2026 New Yam Festival in Amuda, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, has provided an opportunity for renewed celebration of Isuochi cultural heritage, with Mayor Sunny Afurobi using the occasion to highlight agriculture, food security and ongoing development initiatives in the area.
Afurobi, who joined various autonomous communities in Amuda for the Iwa Ji celebrations on Saturday, August 29, 2026, said the abundance of locally produced food and farm harvests displayed at the festivals underscored the strategic importance of agriculture to the economic future of Umunneochi.
The Mayor, who was accompanied by the Member representing Umunneochi Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mathias Ume Nwachi; Councillor representing Amuda Ward, Hon. Ezinwa David Mba; and other dignitaries, made the remarks while participating in the New Yam Festival of Umucha Autonomous Community at the palace of its traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Eze Elder Wilson Egbo, the Chatu I of Umucha.
He congratulated Eze Wilson Egbo and the people of Umucha for organising what he described as a befitting celebration, commending the community for preserving the cultural identity and homogeneity of the Isuochi people through the annual Iri Ji festival.
According to him, preserving the traditions and cultural practices of the people is not only a celebration of their heritage but also a collective responsibility that must be sustained for future generations.
Afurobi urged the people to continue to promote their customs and traditions, stressing that cultural festivals such as Iwa Ji remained important avenues for strengthening community bonds and passing cherished values from one generation to another.
The Mayor also drew attention to the array of traditional delicacies displayed during the festival, including local bean cake, Osu Akidi; African salad, Iwu Ncha; new yam and other indigenous foods.
He said the impressive harvests on display demonstrated the agricultural potential of the area and called for greater participation in farming to strengthen food production and contribute to food security in Umunneochi.
Piggery Project Nears Completion
Linking the cultural celebration to his administration’s development agenda, Afurobi disclosed that significant investments were being made in Amuda, including the Umunneochi Piggery Farm Project at Umuehihie.
The project, which he valued at more than ₦300 million, is nearing completion and, according to the Mayor, is expected to become one of the largest piggery projects in the area.
He said the facility would create employment opportunities for residents while contributing to the local economy and reducing overdependence on cow meat.
Afurobi also announced that Umucha would soon benefit from his administration’s “Water Must Flow” initiative, disclosing that a borehole project had been earmarked for the community.
He said the necessary arrangements had been concluded and that the project was awaiting the release of funds for implementation.
The Mayor used the occasion to commend Eze Wilson Egbo for his continued support and royal prayers for his administration, while also applauding the Amuda Ward Councillor, Hon. David Mba, for what he described as his humility, commitment and availability in supporting the council’s development efforts.
He equally appreciated Rt. Hon. Mathias Ume Nwachi for joining him in celebrating with the people, describing the lawmaker as a versatile legislator with the interests and development of his constituents at heart.
Mathias Ume Pledges More Support
Speaking at the event, Ume Nwachi said he was “part and parcel” of the Amuda people, having lived and spent a significant part of his life in the area.
He congratulated Eze Wilson Egbo and the people of Amuda on the festival and wished them a peaceful and successful celebration.
The lawmaker said he had continued to contribute his voice to development initiatives and projects across Umunneochi in his capacity as a legislator, assuring the people that he would do more by the grace of God.
He also solicited the continued support and cooperation of the people of Umunneochi Local Government Area.
Earlier, Eze Wilson Egbo welcomed the Mayor and his entourage to Umucha and thanked God for preserving the lives of his people to witness the 2026 Iwa Ji celebration.
The monarch prayed for continued good health and protection for his subjects and expressed hope that the community would gather again in the following year to celebrate another successful Iwa Ji festival.
In his vote of thanks, the Amuda Ward Councillor, Hon. Ezinwa David Mba, described Mayor Afurobi as a supportive and courageous father who takes delight in putting smiles on the faces of the people.
Mba said the Mayor had demonstrated commitment to moving Umunneochi forward and prayed for divine wisdom, strength and grace for him to continue leading the council.
Among those present at the Umucha celebration were the Onowu of Umucha Autonomous Community, High Chief Emeka Mba; the Ichies of the community; the President-General of Umucha Town Development Union; and other titled members of the community.
Mayor Celebrates Umuogele Iwa Ji
Earlier, Afurobi had visited Umuogele Autonomous Community, where he joined the people in celebrating their Iwa Ji ceremony.
At the palace of Eze Edwin Madu, the Mayor commended the community for the unity and oneness among its people, while also praising members of the palace cabinet for working together towards a common purpose.
He said the unity and cooperation among the traditional leadership contributed significantly to the success of the celebration.
Receiving the Mayor and his entourage, the Palace Secretary, Elder Añusiobi Okereke, who represented the Ogelle 2, Eze Edwin Madu, thanked Afurobi for identifying with the community and for his continued support and assistance.
Okereke prayed that God would continue to bless and strengthen the Mayor as he serves the people of Umunneochi.
