EzeOkpoko II Uses New Yam Festival to Renew Call for Youth Empowerment in Oba

By Uzo Ugwunze

The traditional ruler of Oba Ebo-Itenani Ancient Kingdom in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Engr. Augustine Emelobe, EzeOkpoko II, has called on youths in the community to take advantage of ongoing skills-acquisition and empowerment programmes aimed at reducing unemployment and improving livelihoods.

EzeOkpoko II made the call on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, during the celebration of the 2026 Ushiojioku (New Yam) Festival at his palace in Okuzu-Mbana, Oba.

The event marked the monarch’s second New Yam Festival since his ascension to the throne and brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, women and residents to celebrate the harvest and reaffirm Oba’s cultural heritage.

The monarch said the festival, traditionally known as “Mmekolita Ushiojioku,” was an important occasion for the people to thank God for the harvest and seek divine blessings for the community.

“Today is a great day in Oba Ebo-Itenani because the whole community is celebrating the New Yam Festival. We are thanking God for making it possible for us to harvest new yam,” he said.

Explaining the traditional significance of the ceremony, EzeOkpoko II said the annual royal celebration formally signals the commencement of new yam consumption among Oba indigenes.

“Any day the Igwe assembles everyone to celebrate New Yam, every Oba indigene residing anywhere can begin to eat new yam. I urge everyone from Oba Ebo-Itenani to return to their homes, kindreds, villages and quarters to perform Ushiojioku.”

The monarch, who has been promoting initiatives under the New Oba Project, also prayed for peace, prosperity and progress among the people.

He specifically prayed for businessmen, civil servants, artisans, apprentices and other workers, as well as families and residents of Oba at home and in the diaspora.

“I declare peace and divine progress over Oba people, residents and visitors, in Jesus’ name,” EzeOkpoko II said.

OPU backs youth empowerment drive

The President-General of the Oba Patriotic Union (OPU), Engr. Anthony Uzo Ejiofor, commended the monarch for sustaining Oba’s cultural traditions and urged residents to preserve the peace and unity in the community.

Ejiofor said the harvest demonstrated the productivity of Oba land, noting that the community had produced new yam and other crops, including cocoyam, vegetables and cassava.

He, however, placed particular emphasis on youth development, urging young people to participate in the skills-acquisition initiatives being implemented by the monarch in collaboration with OPU.

“Our youths should embrace the skills-acquisition programmes available. The Igwe, in conjunction with OPU, has established a committee for empowerment and skills acquisition,” Ejiofor said.

According to him, youths and women have undergone various training programmes in Oba over the past two months as part of efforts to tackle unemployment.

Ejiofor also commended the outgoing Mayor, Hon. Mrs. Amaka Obi (Iyom Ifeabata), for her support for skills acquisition and empowerment initiatives in the community.

“Oba has woken from slumber”

The President-General of the OPU Women Wing, Adaife Ngozi Onwuka, described the 2026 festival as bigger than the maiden edition, citing the large turnout and the royal blessings offered during the ceremony.

“The maiden New Yam Festival was great, but this second one is greater, with the mammoth crowd here to witness the Ushiojioku,” Onwuka said.

She described the royal prayers for the people and the land as significant, declaring that “Oba has woken from slumber.”
Onwuka also urged youths to acquire practical skills and establish themselves through legitimate trades.
“I urge all youths to have a handiwork or trade. The Igwe has opened up many areas for employment, including long-distance driving. They should embrace it for their own good,” she said.

Leaders commend monarch

Chief Sir Arthur Obiora (Ebubedike) said Oba youths were increasingly responding to the monarch’s empowerment initiatives.
“Our youths have started understanding the vision our Igwe has for them and are keying into the empowerment programmes for their own good,” he said.
Obiora disclosed that several training programmes were ongoing, with some participants expected to pursue employment opportunities outside Nigeria after completing their training.
Similarly, Chief Sir Okechukwu Osadebe (Akusinigwe), of Umuagu Umuogali, Oba, commended EzeOkpoko II for his leadership and prayed for his continued good health, wisdom and protection.
“Igwe Engr. Augustine Emelobe will reposition Oba with our help as cabinet members. Oba must become better. Our youths should embrace the good programmes our Igwe has come up with for their own good,” Osadebe said.
Chief Akonam Emekaekwuo (Oku Uzu) also prayed for the monarch to overcome challenges confronting his reign and enjoy long life, good health and prosperity.
The traditional ruler of Uke, Igwe Surv. Charles Agbala, prayed for wisdom, protection, good health and continued progress for EzeOkpoko II.
“As he fights for the interest of Oba, God will fight for his own interest,” Agbala said.
Political appeals
The OPU President-General, Ejiofor, also urged Oba indigenes and residents to participate in the August 29, 2026 election, calling for support for Ifeyinwa Ejiofor, who is contesting for Deputy Mayor on the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ticket alongside Hon. Oluchukwu Ilogbenu Olutek.
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Dr. Kingsley Ezenwere, the APC House of Representatives candidate for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, congratulated EzeOkpoko II on the celebration.
Ezenwere urged the people of Idemili to support the party at the centre, arguing that doing so would help the constituency attract more federal development initiatives and democratic dividends.
The ceremony ended with prayers for the continued peace, unity and development of Oba, as participants celebrated the new harvest in accordance with the community’s longstanding cultural traditions.