“Our Hearts Are Filled With Joy”: Deme Deme Hails Restoration of Ndiowu New Yam Festival

By Olisemeka Sony

For Chief (Dr) Joseph Chimezie Onuorah, popularly known as Deme Deme Na Orumba, the restoration of the New Yam Festival in Ndiowu represents more than a cultural celebration—it marks a new chapter of unity, peace and community renewal.

Onuorah, a member of the Ndiowu Traditional Ruling Council, spoke with AnambraDaily on the sidelines of the festival held on Friday, August 28, 2026.

“As you can see, my heart is filled with joy that we lived to see this day,” he said. “Since I was born, I have never witnessed this kind of festival in Ndiowu. We are grateful to God for making it possible for us to reunite under our new traditional ruler and move the community forward.”

He described the revival of the festival as a significant moment for Ndiowu and called on the community’s sons and daughters to support ongoing peace and development initiatives.

Onuorah also reaffirmed his commitment to community development through collective action and the Joseph Onuorah Foundation.

Among the foundation’s interventions are the ongoing Ndiowu Mini Stadium Project, the construction of two modern classrooms at Community Secondary School, Ndiowu, and an eight-room modern toilet facility at St. Lawrence Anglican Church, Ndiowu.

Since 2017, the foundation has sponsored UTME and SSCE examinations for more than 50 students annually within and beyond Orumba North and South Local Government Areas. It has also supported skills acquisition programmes for members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and sponsored the Ndiowu Sports Fiesta for the past six years.

Explaining his philosophy of service, Onuorah said helping others should be seen as a responsibility rather than a search for recognition.

“In our Igbo culture, a person does not truly succeed alone,” he said. “Whatever God gives you, you are expected to use part of it to lift others. Onye aghana nwanne ya—let nobody abandon his brother.”

He added that investments in education, youth empowerment and community development were investments in the future.

“When I support education, empower young people or contribute to community development, I see it as an investment rather than charity. I am investing in people, and when you invest in people, you are investing in the future of the entire community.”

Onuorah also stressed the importance of collective responsibility in addressing socioeconomic challenges.

“I believe strongly in the Igbo philosophy of Igwebuike—there is strength in collective effort. A community cannot develop if everybody is waiting for government or somebody else to solve its problems. Those of us fortunate enough to have some capacity must be prepared to take responsibility.”

According to him, the greatest reward for supporting others is seeing them become independent and, in turn, helping others.

“My greatest satisfaction is when I see a young person who received support become independent, build a career, help his or her family and eventually come back to help somebody else. That is the cycle I want to create.”

Message to Ndiowu Youths

The philanthropist also urged young people, particularly those from Ndiowu and Anambra State, to take responsibility for their future and avoid the temptation of quick riches.

“You cannot afford to wait for government, your parents, your community or somebody you know to come and change your life,” he said.

He advised young people to pursue education while acquiring practical and marketable skills.

“Education gives you a foundation, but skills make you useful. Learn something that the world is willing to pay for. Technology, agriculture, healthcare, digital skills, artificial intelligence, construction, finance, entrepreneurship and the skilled trades all offer enormous opportunities.”

Onuorah further encouraged youths to embrace honest work, build strong character and protect their reputation.

“Your name is an asset. In Igbo society, aha is extremely important. You may lose money and recover it, but once you lose your integrity, rebuilding your reputation can be very difficult.”

He warned against fraud, drugs, cultism, internet scams and other forms of criminality, saying there was no sustainable shortcut to success.

While encouraging Ndiowu youths to develop global ambitions and internationally relevant skills, Onuorah said they should not forget their communities as they pursue personal success.

“The world is your marketplace,” he said. “But while you are building your own future, don’t forget home. Your success should not end with you.”

He concluded with a message of ambition, discipline and responsibility.

“Dream big, work hard, acquire useful skills, protect your name, respect people, stay away from crime and never be ashamed of starting small.

“If our young people embrace these principles, Ndiowu will not only produce successful individuals; we will produce responsible men and women who will strengthen their families, create jobs, contribute to society and ultimately make Ndiowu proud.”

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