ABIA – Governor Alex Otti, has commended the traditional ruler of Amaise Ovungwu Autonomous Community in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Eze Sampson Jinanwa, for his exemplary leadership, agricultural prowess and unwavering commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Ndi Igbo.
Governor Otti who gave the commendation at Amaise Ovungwu during the New Yam Festival of Eze Jinanwa, described him as a man of vision whose passion for agriculture and community development reflects the industrious spirit of the Ngwa people and the entire State.
The Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, while highlighting the State Government’s initiatives to boost agriculture, create employment and ensure food security in the state through intensive training in modern and mechanized agricultural practices, noted that his administration has made remarkable strides in reviving the agricultural sector, which remains a major pillar of Abia’s economic transformation agenda.
The State Chief Executive further charged Abia youths to embrace agriculture as a viable means of livelihood, take advantage of the numerous opportunities being provided by his administration in the agricultural sector, and congratulated Eze Jinanwa on his successful new yam festival.
In their speeches, the first Deputy Chairman, Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Nelson Mmerengwa, the chairman of the occasion, Chief John Nwosu and Chief Mishack Chigbundu, while describing the New Yam Festival as a celebration of productivity and divine favour, urged traditional rulers across the state to emulate Eze Jinanwa in upholding the cultural identity and agricultural pride of Ndi Igbo as well as lauded Governor Otti for his progressive agricultural policies and for reviving the spirit of farming among Abia youths.
In his welcome address, the traditional ruler of Amaise Ovungwu in Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Eze Sampson Jinanwa, while describing the New Yam Festival as a sacred tradition that connects the people to their roots and reminds them of the blessings of hard work and gratitude, thanked God for the gift of a fruitful farming season.
The monarch applauded Governor Alex Otti for his people-oriented leadership, renewed attention to the agricultural sector, infrastructural renewal efforts and rural development projects that are transforming the lives of Abians, and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting agriculture within his community and beyond as well as ensure that the younger generation upholds the dignity of labour and the cultural values of Ndi Igbo.
The festival which featured cutting of the new yam, cultural and masquerade displays, conferment of Chieftaincy titles on some deserving personalities, also attracted the presence of traditional rulers, Ezeji title holders among other distinguished personalities.
