By Nwogha Ndubuisi Andy

The Traditional Prime Minister (Ishi-uke), Izhi Nnodo Ekumaenyi Clan in Ebonyi State, HRH Eze Mbam Ngele has fixed date for his people’s new yam festival normally called Ojiji Izhi for the year 2021.

The Prime Minister has announced that the new yam festival for this year would hold on Iboko/Onuvu day, the Thursday 19th August, 2021.

Eze Mbam said the announcement is in accordance with the tradition of Izhi people as they have sighted the new moon on Saturday 7th August, 2021.

Izhi people is located in the northern part of Ebonyi State and domiciled in three local government areas of Abakaliki, Ebonyi and Izzi, with their extension in some other council areas in the state, and borders across the nearby states of Cross River and Benue state.

The peoples major occupation is farming as Izhi man’s wealth in the 20th century was rated based on the number of yam sticks (Ogboshi) in his barn and that they take pride before the era of education which is almost taking over the former.

However, in line with the tradition and culture of Izhi people, it is expected that no new yam should be seen anywhere across the clan until Saturday 14th August, 2021 being Iboko/Onuvu day and five days before the clan will dedicate their annual harvest in thanksgiving and appreciation to their forefathers and God in Heaven.

The sister clans living in Izhi land, especially those in the capital of the State, Abakaliki – which is the epicenter of Izhi nation where their ancestral home, Amnegu is located, were advised by the Prime Minister to ensure they do not bring in any new yam in any part of Izhi land until their new yam festival being celebrated.