Pomp As Chief Charles Okeke ‘Odiuko’ Celebrates New Yam Festival In Owerri Residence (PHOTOS)

The atmosphere was electric as his Owerri residence witnessed the allure of the creme of the society in their numbers even as children were not left out in party.

Chief Okeke in T-Shirt conversing and dancing with one of his guests during his Iri ji

The event was a celebration of Igbo culture of Iri Ji (New Yam Festival) by Chief Charles Okeke whose chieftaincy title is Odiuko meaning a rare gem. This title is in appreciation of his personality associated with excellence, humanitarian gestures and thorough in everything he is associated.

Odiuko addressing guests during his Iri Ji celebration

This time Odiuko invited his kinsmen, friends, business associates, Staff, socialites and many others not limited to various associations (Alumni, Sports and Social Clubs) to his residence for Emume Iri Ji (New Yam Festival).

CROSS SECTION OF GUESTS

Chief Okeke among other titled and Red Cap Nze and Ozos to traditional celebrate the New Yam, which also marked the.beginningnof eating the New Yam.

In Igbo land, before any clan or family or a whole community begins to eat New Yam, it is their way of life by first thanking God who has made it possible for blessing them with fertile land and blessing their sowing with bountiful harvest.

Speaking with NewsTrack Nigeria reporter, Chief Okeke said he is celebrating because it is the culture bequeathed to him by his father.

His words in parts: ” I, Odiuko is eating yam today. In Igbo culture it symbolises our appreciation to God for His gifts and manifold blessing. He is the one who makes our soil fertile. It is one of the mysteries of creation that we put very little decaying yam in the soil and during the harvest, it comes out mature. All glory should go to God.

The colourful event took place in Owerri, the capital city of Imo State. Pepper soup was lavishly served with Chicken and goad

This may not be unconnected with dire security situation in Orsu his local government of origin and as a result Odiuko would have thought wise to still consummate the culture of his father’s wherever he may be.

The roasted yam was traditionally and procedurally blessed and cut as the elders and title holders all did the ritual of praying and thanking God for His blessings.

After the breaking of the kolanut, they in unison also prayed for the restoration of peace and progress in the land. Odiuko kick-started the eating as others tool turns in cutting out a piece of the Yam as they ate with palm oil garnished with fresh pepper, some vegetables and ugba (African Oil Bean seeds). Every meal was in abundance as three course meal was served as Yam was the main meal. Choice wines and other assorted drinks were freely and served to everyone’s limit.

The high point of the festival was dancing competitions of various layers of the guests grouped by age brackets.

DANCING TIME

Odiuko splashed cash gifts to those who came first, second and third in their various categories.

While the merriment continued, Odiuko formally closed the event by giving vote of thanks to everyone who attended and prayed to God to grant them journey mercies back to their various homes.