In a remarkable display of agricultural prowess, Mr. Kenneth Ifeakandu, a yam farmer from Okofia village in Anambra State, has won N500,000 for harvesting a 95 kg yam, the heaviest entry at this year’s Obeledu New Yam Festival. The event, known for celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage, drew participants and spectators from across Anambra State.
Visibly excited, Ifeakandu shared his plans for the prize money. “This reward is a huge morale booster,” he said. “I plan to expand my farming activities and return next year with an even greater harvest to show my appreciation to God.”
The Obeledu Progress Union, led by President General Mr. Ken Echendu, organised the festival’s agricultural show. Echendu emphasised the importance of promoting agriculture in Anaocha, a community sometimes underestimated for its farming potential. “We are determined to change that narrative and showcase the bountiful produce that our soil can yield,” Echendu explained.
He called on the Obeledu community to continue supporting agricultural initiatives, promising a bright future for local farmers and the town as a whole.
The festival also saw the ceremonial cutting of the yam by His Royal Highness, Igwe AC Oragwam, Ezeoranyelu III, the traditional ruler of Obeledu. Igwe Oragwam expressed his gratitude for the bountiful harvest and encouraged the community to maintain peace, which he described as essential for growth and prosperity. He noted that the yam competition has deep roots in Obeledu, earning recognition beyond local borders.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Collins Nwabuwanne, was also in attendance. He commended Obeledu for its achievements and urged other communities to follow their example by embracing agriculture as a path to development.
The Obeledu New Yam Festival continues to serve as both a cultural celebration and a platform to encourage agricultural advancement in the region.
Mr. Kenneth Ifeakandu, a yam farmer from Okofia village in Anambra State, won N500,000 for his 95 kg yam at the Obeledu New Yam Festival, an event celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage. Ifeakandu plans to use the prize money to expand his farming activities and aims for an even greater harvest next year.
The festival, organized by the Obeledu Progress Union led by President General Mr. Ken Echendu, is a platform to promote agriculture in the community, which is often underestimated for its farming potential. Echendu and His Royal Highness, Igwe AC Oragwam, emphasized the importance of community support and peace for growth and prosperity.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Collins Nwabuwanne, praised Obeledu’s achievements and encouraged other communities to follow their example in embracing agriculture for development. The festival continues to be a cultural celebration and an avenue to advance agriculture in the region.
