Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has urged the people of Izzi Clan to use the celebration of this year’s Ojiji, the traditional New Yam Festival, to strengthen unity, peace and communal bonds across their communities.
The Governor made the call in a goodwill message to the Izzi people on the occasion of the festival, describing Ojiji as more than a cultural celebration but a sacred expression of the people’s identity, heritage and shared values.
According to him, the festival celebrates the fruits of labour, the abundance of the land, the wisdom of ancestors and the enduring strength of communal relationships.
Nwifuru urged sons and daughters of Izzi to use the occasion to promote peace and strengthen relationships among families, kindreds and communities.
“As we gather in our villages, homes and various communities to celebrate Ojiji, I urge every son and daughter of Izzi to remember the virtues that have historically distinguished our people — unity, courage, hospitality, hard work, respect for elders, communal responsibility and love for one another,” he said.
The Governor also stressed the importance of preserving Izzi’s cultural heritage and transmitting its traditions to future generations, expressing concern over the erosion of indigenous values under the influence of Western orientation and ideology.
“As your Governor and, more importantly, as your son and brother, I am particularly proud of the rich cultural heritage of Izzi. Our culture is one of the greatest treasures we possess, and my administration will continue to support initiatives that preserve our traditions, promote our indigenous identity and create opportunities for our people to prosper,” he said.
Nwifuru further called on traditional rulers, elders, political leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders to work collectively for the continued development and progress of Izzi communities.
He noted that the values symbolised by Ojiji — unity, peace, prosperity, hard work, discipline and love — remain essential to building a stronger and more prosperous Ebonyi State.
The Governor wished the people of Izzi a peaceful and memorable celebration, praying that the fruits and blessings of Ojiji would continue to foster peace, strengthen unity and inspire hard work, discipline and love across the state.
