A yam farmer in the Obeledu town, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Mr Kenneth Ifeakandu has won five hundred thousand Naira for harvesting 95kg yam in the community.
Ifeakandu from Okofia village, entered the competition to showcase his harvest in the 2024 edition of the Obeledu new yam festival.
Speaking to reporters in the community, the elated farmer said the prize money he won for producing the heaviest yam would be invested in his farm for greater yield next year.
He said, “The prize money is a morale booster to invest more into agriculture, I will expand my scope and return here next year by the grace of God with super huge harvests to show my gratitude to God.”
The President General of the Obeledu Progress Union, Ken Echendu in his remarks noted that the agricultural show was deliberately built into the new yam festival to encourage more people to go into farming.
“People have this impression that Anaocha has white land which is not fertile enough to support agriculture but we are changing that erroneous narrative.
Echendu also appealed to the entire Obeledu people to continue to support his executives even as he promised better days ahead for the community.
Igwe Obeledu, His Royal Highness, Igwe AC Oragwam, Ezeoranyelu III, while performing the traditional yam cutting to flag off the occasion thanked God for granting his community a bountiful harvest.
HRH Igwe Oragwam urged Ndi-Obeledu and residents alike to continue to embrace peace which according to him is the bedrock for growth and development.
Ezeoranyelu III recalled with relish that the yam competition in his state, which has gained international acclaim, actually started in his community.
The Secretary of the Obeledu Media Department, Mr Ikechukwu Okafor attributed the success of the occasion to the harmonious relationship existing between the Obeledu people.
“People are happy, farms and other endeavours of the people are doing well, an indication that God is with us, 2024 edition of Obeledu new yam festival is particularly unique because of the level of participation of the people,” he noted.
He pointed out that the current Executive Council of the Obeledu community would take the community to the promised land.
He, however, appealed to all and sundry to continue to support the paramount traditional ruler of the town and the leadership of the Town Union.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Collins Nwabuwanne who graced the occasion congratulated the entire people of the community for a successful outing.
He pointed out that he has continued to attend new yam festivals across the state to see how the communities are keying into the agricultural revolution of the administration of Gov Soludo.
Mr Nwabuwanne said as a matter of fact that the Obeledu community has done so very well and would be supported by the government to do more in the area of agriculture.
He urged other towns and communities in Anambra State to borrow a leaf from Obeledu.