OJOTO, Anambra State — The traditional ruler of Ojoto community in Idemili South Local Government Area, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu, has issued a passionate call for Nigerians to embrace agriculture and extensive farming as the surest way to end the hunger crisis currently gripping the nation.
Speaking at the Oye Market Square during the 2026 New Yam Festival, where he ceremonially cut the first yam produced in his community before a crowd of indigenes, cabinet chiefs, politicians, dance troupes and traditional medicine practitioners, the monarch declared that farming must become a priority for all.
“People should resort to agriculture, serious farming to end hunger that is biting hard in every household now,” Igwe Mbamalu said. “Whether you are a civil servant, a trader, or in whichever business you may find yourself, farming is the ultimate solution to end hunger.”
The monarch announced plans to incentivise agricultural production in Ojoto, revealing that competitions would be held next year with prizes awarded to those who present the largest yams harvested from their farms.
“New yam celebration is a period of harvesting our farm produce, especially yam, which is the king of crops and also used for cultivation,” he explained. “The festival is to herald the arrival of new yam so that everybody should harvest and eat. People should resort to farming as a means of wiping out hunger.”
In his remarks, a son of the soil and Anambra Central Zonal Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), High Chief Augustine A. Momaife (Ichie Omeziriuzo Ojoto), described the occasion as a celebration of the community’s rich traditions.
“We are here to be with our monarch in his new yam celebration,” he said. “After today, the cabinet members and indigenes will tomorrow celebrate theirs in their various domains. It is a thing of joy. Igwe Mbamalu is the first to eat the new yam, and others follow suit.”
Also present at the occasion was the APC candidate for Idemili North and South Federal House of Representatives, Dr Barr Kingsley K. Ezekwelu, who expressed satisfaction with the monarch’s leadership and the progress being made in the community. He was accompanied by his twin brother.
Dr Ezekwelu described the new yam festival as a rich cultural heritage of the people of Ojoto and a period to thank God for a bumper harvest.
“You have to thank God for giving you the yam before you go back to farm again,” he said. “It is a cultural heritage to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people. I pray that it will be better for Igwe, his cabinet members, and all the people of Ojoto as we mark the new yam festival.”
The event was attended by the palace secretary, Esinwaeze Anthony, his assistant, captains of industry, government functionaries, and other dignitaries. Highlights of the occasion included displays by various masquerades and dance troupes, adding colour and vibrancy to the traditional celebration.
