By Mimi Chiadikaobi
Prof. Charles Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, has been decorated as Oluatuegwu of Obosi Kingdom ,in Idemili North Local Government Area (LGA)of Anambra State by the traditional ruler of Obosi Community, His Majesty, Igwe Chidubem Iweka , Eze Iweka 111.
Iweka said that the chieftaincy title “Oluatuegwu of Obosi”, (meaning one not afraid of work ), was highly deserving, considering the dividends of democracy enjoyed by the Obosi community and Anambra public as a whole.
He said that the governor was doing well in all areas of life, such as development of the state security architecture, manpower development with one youth two skills initiatives, free education, smart schools programs.
Also the rural roads infrastructures, Health care centres across the communities, general hospitals at the three senatorial zones and agriculture with free disbursement of improved seedlings and agro-allied farm additives to farmers.
He said that the title was a gift from the community to the governor for working so hard to place the state on higher map, to lead and represent the rich traditional heritage of the state also the prestigious kings of the state.
Iweka, who doubles as chairman Anambra state traditional rulers council (ASTRC)said that the year celebration is a special one for him as he marks the 14th Obiora/iwaji festival as chairman of ASTRC.
Eze Iweka said that yam harvesting time in obosi is one marked by lots of excitement, jubilations,and display of the agricultural yield .
“The ancient of the Obosi kingdom thought it wise that with joy and excitement expressed by the people during the festival a law was imposed compelling the people to harmoniously coexist.
“Our ancestors therefore imposed a heavy fine on anyone who fights during the week of obiora ,I urge the people to maintain peace from one Obiora to the next.
“ As your king, I Promise to work tirelessly to uphold our values and foster an environment where peace and prosperity can thrive.
“ I encourage each one of you to participate actively in our community initiatives for it is through collective efforts and responsibilities that we will overcome all challenges.
“Let us celebrate the new yam festival with joy and gratitude to God , may the blessings of the season brings abundance contentment to every household and may we strengthen the bonds that unite us,” he said.
Responding the governor said that his administration will ensure the sustenance and promotion of Igbo Culture, morals and values as a tool of unification because such features are what says who we are and what we represent as Igbo’s.
Soludo commended the traditional ruler and other traditional rulers for the sustenance of the Igbo tradition,values and culture in the ancient city of Obosi kingdom in Idemil North Local Government Area of Anambra and other parts of the Igbo land .
He said that that new yam celebration is worth sustaining because it is an annual tradition celebration of the Igbo people all over which defines who the people are and plays a greater role in building up their culture and their beliefs .
He urged the community to come out en masse on November 8 to cast their votes to support his administration so he can complete the developmental work going on in the state.
The governor welcomed dignitaries outside the state for attending the ceremony of the chairman Anambra state traditional rulers council and assured them of their safety and peace while in the state.
Chief Ken Obi, Chairman of Obiora Obosi committee 2025 urged the people to see the time as when to give freely in development of the community and express gratitude to the god of the land for bountiful harvest.
Obi urged the people to reflect on the values of the community and the bonds that tie them together, the yam is more than a staple food, it represents the fruits of the people’s labour, res
resilience and commitment to one another.
He commended the team for the year celebration and urged all to share the abundance of the harvest with their neighbor and extends hands in friendship and goodwill .
Chief Linus Mgbakogu,the Atta Obosi, an oil magnet said that Obiora Obosi /Iwaji festival is an annual festival that has been sustained over decades due to its moral values and charge for younger generations not to forget their roots.
Mgbakogu said that the annual celebration puts cultural values and fun to look forward in the minds of the younger generation to attract their attention to their roots values and not be drained with Western modernity.
“Our ancestors left the practices for us to uphold and pass on to our children children as an identity to cherish and sustain.
“Obiora Obosi /Iwaji festival is a culture practiced by the people and it unite and bonds the people so we wish to pass it in to our children too,” he said.
Mrs Uju Ezeagbor, a community Woman Leader said that women plays great role in support of the community development through the family unit which Obiora Obosi stands for to ensure that the community thrives in right directs.
Ezeagbor,said that they are women directly from the eze Obosi who aids him through the program of the Igwe Nwanyi Obosi Her Royal Majesty Kosisochukwu Iweka’s development program for the women.
She urged women to take active participation in the community and political affairs so as to achieve welfare of the family and supports the leadership of the community.
The event was graced by the Agbalanze Obosi General Assembly, Obosi Development union men and women, Ndi Iyom Obosi Ukwala Dike ,Ndi Enyi Nawanyi Obosi, Ezechima Obosi family, Chukwudubem Age grade, amongst other.
The event was graced by traditional rulers from across the country and other state traditional rulers and dignitaries from the state including Mr Peter Obi, former governor of the state and 2023 presidential candidate of labour party.
