By Daniel Kudayah
Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, has assured residents of Ohafia that electricity supply would be restored within one week, bringing an end to the prolonged power outage in the ancient kingdom.
Emetu gave the assurance at the 2026 New Yam Festival (Iri Ji Ohamoha Ohafia), held at Central School Playground, Elu Ohafia, saying the state government was committed to resolving the electricity crisis in the area.
The assurance comes amid concerns over persistent power outages in Ohafia, with the Deputy Governor expressing optimism that electricity would soon be restored.
Emetu also announced plans by the state government to introduce an agricultural support programme aimed at making Ohafia communities self-sufficient in yam production.
He expressed concern that the communities had continued to rely on yams purchased from other areas for their annual New Yam Festival despite their agricultural potential.
He said the government would collaborate with Labour Party members to support communities in cultivating yams ahead of subsequent celebrations.
According to him, each community’s traditional Ndi Eze Ji would receive support, while a committee would be established to supervise the programme and monitor cultivation.
The Deputy Governor disclosed that the government would undertake land delineation, provide tractors for mechanised farming and distribute yam seedlings to farmers.
He added that communities that distinguished themselves in yam production before the 2027 festival would receive awards to encourage agricultural development and position Ohafia as a major yam-producing centre in Abia State.
Emetu, who conveyed Governor Alex Otti’s message to the people, assured them of the governor’s commitment to the development of the area.
He, however, cautioned that the festival was a cultural celebration and not a political campaign, noting that the 2023 governorship campaign ended with the inauguration of the present administration on May 29, 2023.
He thanked the people for their continued support for the government and urged them to sustain unity and political solidarity.
In his remarks, the Udumeze of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom and Chairman of the Ohafia Council of Monarchs, Elder Ezie Awa Oji Udonsi, expressed gratitude to God for the year’s bountiful harvest and commended farmers for their contributions to food production.
The monarch said agricultural produce from the communities was attracting appreciable market value, while roads leading to various communities had become more motorable.
He also expressed satisfaction with the prevailing peace in Ohafia and urged residents to sustain unity, love and cooperation for the development of the ancient kingdom.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Sunny Mbila, described the festival as an important cultural institution that promotes unity, preserves the people’s heritage and provides an opportunity for thanksgiving.
Chairman of the organising committee, Ezieogo Mecha Ugbu Mecha, said the annual celebration marked the conclusion of New Yam festivities across the communities that make up Ohafia Ancient Kingdom.
The festival featured masquerade displays, traditional dances, indigenous cuisines and the sharing of roasted new yam, known as Iwa Ji, symbolising thanksgiving and appreciation for a bountiful harvest.
