Essential Ndubuisi
By Amaka Chibuzor Okoye
Nteje Community, today, 5th September 2021 rolled out the drums at the Chinaemeze Palace of the traditional ruler, Igwe Rowland Mmadukolu Odegbo, to celebrate the 2021 annual Alo Nmuo festival.
Nteje in the Omambala region treats yam with utmost care and honours it with some sacred observances.
Eke Nteje is popularly known to be the hub of ‘Awa Ji’ that’s yam seedlings.
Farmers from communities far and wide depend on this community for the yam seedlings, so in one way or the other, the big yams being celebrated in many Igbo communities have their roots to this agrarian community.
The Alo Mmụọ festival in Nteje which is when the community celebrates the New Yam is therefore a very important event in the community.
This year’s edition came to its climax when Igwe Odegbo, surrounded by his cabinet chiefs cut the new yam tuber into three quarters that are in Nteje.
The oldest men in these quarters Ezi, Ikenga and Ivite Nteje then comes up one after the other to pick each of the three pieces from the yam.
Speaking during breaking of kolanut rituals, Igwe Odegbo thanked God for a bountiful harvest witnessed this year in the community, praying their ancestors to continue to bless the land and channel the mind of their youths into doing meaningful endeavours.
Igwe Odegbo sued for peace, progress and development of Nteje and their neighbouring communities.
He pointed out that the Governor Willie Obiano administration meant well for Ndi Anambra and of the believe that he will finish strong and hand over to Professor Charles Soludo who will consolidate and continue where Governor Obiano will stop.
Symbolic eaten of yam followed as well as dancing of traditional Uvieh Gong by Igwe Odegbo.
Seated at the ceremony were Igwe Odegbo’s in-laws from Asaba led by the President General of Asaba Development Union Worldwide, Professor Epiphany Azinge.
Legend also have it that Asaba in the present Delta State has a matriarchal ties to one of the quarters in Nteje, the major reason for their heavy presence at the Alo Mmụọ festival
Other traditional rulers in the state were also in attendance while community members, friends and well-wishers of the community came to felicitate with and pay homage to Igwe Odegbo for this year’s celebration
