The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has joined the people of Abiriba Ancient Kingdom in celebrating the 2026 Eke Mbu, Iri Ndi Ndi Abiriba New Yam Festival.

Emetu, who represented Governor Alex Chioma Otti, described the annual cultural celebration as an important occasion for showcasing Abiriba's rich heritage, communal bonds, hard work and gratitude to God.

The Deputy Governor attended the festival on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Amaukwu, Amaeke, Abiriba, where he conveyed Governor Otti's greetings and congratulations to the people of the kingdom.

He said the New Yam Festival provides an opportunity for sons and daughters of Abiriba, both at home and in the diaspora, to return to their roots, reconnect with their heritage and strengthen bonds of friendship, brotherhood and community responsibility.

Emetu described Abiriba as a kingdom with a rich history and a strong tradition of enterprise and industry. He also highlighted the contributions of its people to business, public service, education and community development.

According to him, the festival goes beyond celebrating the harvest of new yam, as it also offers an opportunity for the people to reflect on God's faithfulness, celebrate their achievements and renew their commitment to the progress of their community.

On the political front, Emetu acknowledged the support given by the people of Abiriba to the Labour Party and the Otti administration, noting that such support also comes with expectations of tangible and responsive development.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, he encouraged the people to examine the records, programmes and promises of political candidates and participate actively and peacefully in the democratic process.

The Deputy Governor also acknowledged Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, MFR, OON, who is the Labour Party's candidate for the Abia North Senatorial District.

Emetu noted that Bourdex's candidacy had generated conversations within the political landscape of Abia North and urged the people to carefully consider the candidates and issues as the 2027 elections approach.

He, however, stressed the importance of preserving the unity of Abiriba irrespective of political affiliations.

“No matter our political differences, Abiriba should always stand as one family, Abia must remain a united State, and our shared goal should be the development of our people,” he stated.

Emetu commended the Enachịoken-in-Council, traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths and the festival's Planning Committee for their efforts in sustaining the New Yam Festival and preserving Abiriba's cultural heritage.

He also highlighted the role of traditional institutions in protecting the history, values and identity of the community, while encouraging the people to preserve their cultural roots and embrace development opportunities that improve their wellbeing.

In his remarks, the Enachioken of Abiriba, HRM Eze Kalu Ogbu, offered royal blessings to Governor Alex Otti, Deputy Governor Emetu and other government leaders.

The traditional ruler prayed for wisdom, peace and success for the leaders as they discharge their responsibilities in service to the people.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, HRH Eze Ukiwo Otisi, thanked the Enachịoken-in-Council for entrusting him with the coordination of the festival.

Eze Otisi described the New Yam Festival as a celebration of hard work, productivity, perseverance, communal living and shared prosperity.

He noted that the 2026 edition was particularly significant because it coincided with the period leading to the next electoral season.

According to him, some aspects of the programme were designed to promote sportsmanship, friendship, unity and peaceful coexistence among the people.

He urged sons and daughters of Abiriba to focus more on what they could contribute to the development of the community rather than only on what they expected to gain from it.

Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, MFR, OON, Ugo'Ena Nde Abiriba, also congratulated the Enachịoken-in-Council, the three communities of Ameke, Agboji and Amogudu, as well as traditional institutions, elders, women, youths and the entire Abiriba community on the festival.

Bourdex described the New Yam Festival as an expression of the identity, courage, enterprise and communal strength of the Abiriba people.

He thanked the community for its support for his ambition to represent Abia North Senatorial District in the Senate, stressing that the aspiration comes with a commitment to serve all communities within the district.

He also urged the people to continue supporting Governor Otti and his administration's development agenda.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Sir Ude Oko Chukwu; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem; Mayor of Ohafia Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Eleanya Ojuu Kalu; Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi; President General of the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) Worldwide, Chief Uche Otah Uwa; royal fathers; prominent sons and daughters of Abiriba Ancient Kingdom; and other distinguished guests.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba

Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State