A farmer, Mr. Kenneth Ifeakandu, last Saturday, won the sum of N500,000 at the New Yam festival of Obeledu community in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, for harvesting a yam that weighed 95kg.
The Yam competition, along with other cultural events are part of the annual event.
The winner said that the prize money was a morale booster and would enable him invest more into agriculture. “I will expand my scope and return here next year by the grace of God with super huge harvests to show my gratitude to God” he said.
Speaking to newsmen, the President General of Obeledu Progress Union, Engr. Ken Echendu said the agricultural show was deliberately built into the new yam festival to encourage people to go into farming.
“People have this impression that Anaocha has white land which is not fertile enough to support agriculture but we are changing that erroneous narrative” he said.
“We are doing this to key into the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo which has been encouraging people to go into farming. In Obeledu, we are encouraging our youths to go into agriculture.”
The traditional ruler of Obeledu, His Royal Highness, Igwe AC Oragwam (Ezeoranyelu III), while performing the traditional yam cutting to flag-off the occasion, noted that the yam competition which had gained international recognition originated from his community. He therefore urged the Obeledu people to embrace peace which he described as the bedrock for growth and development.
Also speaking to newsmen, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Matters, Chief Tonycollins Nwabunwanne applauded the Obeledu people for taking the campaign for food security by Governor Soludo very seriously, as demonstrated in the Yam competition. Nwabunwanne who hails from Anam in Anambra West LGA said that the Obeledu people, with their exploits, are really challenging his people who were known as “food basket” of the state. He urged them to keep it up adding that he would send the message to his people to ensure, no community surpasses them in food production.
