…Mbah’s movement to APC out of Enugu’s collective interest – Ejeh
The Enuogu-Nkerefi Autonomous Community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State came alive on Thursday with colours, rhythmic Abia dance steps, and the rich aroma of roasted yam as the people celebrated their annual Iri Ji, otherwise known as the New Yam Festival. The event was marked by excitement and praises for Governor Peter Mbah’s rural development initiatives, which aim to bridge the economic gap between urban and rural communities in the state.
The ceremony, held at the palace of the traditional ruler, Igwe Emmanuel Onukwube, attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, government officials, business moguls, as well as sons and daughters of Nkerefi from within and outside the state.
In his address, Igwe Onukwube, the Ogu I of Enuogu Nkerefi, expressed gratitude to God and his people for another successful festival, describing the Iri Ji as a sacred cultural event that strengthens the bond of unity among the Igbo.
He explained that the festival marks the beginning of the harvest season and symbolizes thanksgiving for bountiful yields and divine blessings upon the land.
The monarch, who has reigned for twenty-three years, commended Governor Mbah for his commitment to rural transformation, especially in Nkerefi, where major infrastructure projects have been executed over the past two years.
According to him, the once deplorable road to the community which had forced motorists to pass through Nkanu West, Aninri, and even Ebonyi State before returning to Nkerefi has now received massive attention under the current administration.
“I want to commend our present governor, Barrister Peter Mbah, for his rural development initiatives across the state. We are happy with him for extending this good gesture to us. He will continue to have our support in all he does because he means well for our people. Construction is ongoing, and it is now much easier to drive down to Nkerefi without taking those long, distressing routes,” Igwe Onukwube said.
He further appreciated the governor for appointing indigenes of Nkerefi into strategic government positions, noting that such recognition has given the community a strong voice in the state.
The traditional ruler also lauded the establishment of two Smart Green Schools and two Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres in Nkerefi, describing them as life-changing projects already impacting the lives of the people.
In his goodwill message, the traditional ruler of Imeoha-Nkerefi Autonomous Community, Igwe Luke Okorie, commended the host community for preserving the age-long festival and applauded Governor Mbah’s administration for the ongoing construction of roads and bridges in Nkerefi.
He noted that Nkerefi, made up of four autonomous communities — Imeoha, Enuogu, Ishienu Amofu, and Ohuani Amofu — remains the food basket of Enugu State, supplying large quantities of yam, garri, rice, and other staple foods to major markets. He urged the government to ensure the speedy completion of ongoing projects.
“This festival has drawn our sons and daughters from far and near to celebrate together. A fortnight ago, my kingdom held its own Iri Ji, and I am here today to witness that of my brothers in Enuogu. It is a time to thank God for His blessings and also to draw government attention to our needs. Governor Mbah has demonstrated uncommon love for our people, and we pray that the ongoing projects will be completed soon to ease the movement of goods and services to other parts of the state,” Igwe Okorie said.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Publications, Mr. Josh Ejeh, explained that the recent alignment of the Mbah administration with the All Progressives Congress (APC) was borne out of collective interest and the desire to attract more development projects to Enugu State. He stressed that the decision was not a matter of political expediency but a deliberate step to ensure that Enugu benefits maximally from federal presence and national decision-making.
“The decision to align with the APC is in Enugu’s collective interest. The governor took this decision in consultation with the people, and it is aimed at improving the welfare of Ndi Enugu. Our goal is to position Enugu State strategically so that more federal projects and investments can come our way.
“Already, we have seen what Governor Mbah’s vision is doing in Nkerefi through smart schools, healthcare centres, roads, farm estates, and pipe-borne water projects. These are tangible results of purposeful leadership,” Ejeh stated.
He commended the people of Nkerefi for their continued support for the administration, urging them to remain steadfast and to embrace the APC as a party that genuinely promotes the interest of Ndigbo. He assured them that more projects had been earmarked for the community and would continue to spread with time.
Highlights of the occasion included the cutting and eating of the new yam, the rhythmic Abia dance performed by the traditional rulers and their council of chiefs, and various cultural displays that showcased the beauty and unity of the Nkerefi people.