Anambra Man Wins N500,000 For Harvesting Heaviest Yam
History was made in the Obeledu community, Aniocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, during the 2024 New Yam Festival when Kenneth Ifeakandu from Okofia village won N500,000 for harvesting the heaviest yam. The impressive yam weighed 95kg.
The yam competition was a new addition to the festival, aimed at promoting agriculture and encouraging youth participation in farming. This initiative aligns with the community’s effort to enhance food sufficiency and revitalize agricultural practices among its members.
Ifeakandu, visibly thrilled by his win, expressed his intention to invest the prize money into his farm to increase his yields for the next year. “The prize money is a great motivation for me to expand my farming activities. I plan to return next year with even larger harvests,” he said.
Ken Echendu, President General of Obeledu Progress Union, highlighted the competition’s role in shifting perceptions about agriculture in the region. “There is a belief that Anaocha’s land is not suitable for farming, but we are challenging that narrative. This initiative supports the agricultural revolution championed by Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and encourages our youth to embrace farming,” Echendu remarked.
The traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Igwe AC Oragwam (Ezeoranyelu III), who performed the traditional yam-cutting ceremony, thanked God for the bountiful harvest and urged the community to continue fostering peace, which he described as essential for growth and development. He also noted that the yam competition, which has gained international recognition, originated in Obeledu.
Ikechukwu Okafor, Secretary of the Obeledu Media Department, attributed the event’s success to the community’s unity and harmonious relations. “The high level of participation and the distribution of fertilizers to farmers for the coming year reflects our commitment to sustaining agricultural progress,” Okafor stated.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Collins Nwabuwanne, congratulated the community on their successful festival. He praised Obeledu for its contributions to the state’s agricultural revolution and assured them of government support to further enhance agricultural activities.
The 2024 Obeledu New Yam Festival showcased the community’s dedication to agricultural development and set a precedent for future festivals.
