Economic Crunch Dampens New Yam Festival Spirits in South East

Between August to October every year, the South East states of Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo, usually witness a beehive of activities, as people of the region come together to celebrate one of their revered cultures, the New yam festival also known as "Iriji".

The annual event, which traditionally draws people back to their hometowns, serves as a joyous expression of gratitude to God for the preceding year's abundant harvest and fruitful farming season.

Unfortunately, this year's festivity was severely impacted by the prevailing economic challenges facing the nation. The crippling costs of farm inputs hindered farmers' productivity, leading to a surge in yam prices and casting a shadow over the celebrations which is celebrated with yam tubers.

Due to the prevailing economic challenges, the celebration in the South East, particularly in Abia state, was characterized by a muted celebration.

Our reporter who witnessed the celebration in some parts of Abia state, gathered that the festival was greeted with low turn-out of people who came back home to mark the festival, low key celebration among others. She said the financial strains largely scaled back the festival and added that the culture might be threatened if the situation continues to surge.

In an interview with the traditional ruler of Eziama/Mgbaja Autonomous Community, in Umuahia North Local Government Area, of Abia State, Eze Chiabuotu Emenike, narrated how the usual vibrant celebration was subdued, as a result of the harsh economic realities.

"This year we had an unusual celebration. The current economic situation that is biting everywhere, had some multiple effects on our festival that is usually fanfare. The cost of commodities which skyrocketed across board, also affected the production of farmers. 

"Farmers were unable to get farm inputs that usually boost their productivity, either from the government or any public office holder, unlike previous years. This inaction stifled the year's festivities because farmers faced insurmountable costs for inputs, resulting in scarce and expensive yams.

"Due to the surge in petroleum prices and the subsequent hike in transportation cost, many of our people opted out of the celebration", the monarch narrated.

Giving a historical background of the Iriji festival, the traditional ruler said the festival is a significant cultural event for the Igbo people, which symbolizes gratitude, unity and prosperity. He said it marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvest season for yams, a staple crop in many West African communities. 

He said in normal circumstances, the festival features vibrant cultural performances, including music, dance, masquerades, and theatrical displays, adding that traditional attires, adornments and face painting are also common during these festivities, followed by a grand feast where yam-based dishes are prepared and shared among community members.

The monarch revealed that the culture was bequeathed to them by their fore fathers, as a way of showing gratitude to God for a successful farming season, emphasizing that the king of crops which is the yam, is used for the festival to show gratitude.

 "The festival is done basically to express gratitude to God for a bumper harvest of the year. You thank God for the weather condition, the grace to be alive and to plant and harvest. The yam is what we use to celebrate the harvest. The harvest might be vegetables, okro, pepper, cassava and others. Whatever you must have planted, the king of crops which is the yam, is what you use to celebrate the festival.

"'Unfortunately the economic difficulties may have dampened the spirits of the celebrants who are not happy with the current situation".

 The royal father, however, disclosed that the economy poses a big threat to the Iriji tradition, but acknowledged the resilience and adaptability of members of his community in the face of challenge, to mark the event.

He further refuted claims that Igbo language is on the verge of extinction, due to various challenges, adding that the Igbo people are proud people with cultural identity and cannot watch their language suffer decline.

The monarch equally cited possible threat to the Igbo language, stating that government should provide welfare assistance to the people to help the enduring vitality of the language.

In his words, "You must feed well to defend your culture. You must be healthy enough to speak your language. Government must support indigenous communities in providing the basic needs of life, that way, people will be proud of their identity. Presently, people are talking about food, healthcare, shelter, survival and interest. Nobody is talking about language promotion, but when the people are comfortable and life is easy for them, they can shift interest. Also, the government should empower organizations, schools, and others, that could help in ensuring igbo language sustainability".

In essence, Eze Chiabuotu Emenike noted that the new yam festival is part of sustaining and promoting the Igbo culture, since it affords the opportunity for people of an homogeneous group to come together to merry, share ideas, as well as discuss their welfare and that of their communities.