…PG, Others task Youths to Embrace Empowerment programs of EzeOkpoko II
By Uzo Ugwunze
His Royal Magesty, Igwe Engr Augustine Emelobe (EzeOkpoko II of Oba) has celebrated the 2026 New Yam festival which was his second on the throne as the traditional Ruler of Oba Ebo-itenani ancient kingdom thanking the Almighty God for a bountiful harvest, spiritual and material blessings
Speaking on August 26, 2026 at his palace at Okuzu-mbana Oba, Idemili South LGA, Anambra State, the monarch which had embarked on the process of repositioning Oba community and Oba people with the New Oba project after thanking God for bountiful harvest reiterated the need for Oba youths to embrace the numerous programs marshalled out to empower youths.
Pic: Igwe Engr Augustine Emelobe EzeOkpoko II of Oba with the President General, Chief Engr Anthony Uzo Ejiofor and other cabinet members during the Iwa ji/Ushiojioku’ festival at Oba
According to EzeOkpoko II, today is a great day in Oba ebo- itenani because the whole community is celebrating the new yam festival. We are thanking God for making it possible for us to harvest new yam.
“This is our culture, we call it ‘Mmekolita Ushiojioku’. Any day Igwe assembles everyone to celebrate New Yam, from that day every Oba indigene residing anywhere can begin to eat new yam.We are telling everyone from Oba ebo-itenani to go to his house, kindred, village and quarters and perform Ushiojioku’ (celebration of the New Yam).
“I pray for Oba people that they would prosper in all their endeavors. I pray for the success, promotion and prosperity of businessmen, civil servants, Artisans and apprentices, skilled and unskilled workers. The unmarried will get married, the barren shall conceive. It is well with Ndi-Oba both at home and in diaspora. I declare peace, divine progress over Oba people, residents and visitors in Jesus name.
The President General Oba Patriotic Union (OPU), Engr. Anthony Uzo Ejiofor stated: “Igwe EzeOkpoko is the head of tradition in Oba. As he performs his second Iwa ji festival on the throne, he is maintaining our customs and traditions. We are thanking God for the new yam and other food crops like cocoa yam, vegetables, cassava, etc.which show that our land is productive.
“Oba has been on the global map. Peace and unity has returned. Oba people should sustain our brotherliness and togetherness. Let us be our brothers keeper. Our Youths should embrace the skill acquisition programs available. The Igwe EzeOkpoko II in Conjunction with OPU has a committee for Empowerment and Skills acquisition.
“We also give kudos to our outgoing Mayor , Hon Mrs Amaka Obi (Iyom Ifeabata) who has been supportive in such areas of skill acquisition. For the past two months both youths and women have been undergoing training in Oba here all geared towards ensuring that no youth or person is left behind unemployed.”
“I also urge all Oba indigenes and residents to come out enmasse to cast their vote this Saturday, 29th August, 2026. One of Oba illustrious daughters, Ifeyinwa Ejiofor who is coming out as Deputy Mayor and running mate to Hon. Oluchukwu Ilogbenu Olutek needs our support in the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA party,” Ejiofor said.
Chief Sir Arthur Obiora (Ebubedike) This is just the beginning, he is going last long on the throne. Our Youths have started understanding the vision our Igwe has for them and they have started keying in the Empowerment programs for their own good. A lot of training are ongoing, some are about leaving the shores of this country to get better jobs after concluding their training. Oba youths are happy. We are still working on the minority who are still heady , very soon Oba will be a place why our youths should desire.
According to Chief Sir Okechukwu Osadebe (Akusinigwe) from Umuagu Umuogali Oba, EzeOkpoko II is doing very well. He shall live long on the throne. We are praying for sound mind, wisdom and good health. God will deliver him from evil advisers and sycophants.
“Igwe Engr Augustine Emelobe will reposition Oba with our help as the cabinet members. Oba must become better. Our Youths should embrace the good programs our Igwe has come up with for their own good. It shall be well with Oba community”, said Osadebe.
Chief Akonam Emekaekwuo (Oku Uzu), prayed that EzeOkpoko II would overcome every temptation and challenges against his throne and live long with good health and prosperity.
Moreso, the OPU Women Wing President General, Adaife Ngozi Onwuka said: “the maiden New yam festival was great but this second one is greater with the mammoth crowd here to witness the Ushiojioku’. Most importantly, the Royal blessings over Oba people and land was exceptional. Infact, Oba has woken from slumber. I urge all youths to have a handiwork or trade just like our Igwe has been hammering. Igwe has opened up many areas for employment like long distance driving, etc , they should embrace it for their own good.
Igwe Surv Charles Agbala of Uke prayed God to bless EzeOkpoko II with more years and good health, with wisdom, protection and progress up to the multiples of 10. “As he fights for the interest of Oba , God will fight for his own interest”.
The House of Representative candidate for All Progressive Congress APC for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, Hon Dr Kingsley Ezenwere after felicitating with EzeOkpoko II urged Umu Idemili to embrace the party at the center to ensure that Idemili North and South does not continue to lose some democracy dividends from the center.