From Ifeoma Ejiofor
Nigerian youths have again been urged to embrace agriculture so as to lessen the hunger and starvation in the country.
Obi of Ezindu in Obiofia, Nnewichi-Nnewi in Nnewi North LGA, Obi Ejike Ndubuizu made the appeal during his new new yam festival.
He noted that there is need for the youths and other energetic persons in the country to go back to the farm as it was in the days of old.
“When we were growing up, no matter what vocation a person chooses, he must still add agriculture to it, even people who have large compounds normally use part of such expansive places to farm.
“Things have changed today as able bodied young men and women prefer to beg for alms rather than going into agriculture, it is not out of place to see thriving businessmen and women having large farms in addition to their businesses,” he observed.
Obi Ndubuizu who is also the Assistant Secretary of Agboedo section of Nnewi main market said as a matter of fact that the loss of interest in farming has led to the youths embracing harmful habits including armed robbery, cybercrime amongst others.
He recalled that Ndigbo are the traditional owners of yam which he said was celebrated by the ancestors and handed over to the present generation.
Obi Ezindu called on all and sundry to ensure that the tradition of celebrating new yam festival is handed over to the future generations.
Obi Ndubuizu while performing the symbolic cutting of the new yam prayed for the peace and progress of his community, Nnewi, Anambra State and Nigeria as well as the the people in attendance.
The chairman of Agboedo section of Nnewi main market, Bro Dennis Ikegwuonu while speaking at the occasion said that there is a whole lot of difference between cultural practices and rituals as well as other abominable practices.
He also tasked the youths to embrace patience in their quest for wealth and affluence, noting that doing abominable things to become rich will always attract dire consequence.
The ceremony was graced by high and mighty in Nnewi and beyond.