BY MAGNUS EMUJI/CHUKWUDI ASOYA
THE need for Okpanam community to embrace one another and desist from anything that could bring disunity and undermine their peaceful co-existence has been brought to the fore.
An advocate of peace and renowned community leader, Ogbueshi Bidokwu Keleke made the call in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State during the new yam festival celebration.
Keleke, who said that Ifejoku Ndi Nkpalor had been existing since the time of their forefathers, noted that through were upholding the culture because of its enormous significance.
He said that there was nothing wrong in adhering to their culture and tradition , adding that Christianity and tradition should be practiced without discrimination as it is means of reaching out to God .
Also speaking, a frontline stakeholder in Obodogwugwu Quarters Ogbueshi Fred Aniagwu Okolie, the Agunechibe 1 of Okpanam said that the new yam festival was an important aspect of their cultural identity, which according to him was wholeheartedly practiced by their ancestors.
Okolie said that the Ifejoku was a veritable platform to thank God for His faithfulness upon their lives and more importantly, to appreciate Him for good harvest and to ask God for more blessings.
He stated that Okpanam was blessed community and told the people to desist from backbiting their brothers but live in peace with one another as it was in the time of their forefathers.
Okolie emphasized the need for the good people of Okpanam to intensify their unwavering support and respect for their Diokpa-Isi, noting that his position was an authority from God .
For their part, Mr. Okwudili Asoya , Mr. Azuka Onwuamuya , Ogbueshi Ashiedu Nwani and elder Donatus Amor advised youths to shun violence during and after the new yam festival, even as Asoya and Onwuamuya stated that they were celebrating Ifejoku in honour of their late fathers.
