By Nwabueze Okonkwo

ONITSHA – The 2024 Iwaji/Obiora annual cultural festival saw an outpouring of tributes as notable figures from different walks of life gathered to celebrate Chief Engr. Hyman Udemba, the Proprietor of Primer Solar Energy, at his family’s cultural event in Obosi, Anambra State. The occasion also served to honor his contributions to the community and recognize his pivotal role in the annual Yam Festival.

The event, held in Udemba’s Umuezechieamalu family compound in Ugamuma village, Obosi, was graced by influential personalities including former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Igwe Chidubem Iweka of Obosi; and the management of Adike Microfinance Bank (AMfB). Additionally, well-wishers such as Dr. Emma Kanayo Monago, former Chairman of the Anambra State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and Hon. Anthony Monago (Tony One Week), joined in the celebration.

In his goodwill message, Igwe Iweka, represented by the Palace Administrative Secretary, Nze Okenwa Shedrack Igwebuike (Ugoeju Obosi), extolled the significance of Yam in Obosi culture. He noted that after the Igwe’s annual Iwaji/Obiora celebration, it is customary for royal cabinet members to host similar events within their communities, and Chief Udemba was fulfilling this tradition. He prayed for Udemba’s long life and continued success in his leadership role in Obosi.

Chief Anyaoku, through his foundation’s Director, Mrs. Oluchi Nguzoro Nnoli, wished Udemba good health and a long life, praising his constant support to the Emeka Anyaoku Foundation. “He has always been there for us,” Mrs. Nnoli remarked, expressing hope that Udemba would be surrounded by those who love him.

Other dignitaries, including Chief Linus Mgbakaogu (Atta Obosi), echoed these sentiments, highlighting Udemba’s strong connection to the Obosi community and his active participation in the festival. The Chikwado Age Grade, led by Nze Jerome Uju Uyienu, also celebrated Udemba’s philanthropic contributions, including his role in providing employment and training opportunities for local youths.

The Chief Priest of Obosi, Ezeani, offered prayers for a prosperous harvest season, invoking blessings for the land and its crops.

Adike Microfinance Bank, where Udemba serves as the Board Credit Committee Chairman, also marked the occasion by announcing new benefits and packages for its customers. This followed the bank’s recent acquisition of the liquidated Obosi Microfinance Bank (OMFB) and their commitment to ensuring that customers of the defunct bank would have access to their trapped deposits.

In his response, Chief Udemba emphasized the importance of the Iwaji/New Yam celebration as a time to give thanks to the goddess of the land for bountiful harvests, reflecting on the tradition’s deep spiritual and cultural significance.

The event concluded with a photo opportunity, capturing Udemba with his wife and the representative of Chief Anyaoku, marking another successful celebration of the Iwaji festival in Obosi.