The Paramount Ruler and Kpoke 1 of Ekeluogu Ebem Autonomous Community Of Abia State, HRH Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha has called for love and forgiveness among the people of the community as a way to advance development.
He made this call on Saturday at the 2023 annual igba ekpe and the iri ji (new yam) festival of the community.
He said development cannot take place in an environment where there is lack of love, unforgiveness, saying antagonism and hate is enemy of development.
He urged the sons and daughters of the community to shun disputes arising from land ownership, noting than land owns man and not the other way round.
The royal father noted that loving and forgiving one another is what God demands of man at all times.
Speaking on the significance of the annual festival, he said it’s an age-long cultural event designed to express gratitude to God for the success of the farming season without hitches and casualties.
According to him, yam was singled out for celebration as it is believed to represent the king of all crops.
He said ekpe cultural festival is part of showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the people of Ebem Ohafia.
He thanked indigenes of the community and the visitors for observing peace throughout the ceremony.
