Umunede is a town in Delta State, strategically located along Benin-Asaba Expressway.
Travelers from the South Western part of Nigeria and some parts of the North to the South East and South South can bear witness to the fact that the town is synonymous with trade and agriculture.
The busy town in Ika Local Government Area of Delta State is a one-stop hub for quality food and agricultural produce.
But beyond farming and trade, Umunede is equally rich in culture. With a history that links it with the Benin Kingdom, the town boasts of a unique cultural heritage.
An aspect of the town’s culture featured last week in Abuja when Umunede sons and daughters under the umbrella of Umunede Progressive Union (UPU) celebrated the 2015 New Yam Festival.
The ceremony which held at the Tourism Village of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) attracted dignitaries from the town including a Senior Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Professor Professor Sylvester Monye and Director, Administration, NTDC, Mr. Boniface C. Eboka.
Celebrants who adorned themselves in local fabrics produced by the people of the area entertained their guests with cultural performances and traditional cuisine.
The highlight of the day was the symbolic cutting of the new yam. The task was performed by the President of the Union, Pastor Destiny Ikem.
Ikem, following the ceremony cutting of the yam, raised it and prayed fervently for the good health and prosperity of Umunede people both at home and in the Diaspora.
Speaking at the end of the programme, Ikem said the celebration of New Yam has been an age long practice, when people show appreciation to God for survival and increase in the land.
He said: “It is a time we celebrate our harvest and show people that our land is fertile. It is also time for unity as the festival bring people together in celebration.
“ We dance and eat. We are mostly farmers, we are not warriors. We are peaceful people and the symbolic cutting of yam annually signifies the beginning of harvest in the farming season.
Adding: “Umunede is rich in culture. Our culture is not only rich but unique, having originated from Benin City that is known for rich cultural heritage. Our dress culture is displayed by our women, our dance is supported with local musical instrument.
“An average Umunede person is a good dancer. Once we hear musical rhythm, we dance to it. We do not brandish bow and arrow”.
Ikem added that in the face of globalization, his people have tried to uphold and protect their tradition and culture jealously.
“It is one of the reasons we chose the tourism village to celebrate our new yam. Our dress culture also reflects our culture. The only thing we do not do is ritual. We do not perform fetish practices; we do not worship idols and ancestors”, Ikem stated.
To ensure the younger generations are not left out in the practice, Ike said: “We have tried to carry the younger generations along in the propagation of our culture.
“In Umunede Progressive Union, we have the youth wing, where the younger generations are involved in the affairs of the town. Even my young son is here, participating in the festival.
“We come with our children to learn about community development. Any child that is 18 years and above is expected to join the Union or face sanctions.
“Aside learning our culture, there are benefits derived from such associations. For instance, job opportunities are reserved for members”.
Ikem also used the forum to appeal to Nigerian youths to have confidence in the country and stop migrating abroad where they serve as slaves.
“Our youths should stop traveling abroad where they live as slaves. No country can be better than your own. I still believe that Nigeria shall be great again.
“I believe the wind of change will encourage the youths to aspire. In the past, it was never-do-wells that elope to foreign land while intelligent people stay back and develop the nation”, he noted.
Also speaking, the Secretary General of the association, Richard L. Eziokwu. He stated that such associations avail youths the opportunity to socialize and learn about their people’s beliefs and values.
“The New Yam festival is a yearly event held in the month of September and performed in the palace of the traditional ruler of Umunede. Subsequently, those in the cities across Nigeria will choose convenient dates to celebrate their own.
“ The festival symbolizes unity and an avenue to showcase our tradition and culture. The old and young come together and in the process, the tradition and culture are transmitted to the younger generations.
“Now, nearly 80 per cent of our youths has registered with the association. Everybody loves to join because there are lots to benefit socially and politically”, Eziokwu said.
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