Group urges governments to improve on security situation
…holds new yam festival
The President of Nzuko Edda Lagos (NEL) branch, Sam Obasi, has appealed to government at all levels to improve the security situation in the country, emphasising that the high level of insecurity in Nigeria has adversely affected the socio-economic development of the nation.
Obasi made the appeal while speaking during the 2025 New Year Festival and the inauguration of the board of trustees (BOT) members of the Nzuko Edda Lagos branch.
According to him, the insecurity situation in the country, which includes kidnapping, Fulani headsmen/farmers clash, robbery, among others, has contributed greatly to the food insecurity currently facing the country, as farmers no longer go to farm due to fear of being killed or kidnapped.
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“There is need for governments and the security operatives in the country to adopt new technology in curbing insecurity in the country.
“As a matter of urgency, the government should stop the farmers/Fulani herdsmen clash, so as to prevent cows from penetrating into various farmlands to destroy farm crops.
“When there is security in the land, people can freely travel from one place to the other, farmers can easily go to farm, and there would be abundant food for the masses,’’ Obasi said.
On the New Yam Festival, the president explained that the annual celebration was necessary as it gives the people of Edda Local Government of Ebonyi State residing in Lagos the opportunity to identify with their community members annually.
“The gathering is all about the celebration of the New Yam Festival. The issue of New Yam Festival is important for the Igbo people in particular.
“The celebration shows that we are happy and alive to witness the harvesting of new yam. It also serves as a period whereby we celebrate abundance because during the famine period there is usually a low production of farm crops, but immediately the new yam comes out food becomes abundant. For us, we are happy to survive the time of famine and we are in the period of plenty, we thank God for preserving our lives, he said.
On the other hand, he advised Igbos all over the world to be peaceful and law abiding citizens and not to look for trouble in their various places of abode.
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Speaking in the same vein, Ezeogo Hassan Ekumankama affirmed that the celebration since its inception in Lagos had impacted on the eleven autonomous communities of Edda people of Ebonyi residing in Lagos.
On his part, the CEO RESSA, Festus Ibiam who also spoke during the event, described the yearly event as a demonstration of Igbo culture adding, “It is a period in which we see one another, interact with one another, and ask each other how they are faring in terms of life, and consider about community projects.”
While speaking at the festival, Women Coordinator, Nzuko Edda Lagos branch, Edith Ezeson expressed her gratitude to Almighty God for sparing their lives to witness yet another New Yam Festival in Lagos.
