Former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, has urged Nigerians to strike a balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing modern realities, noting that some of the world’s most progressive nations thrive because they uphold their traditions.
He made the remarks at the annual New Yam Festival of the Edeaniagu clan in Ishi-Ozalla Autonomous Community, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, held over the weekend.
The event drew traditional rulers from across Nkanu land, indigenes of all 12 villages of the community, as well as distinguished guests.
Prof. Nnaji cited Japan as an example of a society that remains highly advanced while staying firmly rooted in its cultural heritage.
“If you go to Japan, there are whole cities like Kyoto where shrines are preserved, not to harm anyone, but to remind people of their identity and values,.
“We should not discard our rich traditions just because outsiders said ours were not good. As we grow, we must preserve the aspects of our culture that strengthen our psyche and identity,” he said.
The traditional ruler of the Edeaniagu clan, HRH Chief Don Sylvester Chinedu Nweke, described the festival as a harvest thanksgiving to God and the ancestors.
He expressed delight at the massive turnout and lamented the neglect of his community, particularly the deplorable state of roads, which he attributed to divisive politics and unpatriotic elites.
“We have billionaires and prominent sons and daughters, but some of them have refused to work for the good of our people. Even government has played divisive politics against us,” Igwe Nweke said.
He recalled how the community endured years of leadership crisis before he was crowned, noting that despite challenges, he had undertaken several self-help projects, including a mini-stadium, boreholes, and public toilets.
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The monarch, who also restored electricity to the community two years ago, appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to remember Edeaniagu in his development plans.
“I dwell among my people, not in the government house. My people chose me, and that is why I serve them,” he added.
A daughter of the community and scholar, Prof. Munachim Nweke-Okoye, who enrolled dozens of Edeaniagu youths in her scholarship programme, described the New Yam Festival as both a thanksgiving and a covenant with the soil.
She recalled stories of her forebears, who cultivated not just farmlands but also generosity and protection of the vulnerable.
“The Feast of the Soil reminds us that every seed of goodwill returns in seasons of peace and plenty,” she said, urging the community to uphold values of unity, justice, and sustainability.
The festival was marked with cultural displays of masquerades, communal feasting, and reaffirmation of solidarity, even as residents renewed calls for infrastructural development, particularly good roads.
