Obi of Ashama Celebrates 2026 New Yam Festival, Seeks Completion of Community Road Project
By Spotnews Communications
The Obi of Ashama Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Obi Solomon Ezechinyelugo II, has celebrated the 2026 New Yam Festival, calling on the people of the community to sustain their cultural heritage and preserve traditions handed down by their forefathers.
The colourful festival, which took place on Friday, October 30, 2026, attracted prominent traditional rulers, government officials, sons and daughters of Ashama, as well as friends and well-wishers from within and outside the community.
Among the distinguished personalities who graced the occasion were the Obi of Ubulu-Uno Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Obi Henry Afamefune Kika Chukwu; the Obi of Umunede, His Royal Majesty, Obi Ezeagwu Ezenweali; and the Obi of Ukwu-Obah, His Royal Majesty, Obi Cletus Nkeakam.
Also in attendance was the Delta State Commissioner for Technical Education, Hon. Smart Iyeoma Ufoh, alongside other distinguished guests.
Speaking during the celebration, Obi Solomon Ezechinyelugo II expressed profound gratitude to God for granting the community the opportunity to witness another New Yam Festival, describing the occasion as an important cultural event that promotes unity, thanksgiving and the preservation of the community's identity.
The monarch emphasised that preserving the cultural heritage of Ashama was a collective responsibility, urging the people to remain committed to upholding their customs and traditions for the benefit of younger generations.
He noted that the New Yam Festival was not merely an annual celebration but also an opportunity for the people to appreciate God's goodness, strengthen communal bonds and promote the rich cultural values of the kingdom.
The Obi commended the people of Ashama, as well as friends and visitors who came from different parts of the country to identify with the community during the celebration. He prayed for God's continued blessings, peace, prosperity and progress for the kingdom and all those who contributed to the success of the event.
On infrastructural development, the traditional ruler expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government for commencing the construction of the Ubulu-Uno–Ashama–Egbudu-Akah Road, describing the project as an important intervention that would improve connectivity and ease transportation for residents and other road users.
He appealed to the state government and the contractors handling the project to ensure its timely completion, noting that the road would further enhance economic and social activities in the benefiting communities.
Obi Solomon Ezechinyelugo II also commended the state government for providing essential facilities in Ashama, particularly healthcare infrastructure, educational facilities and other amenities aimed at improving the living conditions of the people.
He expressed appreciation for the government's interventions and encouraged continued attention to the developmental needs of the community.
The 2026 New Yam Festival once again provided an opportunity for the people of Ashama to celebrate their cultural identity, strengthen relationships with neighbouring communities and reaffirm their commitment to peace, unity and development.
The presence of neighbouring traditional rulers and other eminent personalities further underscored the importance of the festival as a platform for promoting cultural cooperation, friendship and solidarity among communities.
