Yam Festival in Igede part of Benue State

 

Photo credit: Google 

By: Moses Mary Adiya 

Oju, Obi, and portions of the Gwer Local Government Areas in Benue State and Cross River State of Nigeria eria are home to the Igede people, a Sub-Saharan group.

A population estimate for 2006 is 267,198 speakers, most of whom are engaged in farming and hunting. They are a minority group in the Benue belt and have been ruled by the "AD'UTU" for centuries.

Before colonization and Christianity arrived, the Igedes had their customs, which had a big impact on their way of life. Today, 88 percent of them follow Christianity, while 22 percent adhere to their ancient religion.

The Igede of Benue State have preserved some characteristics of their culture despite the erosion of other cultures and traditions. One such component is the yearly Igede Agba New Yam Festival, which is held during the yam harvest to signal the start of the harvest season.

A yearly cultural event, the Igede Agba New Yam Festival is observed by the Igede people both at home and abroad. Every first Ihigile market day in September, this cyclical celebration takes place. September marks her seventh "moon," which is a very significant number, according to the Igede calendar.

The residents of Igede celebrate by giving thanks to their collective deity for a bountiful crop.

They also celebrate their National Day around this time. The Igede ceremony honors their joy at getting to live where they do. Involved in the festivities are the Orgirinya, Obama, Aita, Alatakpa, Onyantu, and Woro.

Eating pounded yam, listening to traditional 

music, dancing, and other cultural performances are all part of Igede Agba's events.

The event also features the consumption of locally manufactured alcoholic beverages made from millet and guinea corn, such as Apio, Ogbete, Oburukecta, and Ogene.

The Igede Agba New Yam Festival's origins may be traced back to when they first settled in their current home.

According to oral tradition, the Igede origin may be traced to a great ancestral father named Agba, who is the ancestor of all Igede people. The annual Igede New Yam Festival is named in his honor.

Edited:Adebayo Nurudeen

Published by: Mondiu Sherifat