By Omenihu Alfred fibmn
The talk of the mega new yam festival marked by Mbaise Unity Brothers ( MUB) has continued to spread on the news space globally as the executives and the Stakeholders of the brotherhood pledge to promote and sustain Mbaise and at extension Igbo culture to a superlative degree. National impact Magazine was very much on ground to capture lots of personal views in series of interactive sessions. It’s no longer news that new yam festival is held by Mbaise communities at home, and even those in the diaspora. Basically, at home, the festival holds on the 15th of August annually, which in the Catholic liturgical calendar is the feast day of Assumption but subsequently those who couldn’t mark the festival on the 15th of August can pick any other day that suits them.
In our interactive session with one of the founders of Mbaise Unity Brothers Mazi Micheal Nwakanma Madugba on the ground of the festival at Mushin Lagos, he expressed Joy on the turnout and success of the event. Talking about the mission and vision of the brotherhood, he noted that MUB was created to solidify brotherhood of members and to form a formidable force that will influence Mbaise land positively. He mentioned that they have done some outreaches to the less privilege homes in Mbaise in the past years and they are planning so many other strategies to make a difference.
With a gladsome mind, the Ubahi Mbutu Mbaise born MUB president Mazi Godfrey Odigomma informed our media team that the 2024 new yam festival is the greatest they have done over the years. He appreciated all the guests and the members that graced the occasion. He prayed for God’s blessings on all Mbaise people everywhere around the world.
In the same vain, the ever smiling vice president Mazi Chinedu Chilaka popularly called Gaddafi by his fans re-affirmed that August 15th is Mbaise’s day. “Marking the new yam festival is a way of protecting our cultural heritage and keeping hope alive. I am super excited that that we marked the day splendidly and I know it is well with us” he noted. He charged all Mbaise indigenes to always make efforts to keep the flame of Mbaise culture aglow.
In a brief chat with one top guest on the hightable who doubles as the president of Oganihu Mbaise, Chief Ejiogu Emmanuel, Akur ruo Ulo na Mbaise, he noted that 15th of August is a very special day for mbaise people not minding where you are in the world. He apploaded Mbaise unity brothers for their efforts to mark the festival in a most dignified manner. He prayed God’s protection upon their lives and businesses, noting that the good deeds of their lives will definitely assure prosperity for them. He called on God, host of Angels, and Mbaise ancestors to protect and prosper all that graced the occasion and Mbaise nation at large. He charged all Mbaise sons and daughters all over the world to always be worthy ambassadors of Mbaise nation. “Be your brothers keeper, shun all evil and live for positive posterity” he stressed. He equally used the opportunity to invite all to the new yam festival of Oganihu Mbaise on the 25th of August.
Reacting to our questions, the perspicacious and proverbial Chairman of the occasion Chief Magnus Ekeobashi expressed his excitement for the success of the new yam festival. He noted that he will continue to harken to the clarion calls that have to do with Mbaise nation. He expressed greater joy in the unity of the brotherhood for such a wonderful and sensational new yam festival. He adviced the brotherhood to intensify on their membership drive so as to continue to witness more progressive turnover. He pointed out that he was the first person who performed their first iwa ji rites about 5years ago noting that their gradual growth is not a surprise. He assured that with himself and other worthy sons that joined the brotherhood on the 15th of August,2024 more progressive exploits will be recorded. He blessed all who gave financial support at the event and prayed for replenishment in bountiful fold.
One of the hightable special guest and a worthy member of MUB Chief Nicolas Akwarandu popularly known as”Nwafor” testified that the event was prodigious and splendid indeed, noting that he never expected such. He appreciated God and the efforts of the MUB leadership. He called on other Mbaise sons especially in Ladipo market and Mushin to make haste to join MUB so as to contribute their own quota towards building a more formidable Mbaise.
Talking to the media team, the treasurer Mazi Chibuike Kingsley Chikwendu expressed his top joy for the outcome of the day. He noted that the unity of the brotherhood was the secret of the day’s success. He charged all the members to continue to work assiduously towards the unity of the brotherhood. He prayed for God’s guidance on all Mbaise sons and daughters, noting that they should remain steadfast in every positive ramifications.
