The traditional ruler of Leru-Umuchieze autonomous community in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, His Royal Highness, Eze John Elewechukwu Ogoke Leruo-Anya, has passionately called on Ndigbo to take active steps to preserve their rich cultural heritage.

Igwe Ogoke Leruo-Anya, urged parents to teach their wards Igbo culture particularly the Igbo language, which some have predicted could face extinction within the next 50 years.

Speaking ahead of the community’s annual New Yam Festival, scheduled to run from August 20 to August 29, 2024, Eze Ogoke Leruo-Anya stressed the importance of cultural preservation as a vital aspect of Igbo identity.

“Our culture is our God-given heritage, and we must guard it jealously. The prediction that Igbo culture might vanish within 50 years must be proven wrong. We are a proud people, and through celebrations like the New Yam Festival, we showcase our vibrant culture and educate our people on the need to keep our traditions alive,” he asserted.

The monarch highlighted that the festival would feature traditional activities such as masquerades, cultural dances, and, most importantly, the use of the Igbo language.

“During the festival, everyone will speak Igbo. This is a critical way to ensure our language and culture are not lost to future generations. If we allow our language and culture to die, the Igbo race will lose its essence,” he emphasized.

However, Eze Ogoke Leruo-Anya expressed deep concern over the impact of insecurity on the community’s agricultural activities, particularly due to the violent activities of Fulani herdsmen.

He lamented that the insecurity had severely hampered farming, leading to reduced agricultural output, especially in yam cultivation, which is central to the New Yam Festival.

“Since the beginning of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in 2016, our people have faced immense challenges. The insecurity caused by Fulani herdsmen has made farming a dangerous endeavor.

“Our fertile farmlands, located 3-5 kilometers from our homes, have been abandoned due to fear of attacks. The herdsmen have taken over these lands, making it impossible for us to cultivate yams. Those who dare to farm there risk being killed or maimed,” the monarch lamented.
He further detailed the grim reality faced by the community, including the rampant destruction of crops by cattle, the threat of physical violence, and the sexual assault of women.

“Our fertile lands, such as Uzo-akaowo, have turned into wild forests, and hunger looms because we can no longer plant where the land is most productive,” he said.

As the community prepares for this year’s New Yam Festival, the royal father warned that the harvest would be significantly smaller due to the challenges posed by the ongoing insecurity. He called for urgent attention to address the security issues that threaten not only the livelihoods of his people but also the preservation of their culture.