Ebonyi governor, Francis Nwifuru, has urged the Ezza Ezekuna people to preserve their cultural heritage and remain united to sustain peace and accelerate development across their communities.

Nwifuru made the appeal on Monday during the 2026 New Yam Festival, popularly known as ‘Oke-Aku Ezza Ezekuna’, held in Onueke, Ezza South Local Government Area.

The governor described the annual celebration as a thanksgiving to God for a successful farming season and a reflection of the Ezza people’s enduring cultural identity.

He said the festival remained a celebration of the traditions, customs and values that had shaped generations of the Ezza people and strengthened communal identity.

Nwifuru urged residents to continue promoting peace, love and harmony, stressing that unity remained the foundation for sustainable development, social stability and shared prosperity.

He encouraged younger generations to embrace, preserve and promote their ancestral heritage, noting that cultural values were indispensable to building a strong, united and progressive society.

According to him, cultural festivals provide opportunities to showcase history, customs and traditions while promoting tourism, strengthening communal bonds and creating economic opportunities.

“Our administration will continue to promote social cohesion, preserve our cultural heritage and stimulate economic growth through tourism and cultural activities,” Nwifuru said.

The governor commended the organisers for sustaining the age-long festival and urged them to continue using it to promote reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.

He said such cultural gatherings remained vital for strengthening community ties, fostering mutual understanding and encouraging collective responsibility towards sustainable development.

Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Mr Darlington Ugota, praised the governor’s developmental achievements across Ebonyi and pledged the continued support of the Ezza people.

Ugota described the administration’s projects as evidence of purposeful leadership and expressed confidence that more communities would benefit from ongoing government initiatives.

Also speaking, Chairman of Ezza North Local Government Area, Chief Moses Nome, reaffirmed the people’s commitment to the state’s ‘People’s Charter of Needs’ development agenda.

Nome described the policy as a practical roadmap for inclusive development, improved living standards and equitable distribution of government projects across communities.

The colourful festival attracted traditional rulers, political office holders, religious leaders, community stakeholders, youths, women groups and other dignitaries from within and outside Ebonyi.

Participants celebrated with traditional music, cultural displays and communal festivities, reaffirming the importance of preserving Ezza heritage while strengthening unity and peaceful coexistence.