Ado Local Government Chairman Celebrates Ufia New Yam Festival
Engr. Sunny Oche, Chairman of Ado Local Government, participated in the annual Ufia New Yam Festival, known as Jokah, held on September 8th, 2025, at St. Paul’s Special Primary School, Utonkon. The vibrant event attracted prominent Ufia figures from both within and outside Nigeria, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the community.
Jokah marks the culmination of a three-part harvest celebration. The first, Rakeng, involves a ritual cleansing of the land in July; the second, Richi, features sacrifices to the gods in August; and finally, Jokah in September, signals the community’s blessing to consume the new yam harvest. These traditions are observed by Ufia people regardless of their religious affiliations.
Engr. Oche expressed his delight at attending the colorful event, commending the organizers, particularly the Ufia Development Association (UDA), Ufia Youth Forum (UYF), and Daughters of Ufia International Association (DOUIA), for their contributions to its success. He paid tribute to the elders and thanked the community for their support, acknowledging the challenges of governance while promising to continue serving the people and implementing innovative solutions. He concluded with a significant financial contribution to the UDA.
The event was graced by numerous dignitaries, including Chief Tony Omirigwe (National President, UDA), Chief Hon. Dennis Ekpe Ogbu, Ph.D. (Ogakwu K’Idoma), Barrister Simon Chuzi Egede, MON, Chief Edwin Ogbu Ocheme (Ottra I of Ufia Kingdom), Mr. Sam Ojike, Chief Emmanuel Ajogi, Engr. Sunny Ogaga Ogbu (National First Vice President, UDA) and Mr. Patrick Edeh (National Vice President, IPDA), among many others.
The festival was a resounding success, showcasing the unity and cultural richness of the Ufia people.
Innocent Igelle Principal Private Secretary of the Chairman reported
