Abakaliki, Nigeria – The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Chief Tochukwu Ogalagu, has called on the people of Izhí Nnodo clan to sustain existing unity, peace and collective progress.
Ogalagu made the call in a statement issued on Friday in Abakaliki to commemorate the 2026 edition of Izhí New Yam Festival, popularly known as “Ojiji Izhí”.
The APGA chieftain described the feast as a significant event for celebrating the heritage, agricultural traditions, resilience, brotherhood and shared identity of the people.
He called on traditional leaders ,community leaders, youths, women, professionals and other stakeholders to work collectively towards promoting peace, unity and sustainable development across Izhí communities.
According to him, the festival provides an opportunity for the people to reconnect with their ancestral roots, preserve their cultural heritage and strengthen the bonds of kinship across communities and generations.
He described himself as grandson of the Izhi clan from Amike Izhia Ngbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state,saying he is proud to identify and participate in the celebration.
“Ojiji Izhí represents a powerful reminder of our common ancestry, cultural heritage and the enduring bonds that unite our people across communities and generations,” he said.
He explained that the festival went beyond ceremonial presentation and consumption of the first yam harvest, describing it as a celebration of life, thanksgiving, hard work, communal solidarity and the people’s enduring relationship with the land.
He urged sons and daughters of Izhí to embrace the principle of “live and let live”, stressing that political affiliations, personal convictions and other differences should not be allowed to undermine the bonds of kinship among the people.
He added that tolerance, mutual respect, forgiveness and constructive dialogue are essential to sustaining peace and unity within the clan.
“Again, our collective interest is far greater than our individual differences.
“We must continue to pursue those things that unite us rather than allow temporary disagreements to divide us,” he said.
He said the clan possessed huge human and material potential that could be harnessed and accelerate development of the people.
He maintained that peace remained the foundation for attracting investment and advancing education, agriculture, youth empowerment, social development and other sectors of the economy.
“Let us use the celebration to renew our commitment to one another and to the future of the younger generations,
He hoped for bundant harvests, peace in Izhí communities, prosperity for families and renewed hope for the people.
