Rumueme Community in Obio/Akpor Council of Rivers State comes alive as it celebrates its new yam festival in what the indigenes describe as a celebration of cultural heritage, unity and shared values
By Chinedu Oguh, Port Harcourt
The joy and happiness of the good people of Rumueme Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State knew no bounds penultimate Saturday as indigenes and non-indigenes alike marched and danced majestically to the palace of Nyenwe-Ali Rumueme Kingdom / Apiti II, Nyenwe-Ali Amb. Timothy Omunakwe Nsirim (JP), for the kingdom’s New Yam Festival, which was held with pomp and pageantry.
It was indeed a spectacular celebration of culture and tradition with vibrant performances, rich cultural displays, and musical dances.
Tentacle learnt that the Rumueme New Yam Festival is one of the most cherished cultural festivals held in high esteem in Ikwerre land, and people from all walks of life look forward to attending every 28th August each year.
HRM King Timothy Nsirim told Tentacle that the New Yam Festival is an age-long cultural heritage and tradition bestowed on them from their ancestral home at Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
He listed the significance of the festival to include a celebration of a new bountiful harvest, an accident-free farming season, and appeasement against any evil in the next farming season, among others.
“As we celebrate the new yam, let us be reminded that our yam is our heritage and our culture is our pride. Let us use this celebration to renew our strength, rekindle our purpose, and reaffirm our collective resolve to build on the rich legacy laid by our founding fathers. May it inspire the younger generation to rise with courage, uphold our values, and break new grounds of greatness,” said the King.
As he saluted the elders for preserving their identity and the youths for carrying the torch with vigour and determination, he prayed that years to come should overflow with greater accomplishments, celebrations, wider influence, and lasting impact.
The Apiti II also used the opportunity to call on the government to assist traditional institutions in curbing the rapid extinction of culture by introducing it into schools at the primary level. He re-emphasised that only our culture can checkmate recalcitrance in our youths.
He equally called on his people to embrace their culture, as according to him, “Our culture is our identity and pride.” He declared that alien cultures being marketed internationally are not better than theirs, but rather thrive because of packaging and branding.
“We all should join hands in the rejuvenation of our culture. A man without culture is like a tree without a taproot.
“To all sons and daughters of Rumueme Kingdom at home and in the diaspora, may this sacred season of thanksgiving and communal feasting strengthen the bonds of unity, preserve our identity, and usher in peace, prosperity, a bountiful harvest, and sustained progress for our people.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Chief Chima Boniface Njoku, commended the Rumueme Monarch — who was also a one-time Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area before royalty conscripted him — for not only preserving the age-long cultural heritage but also for adding colour and glamour to the festival. He described the 2026 New Yam Festival as a world-class, colourful celebration of the rich culture, tradition, and heritage of Rumueme.
The Etche council boss also enjoined the youths to join the elders in cultural revival. “If it is properly embraced as it was embraced in the olden days, these social vices will not be there,” said Njoku.
He emphasised that the revival of our culture is the only way forward to curb social vices and discourage the youth from laziness, so as not to provide idle minds for the devil to use as his workshop.
Chief Njoku appealed to the good people of Rumueme Kingdom to support and cooperate with their king, who over the years has not only nurtured their cultural heritage with pride but has also laid a firm foundation for sustainable development, harmony, and shared purpose.
“I salute you, Your Majesty, and the entire Rumueme Kingdom for your steadfastness, your unity, and your dedication to the values that define the Rumueme identity. May this legacy shine brightly across Rivers State, Nigeria, and beyond,” said the Etche boss.
Many who spoke to Tentacle at the ceremony said they are thrilled by His Royal Majesty’s consistency in promoting, sustaining, and preserving the communal ethos, ideals, and values of Rumueme Kingdom’s heritage over the years. They added that they are proud of him and urged him to continue making Rumueme Kingdom proud.
Rumueme Kingdom, one of the most peaceful kingdoms in Rivers State, occupies a strategic position in the state. It is the host community of the Nigerian Law School (Port Harcourt Campus), the headquarters of multinational oil giant Agip in Rivers State, and the Rivers State College of Health Technology, among other critical infrastructure.
