The Deputy Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate and Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi has maintained that the people of Izhi clan are united, firm and indivisible, assuring that no political development would undermine their collective resolve to advance the socio-economic development of the area.

Nwebonyi stated this on Friday in Abakaliki while speaking with journalists during activities marking the 2026 Izhi New Yam Festival, popularly known as Ojiji Izhi.

The senator, who described the annual festival as a significant expression of the people’s cultural identity and ancestral heritage, said the celebration had assumed greater importance because of its capacity to reinforce unity among the various components of Izhi land.

According to him, yam occupies a central position in Izhi tradition, not only as a major source of food but also as a historical measure of wealth and social standing.

“Yam is equivalent to human being in Izhi tradition. It is not only the head of our food, but the basis of the measure of wealth in Izhi history,” Nwebonyi said.

He disclosed that he and other Izhi people had earlier visited Anmergo, which he identified as their ancestral home and place of origin, as part of activities marking the festival.

Nwebonyi said the visit provided him with a deeper appreciation of the cultural practices handed down by the ancestors, describing one of the incidents witnessed during the traditional ceremony as particularly remarkable.

Recounting the experience, he said the traditional leader, Ishuke, performed the customary kola nut rites after receiving gifts presented by the delegation.

He said the ceremony involved the breaking and blessing of the kola nut in accordance with Izhi tradition, alongside the use of pepper and wine.

Nwebonyi said a male fowl subsequently moved into the gathering and consumed the pepper and kola nut, describing the incident as a remarkable cultural experience that further strengthened his appreciation of Izhi customs.

“We are all Christians, but we have our way of doing things the way our ancestors did it and the way we will do it to the end of time,” he said.

The senator said the experience had enriched his understanding of his cultural heritage and identity, stressing the importance of preserving indigenous traditions despite the changing socio-political environment.

“I have added to my knowledge about culture, about who I am, about an Izhi man,” he stated.

Addressing the political implications of the festival, which coincides with preparations for the 2027 general elections, Nwebonyi said the Izhi people would remain focused on development and would not allow political activities to undermine their unity.

“We will continue to develop Izhi land. We will continue to develop Ebonyi. You have seen what I did, and what you have seen is the tip of the iceberg,” he said.

On the extent to which the New Yam Festival had promoted unity and development among the people, Nwebonyi said the traditional institution and the various components of Izhi land had demonstrated a shared understanding of their responsibilities to one another.

“In summary, I can tell you we are united. We are firm. We are indivisible,” he declared.

He maintained that every component of the Izhi family understood its obligations and would continue to work collectively toward the advancement of the people.

“Every component of the family that make up Izhi knows what is due and should be done, and we are doing that. Nobody will distract us because distracting us means going back to Egypt. We can’t go back to Egypt,” Nwebonyi said.

The senator further reaffirmed his confidence in the collective direction of the people, saying the Izhi people were moving forward as brothers under their leadership.

“We are now moving as united brothers under the leadership of Francis and Wilfred. So, we are good to go,” he added.

The 2026 Ojiji Izhi celebration brought together members of the Izhi community from different locations and provided an avenue for the reaffirmation of cultural values, ancestral ties, communal solidarity and the preservation of the people’s traditional heritage.