By Emma Sunday
A prominent environmentalist and farmer, Dr Uchenna Rowland Onyeizu, has been crowned as the Ezeji Oha Ngwa by an elite group of yam farmers in Abia State, under the auspices of the Oha Ngwa Ezeji title holders’ Union.
The coronation ceremony, which took place in Abayi Ohanze, in Obinwa Local Government Area of Abia State, was in recognition of the outstanding performance of Dr Onyeizu as a yam farmer and a strong pillar for building of a new generation of yam farmers.
The crowning ceremony of the new Ezeji Onyeizu, which recieved total support from his father, Ezeji Surveyor Rowland Onyeizu, also witnessed the establishment of a special mentorship programme to empower and support young yam farmers.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr Onyeizu explained that the mentorship programme was designed for those who have already demonstrated commitment to yam cultivation and were eager to expand their knowledge, improve their farming techniques, and elevate their agricultural practices professionally.
According to him, “The mentorship aims to nurture the next generation of Ezeji (master yam farmers), equipping them with the necessary skills, resources, and guidance to scale up their farming enterprises. Selected beneficiaries will access expert mentorship, networking opportunities, and practical insights to enhance their productivity and sustainability in yam farming.”
Dr Onyeizu said ten beneficiaries were given 20 barns of yam each for cultivation and an additional 50,000 naira to support their farming.
The newly crowned Ezeji listed the qualifications that would make yam farmers eligible for the programme. Beneficiaries should own at least one plot of farmland and provide a short video as proof; reside in Abia State; and actively engage in yam farming.
The beneficiaries should also provide their personal details, including name, photograph, phone number, and residential address, and physically make themselves available for the programme’s commencement.
Furthermore, the beneficiaries were required to be willing to be mentored by the organisers of this initiative.
He advised: “If you are passionate about yam farming, eager to learn, and ready to take it to the next level, this is your chance to be part of a life-changing mentorship experience.”
The new Ezeji pledged to support smallholder farmers in growing their operations and becoming training centres for youth as part of its plan to advance food security and promote youth employment.
He stressed, “We need to change the orientation of our people towards agriculture, get them to embrace farming to feed themselves, and get our youths gainfully engaged in large numbers.”
The President of Ezeji Ohangwa, Ezeji Chukwuemeka Obia, regretted that their members had dropped drastically because young men and women were turning away from agriculture. “We expect the new Ezeji to do his best to encourage the young to return to agriculture.”
He noted that Ezeji title holders were highly respected in the society.
He says, “In Igbo culture, some people are crowned kings of Yam (Eze ji) based on their commitment to yam farming and production. Yam cultivation is very important in many parts of Igbo land as farmers use it to earn income.
One of the beneficiaries of the mentorship programme, Chief Gideon Ihejirika, promised to bring in good returns at the end of the farming season.
The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for the Ezeji Coronation, Engr. Kelechi Nkire said the objective was to boost yam farming in the area and ensure its sustainability.
He affirmed that the Ezeji title was prestigious and reserved for only those building 20 barns on yams and more.
He emphasised: “This title is not given to people based on wealth or influence. In olden days, a rich man’s wealth in Igboland was measured by the number of yams he had; apart from his wives and children.
“Before Ezeji title will be given to a farmer in Igbo land, the person must have up to 20 barns of yams.”
