By Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa
Chief Chris Ogonna Alatu (Shegbelegbe), Deputy President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Bayelsa state, yesterday said the New yam festival celebration is a special occasion for him, to all the igbos and to all Bayelsans.
He also commended the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri for his efforts in tackling kidnappings and other crimes in the state.
Chief Alatu who disclosed this at the traditional summit/new yam festival, held in Shegbelegbe Crystal Resort, Yenagoa, Bayelsa state capital, said Ndigbo in Bayelsa State are satisfied with the efforts of the prosperity administration in addressing the security challenges.
He said as a traditionalist, he is joining his kits and kins at home and Igbos worldwide to commemorate the annual New Yam festival and to appreciate the Almighty God for the bumper harvest, guidance and protection during the year.
“Today is a very special day for me, and to all the Igbos in Bayelsa, and also a blessing to Bayelsa state. What we did here today, many people don’t know about it. But anybody that knows about tradition, knows that today is a special day in Igbo land.
“What we did here today is to thank the Almighty God for life, guidance and protection and bumper harvest that he has given to us today and also use the opportunity to make supplications to God for more in the coming planting season.
“I want to appreciate the government of Bayelsa State for their security efforts because for months now we have not heard of any kidnapping incident, we are confident the believe that the miracle governor will continue to improved on the security situation in the state.”
While delivering his lecture Chief Alatu said, “avoid a short cut in life, if God has not destined you to be a rich man nothing will change that, if you like kill all your family members, they will still say there’s mistake somewhere.
” Nobody in life is our enemy, in tradition that is where you are going to see love, oneness, and trust. Some people will go to church after which they will go and commit various crimes, after which they will go to alter for confession, tomorrow they will and call God a merciful God. Try my god he will knack you down.”
