Okpanam, Delta State — September 5, 2025 will be remembered as a remarkable day for the youths of Okpanam, especially those from Obodogwugwu, as all seven quarter chairmen came together to celebrate the Nwanbele Festival under the leadership of the Obodogwugwu Quarter Chairman, Comrade John Chigozie Ogonenwe.
The festival, known as “Nwanbele,” is a unique day set aside for the Ikolobia (youths) of Okpanam to celebrate their own version of the New Yam Festival. Unlike the traditional festival marked by elders and titled men, this youth-centered event focuses on food, sharing, and unity.
The Meaning of Nwanbele
Explaining the history and cultural importance, Comr. Chigozie said:
“The full meaning of Nwanbele is that it is a day set aside where the youths of Okpanam cook food for the masses to eat. During our festival, elders like the Obi and Ogbeushi roast yams as part of their own activities. But for the youths, because we don’t have titled men, we focus on cooking and serving food to everyone.”
For him, the Nwanbele Festival goes beyond food—it is a symbol of togetherness and a reminder that the future belongs to the youths.
Why It Belongs to the Youths
Speaking further, he emphasized that the Nwanbele is special because it unites the leaders of tomorrow:
“The Nwanbele is always done by the Ikolobia because that is the only way it can unify the youths. You cannot celebrate without carrying the future along. That is why we always mark this day in a grand style.”
While it runs alongside the general New Yam Festival, the Nwanbele is unique because it draws visitors from neighboring communities who come to join the celebration.
A Promise Fulfilled
This year’s event was extra special. For the first time, all seven quarter chairmen came together under one umbrella to host the festival.
Comr. Chigozie explained that this unity was one of his campaign promises when he became chairman:
“Before now, we didn’t celebrate it together in this grand style. In Obodogwugwu, we tried, but not fully. I promised to unite everyone, and today we achieved it. This general contribution made the festival a success.”
Unity, Identity, and Growth
For the youth of Okpanam, the festival is not just a cultural day—it is a sign of transparency, harmony, and growth.
Chigozie noted:
“This year’s celebration is far better than what we had last year. The Nwanbele unifies us so much and gives us identity. It shows we are stronger together.”
Keeping Tradition Alive for the Future
Looking ahead, the chairman expressed hope that the festival will never die out:
“It will never stop. It will continue from generation to generation. I believe that even those abroad who couldn’t come this year will be encouraged to join us next time.”
A Call to the Youths
In his closing words, Comr. Chigozie gave a heartfelt message to the youths of Okpanam:
“My advice is for us to keep building this structure because I believe we will keep getting stronger together. For the youths of Obodogwugwu, my prayer is that the Obodogwugwu they knew before will come back again.”
The Bigger Picture
The 2025 Nwanbele Festival was more than a cultural celebration. It was a statement of youth power, unity, and continuity. By cooking for the community, joining hands across all seven quarters, and renewing their bond with tradition, the youths of Okpanam showed that they are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the custodians of their heritage today.
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