It was a weekend of colour, culture, tradition and homecoming in Apa-Agila, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, popularly known as “New Jerusalem,” as the Federal Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Chief James Oche KSC, joined his kinsmen to celebrate the annual Ujor New Yam Festival.
For Chief Oche, the festival was more than a celebration of a new harvest. It was a homecoming, a reunion with his people and a deeply emotional journey into the traditions, memories and values that have shaped Apa-Agila over generations.
He arrived in his country home on Saturday, September 12, ahead of the main festival, as the community came alive for the traditional Ujor eve celebration.
As darkness descended, Apa-Agila was transformed into a theatre of culture. Bonfires illuminated the night, traditional music filled the air, while age grades, youth groups and community associations moved from one prominent home to another, paying traditional visits in keeping with the customs of the festival.
There was music, singing, dancing, food, drinks and laughter as families and friends reunited and the younger generation joined in the celebration of a cultural heritage handed down by their forebears.
Chief Oche’s arrival was marked by a warm reception from members of the Council of PDP Ward Chairmen and local government executives, led by the Ado Local Government PDP Chairman, Hon. Abraham Ochoga.
Also on hand were the Ado Local Government Senatorial Liaison Officer, Hon. Matthew Ikpoki, other political leaders and members of the Apa-Agila Youth and Political Council.
The gathering brought together community leaders, youths, political stakeholders and residents in an atmosphere of friendship and conviviality, with the celebration stretching into the early hours of Sunday.
A Drumbeat in Honour of a Father
But beyond the music and merriment of Ujor came a poignant moment that connected the present generation with the memory of those who had gone before.
On the main festival day, the Royal Okanga Drum Group paid a traditional visit to Chief Oche.
In a solemn and symbolic performance, the Royal Okanga drums were played in honour of his late father, Elder Pius Ogaba Oche, of blessed memory.
The powerful rhythms of the traditional drums carried more than music. They evoked ancestry, family, memory and the enduring place of the departed in the life of the community.
For Chief Oche, the performance was a touching tribute to his father and to the values, wisdom and legacy he left behind.
It was also a reminder that Ujor is not merely about the new yam on the table; it is about remembering where the people came from, honouring those who built the community and passing its traditions from one generation to another.
Paying Homage to the Traditional Institution
In keeping with the spirit of the celebration, Chief Oche subsequently paid homage to the Ward Head of Apa-Agila, His Royal Highness, Chief Moses Obande, as well as the Council of Elders.
The visit was a demonstration of his respect for the traditional institution and its enduring role in preserving the identity, unity and values of the community.
It also provided an opportunity for Chief Oche to reaffirm his commitment to peace, unity and the continued development of Apa-Agila.
Speaking during the celebration, Chief Oche expressed appreciation to the people for the warm reception accorded him and commended the community for keeping its cultural heritage alive.
He praised the traditional institution, youth organisations, political stakeholders and residents for sustaining the spirit of togetherness that has remained a defining feature of the Ujor celebration.
According to him, Ujor transcends the celebration of the new yam harvest, describing it as a season of thanksgiving, cultural renewal, reconciliation, community bonding and the reaffirmation of a shared identity.
He urged the people to continue to use the festival as an avenue to strengthen communal relationships, promote peace and preserve the cultural values inherited from their ancestors.
A Celebration That Brings Apa-Agila Together
Those who accompanied Chief Oche included Hon. Abraham Ochoga, Hon. Sunday Oche, Hon. Sunday Aboh, Hon. Matthew Ikpoki, Hon. Samuel Otsonu, Igumale Ward Chairman, Hon. Sunday Ochapa; Chairman of Chairmen, Hon. Jacob Okpekwu; Atoji Ogiji; members of the Apa-Agila Youth and Political Council, community leaders and other well-wishers.
By the time the festival drew to a close, the message of Ujor was unmistakable: a people may travel far, attain great heights and occupy important positions, but the pull of home, heritage and ancestral roots remains enduring.
For Apa-Agila, the Ujor New Yam Festival is therefore much more than an annual cultural calendar event. It is a moment when the community pauses to give thanks for the harvest, celebrate its heritage, honour its elders and ancestors, welcome home its sons and daughters, and renew the bonds that hold the people together.
And this year, Chief James Oche’s homecoming added another layer to that enduring story — a celebration of culture, family, remembrance, leadership and home.
