By Patrick Mgbaja
The Labour Party (LP) senatorial candidate for Owerri Zone, Sir Basil Maduka, has called on Mbaise people at home and in the diaspora to leverage the annual August 15 New Yam Festival to strengthen their unity and advance their political interests ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking with journalists during the festivities in Mbaise, Maduka described the annual celebration as a significant cultural institution that has continued to unite Mbaise sons and daughters across the world.
“Honestly, August 15 every year is symbolic. It is known for Mbaise people doing their New Yam Festival. As a symbolic culture of our own, we honour it. This is something that unites us together,” he said.
Maduka, who hosted the festival at his country home in Akpodim village two years ago, said the celebration attracts Mbaise sons and daughters from “all walks of life” back home.
According to him, the festival goes beyond merriment, as it provides an opportunity for the people to reconnect with their roots, strengthen their bonds and preserve their cultural heritage.
“It unifies our people, to identify with our people, to reignite our love and our cultural heritage. At any point in time, someone will ask you, ‘Where is your origin?’ All over the world, Mbaise worldwide is known for this. That’s why it’s so symbolic,” he said.
The LP candidate said the unity demonstrated during the festival could also be harnessed for political development and representation.
“So, in essence, it’s a great opportunity for whoever is looking for any political position. It’s symbolic because Mbaise nation has a lot of voting strength,” Maduka said.
He also used the occasion to promote his senatorial ambition, describing himself as the Mbaise candidate representing a major political party in the race for the Owerri Zone Senate seat.
“When you saw me talk to them—remember, this is our turn. I’m the only son of Mbaise in all the political parties that is a standard bearer for the Senate. Therefore, they are happy seeing me in the arena.
“Immediately I came, all of them were jubilating that the incoming senator is here, by the grace of God,” he said.
Reacting to reported disagreements between Ezeji and Ezuruezu Mbaise, Maduka called for dialogue and understanding among the parties involved.
“It’s a matter of understanding. In any community, there are always people who might try to be recognised. They have to resolve it because this is so symbolic,” he said.
He dismissed suggestions that the disagreement was primarily political, describing it instead as an issue involving recognition, culture and timing.
“Not really. It’s a matter of recognition, culture, and the time,” he said.
Maduka urged Mbaise people to use cultural gatherings such as the New Yam Festival to deepen unity, preserve their heritage and harness their collective strength for development and effective political representation ahead of 2027.
