Chief Paschal Aguguo-Nkuku Mmiri 1 of Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area in Imo State Nigeria recently led the Nigerian Community in Padova to celebrate the New Yam Festival in grand style.

The New Yam Festival of the Igbo Iwaji and Iriji is an annual harvest festival by the Igbo people held at the end of the rainy season in early August. The Iwa ji or Iri ji festival ("literally new-yam eating") is practiced throughout West Africa, especially in the Igbo speaking part of Nigeria.

The New Yam Festival is a cultural ceremony for thanking gods and ancestors for the germination, growth and successful harvest of new yam.

It also marks the beginning of the harvest and consumption of the yam.

As tradition has it, before the festival starts the yam are offered to gods and ancestors first before distributing them to the villagers. The ritual is performed either by the oldest man in the community or the King. It is believed that their position bestows them the privilege of being intermediaries between their communities and the gods of the land.

Virtually all prominent Igbo sons and daughters in the Veneto region were in Padova to be part of the colourful festival which started with the symbolic breaking of the Kola nut by Chief Rowland Nwokeike Na Abagana.

The celebrant Chief Aguguo thanked the guests for finding time to honour his invitation. "As a title holder (Chief) and a Cabinet Member Eze in Council in Ngor/Okpala, tradition demands that any Cabinet Member must celebrate new yam (Iriji) wherever the person may be whether at home or abroad. Since I could not travel home I decided to celebrate it here with my people and friends. I am indeed short of words to express myself. I am overwhelmed by the turn out of people. It is a memorable occasion," he said.

Chief Aguguo who doubles as the President of Ngor/Okpala Congress in Italy (NOCII) and Vice President Old Imo Development Union (OIDU) Padova advised Nigerians living in Italy to be good ambassadors of Nigeria by shunning acts that will project Nigeria in a negative light. He reminded them that the Nigerian Government has embarked on programs to re-brand Nigeria before the international community.

Former Secretary of Ngor/Okpala Congress in Italy (NOCII) Nze Augustine Nwaugha praised Chief Aguguo as a worthy son of Igbo land, a son of the soil who is rich in native intelligence and mannerism.

He said he was not surprised when the traditional rulers in Ngor/Okpala Local Government unanimously conferred him with a chieftaincy title in recognition of the immense role he is playing here in Italy and at home to ensure peace, unity and progress for Ngor/Okpala people.

The festival which took place at Chief Aguguo's residence attracted personalities such as Chief (Dr) Julius Okigbo-Okigbo Arochukwu, Chief Ambrose Okeke-Ozo Dike Na Awo-Omamma, Chief Ifeanyi Chika Ajibo- Echendu of Aguru, Chief Chibueze Nwoko, Chief Polycarp Nwoko-Ugwu Eze 1 of Igbo land and Nze Onyma Paulinus.

Also in attendance at the colourful ceremony were Nze Samuel Ikenna Okeafor, Sir Anselm Eche, Joe Eke, Elder Steve Obikaram, Great Ebube Eche, Prince Joel and many others.

Yam and goat meat with local palm oil (Mmanu nri) prepared by Sisters Chinasa and Tina were served.

By Nnanna Okere

Action Chapel International, the Brescia branch of the Action Youth Ministry, held a two-day talent show dubbed ‘the Lord’s Party’. The event, which is in its 6th year, was attended by Christians from all denominations in Italy.

The show kicked off with music from an up and coming Gospel musician, Cindy Osei Kuffuor who sang ‘It’s time to shine again’ amid applause from the excited audience.

It was immediately followed by a moving Jamaican version of ‘The Lord is my shepherd’ sang by the Action Youth Choir, led by Debbie Ampah Hope and Jessica Kena. Activities lined up included preacher hunting, which saw six contestants take up the podium to preach on the sermon ‘worship’ based on readings from John Chapter 4.

Mr. Richmond Safo of Holyway Pentecostal Church, who happens to be the reigning champion, retained the title of the best preacher for the third time. Other activities were stage-acting, singing and choreography performances while a varied buffet of Ghanaian and Continental dishes was laid out for the guests.

The organizers of the event, Mr. Henry Adofo Asiedu and Mr. Frank Nii Mensah spoke of their desire to institute a platform for the youth in Brescia and beyond to unearth their God given talents while forging ahead in their quest to serve God better. They encouraged participants not to relent in their bid to give their all in service to God and mankind. According to Mr. Adofo Asiedu, the event will continuously be organized annually to keep the youth focused on God’s word and also for social interaction.

Present at the ceremony was the Head Pastor of the Brescia Branch of Action Chapel International, Rev Klaus Sackey and some ministers from other nearby churches, including Pastor Beatrice Asante, Rev. Mrs. Anokye and Minister Adofo Asiedu.

By Alexander Ampong-Sam

A special church service in Reggio Emilia marked the passing out of six graduates from the Bible College of Assemblies of God Church (A/G).

William Asamoah Tannor from Revival Centre of A/G Church in Udine, Isaac Yaw Boakye from Maranatha A/G Church in Brescia, Charles Yaw Kwateng from Holy Spirit A/G Church in Modena, Eric Abrokwa from Christ A/G Church in Como, Jean Twum Danso from House of Grace A/G Church at Bassano-Vicenza, and Joseph Kouame Aka from Palermo A/G Church were presented their certificates in a joyful atmosphere.

It was the 5th Graduation Day of the Bible College since it was established in 2002 and the theme of the day was: ‘Missionaries Without Borders’.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Charles Yaw Kwateng said they responded to the call of God and started their training at the college in August 2007. The 4-year course in pastoral studies has been helpful, he said. “Our class is made of five men and one woman”, he said, adding that “the vast age difference has been an advantage since old and young blend ideas in creating a good atmosphere for studies.”

Mr. Yaw Kwateng said the training on campus makes one go out refined and ready to work for God. “Missionaries Without Borders are ready for morning devotion as early as 7 o’clock and lectures are structured in a practical way so as to render the field work easier for outgoing students,” he said.

Mr. Yaw Kwateng said they were ready to go out to put into practice what they had learnt.

“The Missionaries Without Borders are now ready to cause change in the world of Christ,” he said.

The Field Director of the Church in Italy, Rev. Joe Amanfu, charged the new graduates to know all about Christ – His teachings, His way of life, His purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecution, sufferings and what happened to Him.

He said everyone who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted by evil men.

Citing 2 Corinthians 10:16, Rev. Amanfu urged the graduates to preach the Gospel wherever they go without ever boasting of their work. “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young in the Ministry but set examples for the believers in speech, in life, in love in faith and in purity,” he added.

Rev. (Dr) Paul Frimpong Manso – a lecturer of the Bible College and the General Superintendent of A/G in Ghana – advised the new men of God not to be angry with Pastors who will open up churches in their areas.

He asked the congregation to accompany the new graduates with prayers so that they can succeed in all they plan to do.
“Prayer can go everywhere,” he said, adding that “what these ‘Missionaries Without Borders’ need from you is to join them in prayers and the sky will be their limit. Without prayers they can’t make it.”

The new graduates received their certificates and shook hands with Rev. (Dr.) Frimpong Manso, Rev. Solomon King, Principal of the College, Rev. James D. Kessler, the Dean of the College and all lecturers. They were presented with bouquet of flowers by their spouses and church members as they walked off the podium.

During the event, the General Superintendent ordained five Pastors of the church: Samuel Ofei Tagoe, Ralph Ekow Yawson, Sammy Ofosuhene, Antwi Manu and Patrick Boakye, a lecturer at the College.

Also present at the service were Rev. Adu Boahene, Vice Field Director of the Church, Rev. Roland Aggrey Jnr., National Treasurer, Rev. Joseph Donkor and Pastor Patrick Agyemang from A/G Church in Ghana.

By Reggie Tagoe

H.E. Josephine Gaita: Be strong, united, help each other, and market Kenya

Kenyans in Italy held a special meeting in Rome to welcome their new Ambassador, Her Excellency Josephine Gaita.

It was an afternoon full of fun featuring Nafsi Africa Acrobats from Kenya who were touring Europe. They thrilled the public with unique performances leaving some wondering whether what they did on stage was magic or not.

Addressing Kenyans, Ambassador Gaita apologised for not being able to speak Italian. She arrived in Italy on 27th August this year and was still struggling to learn some Italian. “I promise that next year, by this time I’ll be speaking Italian,” she said.

The Ambassador observed that 27th August was a very significant date for her because apart from arriving in Italy on that day, it was also the very day Kenyans back home voted overwhelmingly to approve the new Constitution.

She thanked Kenyans and their leaders back home for holding a peaceful referendum campaign and for finally granting the country a new Constitution which she said will reinforce democracy and contribute to political stability in the country.

“The new Constitution is very nice,” she said, adding that “the world will soon see a different Kenya once it is implemented.”

Ambassador Gaita assured Kenyans in Italy that “with the new Constitution things have changed for the better.”
The new Constitution allows Kenyans to have dual citizenship. “Those who lost their Kenyan citizenship can apply to regain it once the Bill is enacted,” Ambassador Gaita said. Under the new Constitution, any child born of a Kenyan in any part of the world is automatically a Kenyan citizen.

She praised the Association of Kenyans in Italy for the good working they’ve been doing. Ambassador Gaita said she had been to so many missions abroad but never found a well organised association of Kenyans like the one in Italy with rules and regulations.

She encouraged Kenyans in Italy to continue being friendly and ready to help those in need. She also promised to collaborate with the Association for the welfare of Kenyans in Italy.

Ambassador Gaita said the door to her office is wide open to all Kenyans in Italy and urged them to go to the Embassy whenever they have a problem.

Reminding all Kenyans in Italy that they are all ambassadors of their country, Ambassador Gaita said: “I give you the mandate to market Kenya wherever you are.” She appealed to them to encourage foreigners to visit and invest in Kenya. “Let us know of any opportunities beneficial to Kenya,” she said.

She confirmed that Kenya Airways will resume flights to Rome from 15th December 2010, making it easier for Kenyans to either travel home or import Kenyan products while at the same time exporting Italian products to Kenya.

The Ambassador said the Kenyan Government recognises the contribution of Kenyans abroad to the country’s development. “We hold you very dear when you are out here,” Ambassador Gaita said.

Talking about the future of Kenya, Ambassador Gaita said Kenya is moving fast to become an industrialised country. If you visit Kenya in the next five years, the infrastructure you’ll see will leave you wondering whether you are in Kenya or in a European country, she said.

The Ambassador urged Kenyans to unite as Kenyans and not as people from a given region or ethnic group. “Let’s be one, be Kenyan and be proud of being Kenyan,” she said, adding that “wherever you are, be united, and keep Kenyan flag flying higher.”

Mr. Wilson Mwangi Kamami, President of the Association of Kenyans in Italy thanked the Ambassador for accepting the invitation to meet Kenyans, and for her kind words.

By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a

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