By Alexander Johnson Adejoh and R.A.Yakubu Wise
The 8th Edition of “Come See Yam 2025” Festival, which held, August 17, 2025, at Holy Family Parish Akpo, has drawn attention to the importance of farming in the Igbo Region. The event which started with the celebration of the Holy Mass, featured Fr. Philip Okoye’s impressive yam harvest, showcasing his expertise in what he calls seasonless farming.
Fr. Anthony Chiegboka, Vicar General, Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, CADEK, who represented the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, His Eminence Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, during his address, emphasized the potential of the Igbo Region to feed itself if farming was taken seriously.
‘Imagine if we had another 2000 set of young men doing what Fr. Phillip is doing; no one in Igbo land would complain of hunger,’ he stated.
Fr. Okoye expressed gratitude for the bountiful harvest which yielded 140kg of yams and attributed his success to what he called God’s unfailing grace. He said God’s innovative and creative wisdom enabled him to harvest yams more than once in a year.
The enthusiastic priest farmer announced that next year’s event would be held in June, 2026 to further demonstrate the feasibility of seasonless yam farming. When asked about expansion plans, Fr. Okoye prioritized his calling as a priest, choosing to focus on mentoring young farmers instead.
The festival included traditional ceremonies, cultural displays, and the presentation of cash gifts to top-performing young farmers. Dignitaries in attendance included Catholic priests, traditional rulers, and members of the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Mother Church.
For his part, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ezeoke, Parish Priest, St. Mariagoretti, Umuona, noted that Fr. Okoye’s innovative farming methods were truly inspiring. He remarked that his dedication to mentoring young farmers would have a lasting impact on our community.
Also, HRH Igwe Alexander Ejikemeuwa Azike (Idu iii of Igbo-Ukwu), Traditional Ruler of Igboukwu, while reacting, disclosed that they were grateful for Fr. Okoye’s contributions to their community.
‘His method of yam production is a game-changer and we look forward to seeing its continued success,’ he said.
Part of the event’s highlights were, Holy Mass, display of yam harvest, cultural displays, cash gifts to young farmers, among others.
The “Come See Yam, 2025” Festival demonstrated the potential of innovative farming practices in addressing food security challenges. Fr. Okoye’s commitment to mentoring and community development has made a positive impact in Akpo and environs
