Anambra community postpones New Yam festival over kidnap of billionaire, Joseph Okafor

Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has reportedly called off its New Yam festival celebration billed for September 4, 2026.

DAILY POST gathered that the reason for this shift was because of the kidnap of an illustrious son of the community, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, owner of Jezco Group of companies and father of social media celebrity, Jowi Zaza.

Ezeokafor was allegedly kidnapped on Tuesday evening when he stepped out of his house without his security men.

The incident has sent the community into mourning, causing the postponement of the New Yam festival, an annual feast which holds on a specific date every year.

A source in the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, has officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival.

“The celebration is originally scheduled for September 4th, but shifted due to the abduction of their esteemed son, Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, CEO of Jezco Oil.

“The Igwe said the community of Ekwulobia cannot celebrate while their son remains in the custody of the kidnappers,” the source said.