By Regina Igwebuike
The people of Amawbia Community, the centre point town in Awka Capital Territory, Anambra State today, Sept. 26, celebrated the 2026 New Yam Festival (Iwa Ji) with a colourful display of culture, tradition and thanksgiving.
The festival attracted Ndu Amawbia both at home and in the Diaspora, as well as traditional rulers from various communities and prominent stakeholders from across the state, including the Anambra State Head of Service, Anuli Iwouno, Esq.
Speaking at the event, the Traditional Ruler of Amawbia, HRH, Igwe Uchenna Sunday Okonkwo, who performed his maiden yam rituals as Okpaligwe, described the New Yam Festival as an important cultural heritage that promotes unity, gratitude and communal solidarity.
He said the celebration reflects the rich traditions of the Igbo people and provides an opportunity to thank God for the year’s harvest, while praying for greater abundance, peace and development in the coming year.
The high point of the celebration was the traditional breaking of kola nuts and the symbolic cutting of the new yam by the Okpaligwe, signifying the commencement of consumption of the new harvest.
The event also featured paying of homage to Okpaligwe, cultural dance performances by groups, age grades, masquerades and traditional troupes from Amawbia and neighbouring communities, adding colour and vibrancy to the celebration.
In an interview, Chief Joy Oby Nwankwo (Adadioranma), a bonafide daughter of Amawbia overwhelmed with the crowd and the success of the ceremony said: “My mother is from Ngene and my late father, Mr. Nathan Nwankwo, was from Umukabia village. I am particularly delighted today because my village honoured me as Mother of the Day, making this New Yam Festival very special for me.
Today’s celebration is well organized, courtesy of the cultural committee led by Ozo Rapuluchukwu Nwonu. I’m proud to be from Amawbia and I pray that all shall be well with everyone, and Amawbia will continue to beam, moving from strength to strength to the glory of God.
Regina Igwebuike is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
#Amawbia
#Iwa Ji 2026
#IgboCulture
