By Regina Igwebuike
On September 27, Ozo Arc. Emeka Maduka, the Traditional Prime Minister(Osojeze ), Amawbia in his Palace, officiated the annual Iwa Ji ceremony, cutting roasted yam in the presence of dignitaries, age grades, Eke Oyibo market executive, the Hausa community, friends and well-wishers, marking the official start of the yam consumption.
The festival is a significant cultural event that promotes values like hard work, unity, and gratitude for bountiful harvests.
“Iwa Ji is a time for Ndi Amawbia to come together and thank God for the harvest, promote unity, and celebrate their cultural heritage. The festival also emphasizes the importance of hard work, patience, and perseverance, as embodied in the cultivation of yams, a staple crop in Igbo land,” Osojeze noted.
At the Event Centre, the Chairman of the occasion, High Chief Chukwuemeka Okeke Mgboko, represented by Hon. Gozie Obiakor, commended the progress made at the event centre, noting that it was fenced this year, and prayed for its completion next year. He expressed gratitude to Nze Akalanze, Mazi Chukwukadibia Odumodu, President General of Amawbia Town Union, for his leadership and good deeds, wishing the people of Amawbia continued progress, prosperity, and unity, believing that the New Yam Festival would bring blessings and harmony to the community.
The Father of the day, Nze Chibuzo Okolo, felicitating with the community, thanked God for the gift of life and bumper harvest even as he prayed for peace and unity of purpose. He was represented by Mr Bertrand Okolo.
Also, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, Director General, Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), represented by his Personal Assistant, Mr Onyeka Nwalusi, thanked the community for upholding her culture and traditions, describing it as Igbo’s identity.
Addressing the gathering, the PG, Nze Chukwuka Odumodu, said that the event celebrates the Iwa Ji Festival, a cherished tradition in Amawbia town. He outlined the festival’s proceedings, which include Iguaro, Ikpo ji n’Oye at Ezi Oye, a visit to the King’s house or the traditional prime minister’s place, Oji Ututu, and the main occasion at the Event centre. He emphasized yams’ significance in Igbo culture, noting they were a staple food for their forefathers. In his message, he called for peace in the community and expressed optimism about Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s performance, predicting a successful re-election.
In an interview, Ozo Eddy Nwokoye said, “Iwa Ji festival helps to unite the community, celebrate their uniqueness; a time to make merry and pray for the progress of the community, urging them to uphold their cultural heritage. This traditional festival signifies gratitude for a bountiful harvest and promotes community bonding”.
One of the Okpaligwe candidates, Nze Uche Okonkwo, highlighted the significance of the New Yam Festival, noting that it educates the youth on cultivation and harvest timing. He emphasized the importance of thanking the Almighty for a Bountiful harvest and seeking protection during cultivation. He said that if elected Okpaligwe, he will announce a competition for the biggest yam harvested by individuals and villages, aiming to encourage excellence. He praised the festival for preserving culture and tradition, promoting community unity and knowledge transfer to the younger generation.
Another Okpaligwe candidate, Nze Ndubuisi Okonkwo, wished Ndi Amawbia peace, unity and prosperity, praying that anyone who would emerge as the next Okpaligwe should be a man of peace to lead the community forward.
Earlier, Ozo Captain Francis Anyikwa, a titled Chief in Amawbia, at the Osojeze palace, expressed his delight in participating in the New Yam Festival. As a Maritime expert with international experience, he emphasized the importance of customs and traditions in community and national development. He noted that people worldwide treasure their customs for the values and cooperation they foster. He prayed for the well-being of Amawbia and its leader, Osojeze Ozo Arc. Maduka, looking forward to next year’s festival.
Also, the Chairman of Eke Oyibo Market, Amawbia, Mr. Ifesinachi Daniel Nwokoye, expressed gratitude to Osojeze for his leadership support. He emphasized the importance of markets to community development, saying that a town without a market is merely a playground. He prayed for continued good health and harmony to celebrate the festival in future years, giving glory to God for his providence, sustenance and protection.
Giving a vote of thanks, the Cultural Committee Chairman, Mr. Chijioke Nwolisa, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who joined the Amawbia people in celebrating the vibrant Iwa Ji festival. “We thank you for being part of this momentous occasion,” he said, wishing safe travels to those returning home. He extended special appreciation to the ATU leadership, led by Nze Akalanze, for their invaluable support, commending the tireless efforts of the cultural committee, who worked around the clock to make the event a resounding success. “May the spirit of Iwa Ji continue to unite and inspire us all,” he prayed.
Ugo and Enemma masquerades display from Ikeora and Ofuobi Age grades, cultural dance by Enugo Umueze women and other side attractions added glamour to the occasion.
Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
