By Michael Ezenwata
The ancient community of Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State on July 30 marked the 2026 “Ikpo Ji” Festival in grand style, signifying the purification and official ushering in of the new yam into Nkwo Enugwu-Ukwu market.
The socio-cultural event was presided over by Ozonkpu Chief Sir Macman Benito Ozigbo, Ebubemba Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri, who was designated by His Royal Majesty Igwe Ralph Ekpeh to serve as Chief Priest and Messenger for the 2026 edition.
The annual ritual, performed first at Obu Umunri, involves breaking and praying over kolanuts, symbolic prayers for the land, and the formal declaration that the new yam is fit for public consumption. The team later moved in a solidarity procession to Nkwo Enugwu-Ukwu market.
Receiving the Ozonkpu Ozigbo-led delegation at the palace, Igwe Ekpeh commended him for upholding the culture and tradition of Enugwu-Ukwu and, by extension, Igboland. He described the festival as vital for purification, unity, and the promotion of cultural values.
The monarch explained that while the “Ikpo Ji” rite opens the market to the general public, titled chiefs traditionally wait for the “Onwa Asato” new yam festival in August before consuming the new yam. He urged future designees to be guided by the ethics of the exercise to sustain its sanctity.
In a welcome speech, the wife of the traditional ruler, HRM Lady Dora Ekpeh, Okpueze Enugwu Ukwu na Umunri, passed a vote of confidence on Ozonkpu Ozigbo and his wife for conducting the rituals to the satisfaction of the community and guests.
Giving a detailed report, Ozonkpu Chief Sir Clement Nwafor, Nkata Ukwu Osote Onosolu Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri, said the rites at both Obu Umunri and Nkwo market were performed according to custom. He awarded Ozonkpu Ozigbo an “excellent mark” for his diligence.
Also speaking, the Igwe’s Cabinet Secretary, Ozonkpu Chief Frank Nwokike, Ozonkpu Ugogbuzue Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri, expressed delight at the peaceful conduct of the festival and praised the messenger for upholding the community’s heritage.
Responding, Ozonkpu Ozigbo, who is also Chief Executive Officer of Green Gardens Consultant Limited, thanked Igwe Ekpeh for the honour. He called for peace, love, and unity, and urged all Enugwu-Ukwu indigenes to rally around the traditional ruler. He also announced an empowerment gesture of ₦300,000 each to four persons as part of activities marking the festival.
In their separate remarks, the Palace Secretary of the Igwe of Amawbia Chief Willy Nwokoye, Ozonkpu Paschal Ezenwaka, Ozonkpu Amaechi Okafor, Comrade Chief Boniface Ozonkwuaku immediate past PG of the Enugwu Ukwu Community, Chief Sam Ekpeh and Evangelist Festus Okechukwu an indigene of Enugu Ezike, Enugu state spoke on the “Ikpo Ji’ Festival which ushers in the new yam into the Nkwo Enugwu Ukwu market and the exodus of the old yam from the market.
They all expressed delight in the successful “Ikpo Ji’ assignment given to Ozonkpu Ozigbo which was well delivered.
Other prominent guests included APGA’s 2027 Anambra Central Senatorial candidate Chief Dozie Nwankwo, former Senator Ikechukwu Abana, and Dr. Tochukwu Mbachi, Ayilinanya Enugwu Ukwu na Umunri and a national officer of the Nigeria Medical Association. Governor Chukwuma Soludo was represented by his Chief of Protocol, Prof. Collins Okafor, at a grand reception held at Ozonkpu Ozigbo’s residence, bringing the celebration to a colorful close.
Highlights on this year’s “Ikpo Ji’ Festival were a solidarity dance from Obu Umunri to the Nkwo Enugwu-Ukwu market and back led by Ozonkpu Ozigbo and a grand reception at his Enugwu Ukwu residence.
Michael Ezenwata is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
