By Judith Oraeki-Anigbogu
The people of Nnobi in Idemili South Local Government Area on July 21, celebrated the annual Ikpo Ji Festival, a traditional ceremony marking the beginning of the new yam harvest season and the official opening of farmlands for harvesting.
The festival, held at Afor Nnobi Market on the last Afor market day of July, is one of the community’s most important cultural events. It signifies the cleansing and blessing of newly harvested yams before they are sold or consumed, in accordance with the customs and traditions of the people.
The Chairman of Idemili South Local Government Area, Hon. Amaka Obi, attended the celebration, paid homage to the Kingmaker of Nnobi and Isi Ani Nnobi, Chief John Ojukwuisi Ani, and commended his role in preserving the community’s cultural heritage.
Obi also made a financial contribution towards the successful hosting of the festival.
She was accompanied by the Speaker of the Idemili South Legislative Council, Hon. Oluchukwu Ilogbenu, Rt. Hon. Ernest Ezeunyim and other dignitaries.
Highlights of the event included traditional rites performed by the Isi Ani Nnobi and other custodians of tradition, as well as colourful cultural displays by traditional drummers, title holders and members of the community.
The rites formally signify the commencement of the sale and consumption of newly harvested yams and precede family and community Iri Ji (New Yam) celebrations.
The Ikpo Ji Festival remains a symbol of thanksgiving, agricultural prosperity and the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of Nnobi and the wider Igbo community.
Judith Oraeki-Anigbogu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
