The Igbo new yam festival, Iriji Igbo, is an annual cultural festival by the Igbo people that is held at the end of the rainy season between August and September; and is practised throughout West African countries. It symbolizes the conclusion of a harvest and the beginning of the next work cycle.
The celebration is a cultural festival which ties individual Igbo communities together as essentially agrarian, and dependent on yam.
In demonstrating his love and penchant for Igbo rich cultural heritage, socio anthropology and festivities; a renowned Igbo son, Ghana based billionaire business mogul, serial philanthropist, careless giver, critical stakeholder in the political leadership of Imo State; a highly respected community leader and pride of the Mbaise nation, High Chief Dr. Amb. Okwu Divine Nwandu(Afor l Ihitteaforukwu), on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, hosted the debut new yam festival in his community – Iriji Ihitteaforukwu – Mbaise at his Umuezeariam country home in a grand style.
The colorful event which started with grand finale of the wrestling competition at the open playground of Akunaeshiobiike’s palatial home as coordinated by Mbaise born- Imo topnotch rap artist, Obinna Obinna, popularly known by his stage name as Acharaman, witnessed a massive attendant as market men and women, traders, artisans, students, village heads, palace chiefs, president generals of various communities and representatives of traditional rulers were spotted by 4thestatereporters , as they gleefully cheered the wrestlers up during the wrestling competition. An avenue created by High Chief Dr. Amb. Okwudiri Divine Nwandu to systematically empower the youths of his community as the winner went home with a cash prize of three hundred thousand Naira (N300,000.00).
Theme of the 2023 Ihitteaforukwu -Mbaise Iriji Festival: ” Strengthening The Bonds That Bind Our People Together” under the distinguished chairmanship of HRH Eze Dr. David Akujiobi Osuagwu, Oshimri ll of Awaka Ancient Kingdom, Deputy Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers. From one speaker to another, they hampered on the important need as a people to promote Igbo culture, tradition and language nuances while carrying themselves so high as illustrious sons and daughters of a great nation like Mbaise.
The Eze-elect of Ihitteaforukwu Community and host, High Chief Dr. Amb. Okwudiri Divine Nwandu, during his speech, urged the people to come together in love, peace and unity as without that there wouldn’t be progress in any society. Akunaeshiobiike, who has executed developmental projects not just in his community and Mbaise nation but across Imo communities while empowering young men and women; including indigent families that have no means of livelihood, thanked the people for their massive attendance and uncommon belief in his leadership and Mbaise nation.
In his note of appreciation after the new yam festival, High Chief Okwudiri Divine Nwandu was captured in the following statements:
“ Dear esteemed brothers, sisters, friends and well wishers. I write you today, a proud and grateful son of Mbaise land with profound humility to express my heartfelt gratitude to you all for the huge success of 2023 Iriji Celebration.
Permit me to start by first thanking my amiable and lovly wife, Osodieme Lolo Adaku Nwandu, who has always remained supportive of our initiatives and encouraged me to strive for excellence. I would also like to extend my immense gratitude to the Iriji Planning Committee led by Dim Emeka Obasi and Engr Iyke Mbakwe for their hardwork, diligence and dedication in executing this great cultural event.
May I further express my appreciation to all the highly respected traditional rulers, members of Eze -in- Council , Ezejis and other titled men for their supports toward making this Iriji celebration a resounding cultural carnival.
The traditional ruler – designate, High Chief Dr. Amb Okwudiri Divine Nwandu, Chief Executive Officer, Okwu Ventures West Africa Limited; Director at Regent Paint International, is an accomplished business maverick, an embodiment of numerous virtues in philanthropy, bridge building, peace making, selfless community service, diligence, excellence, integrity, careless giving, social welfare advocacy, strong pillar in youth empowernment, respect for traditional institution, and a friend of Jesus, has raised the leadership bar so high in Mbaise nation to the extent he has become a rallying point in peace building, philanthropy and community development. The 2023 Iriji Ihitteaforukwu, which was the first ever elaborate celebrated new yam festival in the community was hosted by High Chief Dr. Amb. Okwudiri Divine Nwandu (Afor l of Ihitteaforukwu), is another remarkable and laudable selfless community service rendered by this illustrious son of Mbaise nation.
The event which attracted dignitaries from all walks of life is a loud testimony that Akunaeshiobiike has established himself very strongly in business, community service and political leadership as the Imo State governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Sen Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu his running mate, Rt. Hon. Jones Onyereri , Ph.D, alongside the retinue of their colorful entourage stormed Ihitteaforukwu Community to honour High Chief Dr. Amb. Okwudiri Divine Nwandu.
While creating a space to thank the Iriji Planning Committee led by Dim Emeka Obasi and Engr. Iyke Mbakwe for their hardwork, diligence and dedication, High Chief Okwudiri Divine Nwandu (Afor l of Ihitteaforukwu), however, extended his heartfelt appreciation to his friends, associates, business partners and numerous well wishers who made huge financial donations and other gift items to ensure the event was seamless and successful the likes of: His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu ( Eze-igbo Ghana Eze-ohazurume ), Chief Chimezie Njoku, CEO of Chizet Group, Dr. Chinedu Anyanwu- Edu Spain, King Donald Nwachinemere, Chief I.G Okafor, Chief Dr. Moses Ayoka, Ezinwa Chimaobi Igbokwe, Eze Samuel Ekezie (JP), Eze Dr. Victor Anyiam, Eze Dennis Abuchi Oha, Chief Barr. Max Uzogo, Chief Paul Agu (Otolo Mighty), Chief Nduka Ibeh. Others were; Amb. Iyke Osuji, Hon.Chibuike Maduike, Nneoma Nnaomi Donald, Chief Ikechukwu Anopueme, Chief Anayo Chibundu, Mr. Chigozie Odirinwunne, Mr. Chinedu Emenogu, Prince Clement Egbukachi, Mr. Justus Ononiwu and others too numerous to mention for want of space.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of a well deserved royal award by Mbaise Council of Kingmakers – Ochieze Mbaise on High Chief Dr. Amb. Okwudiri Divine Nwandu in recognition of his numerous contributions to the growth and advancement of the traditional institution in Mbaise, Igbo land and Nigeria at large. Another socio-cultural group that honoured the philanthropist and respected community leader is Mbaise For Peace And Progress Initiative For Development in recognition of his immeasurable contributions toward the upliftment of humanity and rural development in Mbaise nation.
The event ended in an atmosphere of merriment as different cultural dance groups drumed their beats in celebrating their illustrious son, High Chief Dr. Amb. Okwudiri Divine Nwandu, has has been a huge blessing to his people.
