2027: IKONNE CELEBRATES IRI JI WITH ONATARACHI, CALLS FOR PRESERVATION OF IGBO CULTURAL HERITAGE
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Abia South Senatorial District, Prince Paul Ikonne, has described the New Yam Festival as a cherished cultural heritage and an important symbol of Igbo identity that must be preserved and sustained for future generations.
Prince Ikonne made this known on Sunday when he attended the New Yam Festival (Iri Ji Ohuru), organised by renowned traditional medicine practitioner, Mr. Uzochukwu Ibenji, popularly known as Onatarachi Aba Global, at his country home in Eziukwu, Aba.
Speaking at the colourful celebration, Prince Ikonne noted that the New Yam Festival goes beyond the consumption of yam, describing it as an expression of thanksgiving to God Almighty, a celebration of harvest, hard work, productivity and the rich cultural traditions of the Igbo people.
“Our culture is our identity. Wherever we go, our culture remains our pride. The New Yam Festival reminds us of who we are as Ndi Igbo. It teaches our children the value of farming, hard work and gratitude. This is a heritage we must not allow to die,” he said.
He commended Onatarachi Aba Global for his commitment to traditional healing and his efforts to promote and sustain Igbo cultural heritage through the annual New Yam Festival.
“I want to commend Onatarachi for his commitment to using herbs and roots in traditional healing. Beyond his practice of traditional medicine, he has consistently upheld this great cultural heritage of Iri Ji. I urge him to sustain this tradition,” Ikonne stated.
Prince Ikonne further expressed his commitment to championing policies that promote and protect Igbo culture, traditional institutions and indigenous knowledge systems, including traditional medicine, if elected to represent Abia South Senatorial District in 2027.
In his response, Mr. Uzochukwu Ibenji, popularly known as Onatarachi Aba Global, thanked Prince Paul Ikonne for honouring his invitation and identifying with him at the celebration despite his busy schedule.
He described Ikonne as a respected Prince of Aba Ngwa, a humble leader and a true son of the soil who values tradition and culture. He also prayed for God’s guidance and success for him in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
The event featured colourful entertainment, traditional dances, masquerade displays and thrilling performances by popular traditional music maestro, Nwaobilor Nwa’m.
The high point of the celebration was the cutting and eating of roasted new yam with red palm oil (Ji Ahuru-ahu na Mmanu), in keeping with tradition and symbolising abundance, unity and thanksgiving.
The festival attracted several dignitaries, including the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) candidate for Aba Federal Constituency, Prince Adimchinobi Nwaigwe; the ZLP candidate for Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Chidiebere Charles; traditional rulers and chiefs, women, youths and other cultural enthusiasts.
@Prince Paul Ikonne
Campaign Media Directorate.
