Iri ji 2025: High Chief Okezie Ugboaja Commemorates New Yam Festival
Chief Okezie Gandy Ugboaja, a prominent figure in Abia State and former Chairman of the Local Government Civil Service Commission, marked the 2025 Iri ji festival at his hometown in Umuomai-Akpaa Mbato Aut. Community, Obingwa L.G.A. Family, friends, and associates gathered to celebrate this year’s New Yam Ceremony with him.
The Iri ji festival holds significant importance in Igbo culture, particularly for the Ngwa people. It serves various purposes, including religious, cultural, social, and economic aspects. Primarily, it is a time of thanksgiving for a successful yam harvest—the “king of crops”—and an occasion to honor God and ancestors for their blessings. The event reinforces cultural identity and heritage, featuring traditional music, dances, and masquerades. It promotes community bonding and social unity, encouraging many Ndigbo to return to their hometowns.
Chief Ugboaja has been dedicated to preserving the cherished New Yam Ceremony (iri ji), which the Ngwa Nation is renowned for. Throughout the years, he has celebrated this event with great grandeur, making it a significant part of NgwaLand’s history and essential in maintaining the rich culture of the Ndigbo and Ngwa Nation, especially at a time when such traditions risk fading away.
During the celebration, an upbeat Chief Okezie Ugboaja expressed his gratitude to the attendees, particularly acknowledging Hon. Peter Azubuike, Hon. Maxwell Nwadike, Hon. Destiny Isiguzoro, Ph.D., Mr. Godwin Adindu, Dr. Henry Ndubuisi Ahukanna, Ph.D., and the traditional leaders led by H.R.M Eze O.J Anaba (the Okahia 1) of Umuokahia Ancient Kingdom, along with other distinguished guests who contributed to the success of the New Yam Ceremony.
