By CHINYERE Nnaemeka
It was a sight to behold as indigens of Ohaji community in Imo State, and guests converged at the Ohaji District Headquarters, Umuokanne, for the 2025 Iri Ji festival.
The colourful event featured vibrant cultural displays, traditional dances, wrestling (mgba), stilt performances, and other forms of entertainment that reflected the people’s rich heritage.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Greg Obi, described the Iri Ji as more than just a harvest festival, noting that it was a sacred moment for the people to come together in thanksgiving, reflection, appreciating their blessings and strengthening their bond of unity.
Saying that they are blessed with a fertile soil, Obi urged the people not to abandon agriculture for oil and gas ventures, and also reminded them that Ohaji’s strength lies in their unity and self-reliance.
Also speaking at the event, the President General of Ogbako Ohaji People’s Forum, High Chief Fidelis Enyia (KSJ), reaffirmed the group’s dedication to promoting peace, education, and cultural revival in Ohaji land.
“Over the past year, Ogbako Ohaji has worked tirelessly to promote our socio-cultural growth, foster peace, and support our sons and daughters. We have mediated conflicts, encouraged education, and honoured those uplifting our community. Yet, challenges remain — economic hardship, youth unemployment, and infrastructure deficits. I call on all Ohaji sons and daughters to unite and contribute to our collective progress,” Enyia declared.
He described Iri Ji as a salient period for thanksgiving to God and their ancestors for a fruitful harvest, adding that yam remains the backbone of Ohaji’s sustenance and identity.
On infrastructure, Enyia lauded Governor Hope Uzodimma for the ongoing road projects in Ohaji, including the Owerri–Port Harcourt Road, the Obosima Gas Plant–Modular Refinery Road nearing completion, and the Umuapu Road under construction by an oil firm. He also applauded the Light Up Imo initiative that has extended to the community, urging faster completion of ongoing projects.
In his goodwill message, HRM Eze Dr. Matthew Nwokoma (Okaa Omee IV of Umuokanne Ancient Kingdom) revealed plans for the community to adopt mechanized farming to boost agricultural output. He appealed for government support through grants and soft loans to enable large-scale yam cultivation.
Nwokoma noted that modernizing agriculture would revive youth interest in farming and reposition Ohaji as a major agricultural hub in the state.
Earlier welcoming the people to the ceremony, Chairman of the 2025 Iri Ji Ohaji Central Planning Committee, Barr. Golden Nwosu, described the event as a festival of thanksgiving and identity.
He lauded Ohaji as the cradle of yam cultivation and reaffirmed that the ceremony symbolizes resilience, unity, and gratitude for a fruitful harvest.
Performing the symbolic cutting of the new yam, was HRM Eze Emmanuel Assor (Odozi Obowo II of Assa Kingdom), who in company of other traditional rulers, and dignitaries prayed for peace, progress, and oneness among the people, emphasizing that Iri Ji remains a unifying force that keeps the community’s traditions alive.
Also present in the celebration was the member representing Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, and Oru West Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu, Hon. Dr. Uzoma Francis Osuoha, (member representing Ohaji/Egbema State Constituency), Dr. Chima Amadi (Gburugburu), who was represented by his team of supporters, and Ambassador Nwaneri Goodluck, Director, City Boy Movement in Imo State, among others.
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