Honouring Tradition and Promoting Unity: 2nd Iwa Ji Festival and 1st Stakeholders Summit of Edemani Amebo Ibagwa-Aka
The Iwa Ji Festival, better known as the New Yam Festival, stands as a revered occasion among the Igbo people, symbolizing gratitude, renewal, and cultural identity. This vibrant celebration ushers in the harvest season, encouraging communities to come together in thanksgiving to God and their ancestors for the fruits of the land, reaffirming unity, and highlighting the richness of Igbo culture. It is a time not just for feasting, but also for reflecting on our heritage and shared values.
In this esteemed tradition, the 2nd Iwa Ji Festival, alongside the 1st Stakeholders Summit of Edemani Amebo Ibagwa-Aka Autonomous Community, is set to unfold on Saturday, 18th October 2025, at the Palace of His Royal Highness, Igwe Prof. Ikenna S. Omeje, Eze Obule II of Edemani Amebo Ibagwa-Aka.
A key event of the day will be the Iwaji rite, to be conducted by HRH, Igwe Prof. Ikenna S. Omeje, Eze Obule II, with the attendance of all traditional rulers of Igbo-Eze South, titled elders of Oha Amebo, and members of Ohaneze Ndigbo of Igbo-Eze South. This sacred rite will serve as a powerful symbol of thanksgiving and renewal, strengthening the cultural bonds that unite the community. Following this rite, the Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Hon. Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, will formally declare the event open.
The day will also feature the 2nd Iwa Ji Lecture, presented by distinguished academic and cultural advocate, Prof. Damian Opata, who chairs the Board of Trustees, Igbo Language and Culture, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. During a press briefing at the palace of Eze Obule II, Chief (Prof.) Ejikemeuwa J. O. Ndubisi (Ichie Ugosinachi), the Chairman of the 2nd Iwa Ji Lecture Committee, promised that this year’s lecture will be enlightening, thought-provoking, and paramount for understanding the Iwa Ji tradition and its significance across generations.
Eze Obule II highlighted the significance of this festival, describing it as a vital reaffirmation of Igbo cultural identity and solidarity within the community. He extended a heartfelt invitation to all sons and daughters of Edemani Amebo Ibagwa-Aka, along with friends and supporters, to engage in this important cultural celebration. The Lolo Ugo Eze Obule, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Priscilla Omeje, affirmed that the women are not left behind in the preparations, noting their full readiness for the forthcoming cultural festival. She further emphasized that the active involvement of women will not only enrich the celebration but also underscore their indispensable role in preserving and promoting the community’s cherished heritage.
Similarly, Pst. Engr. Ugwoke Sunday A. Okpaka (Ichie Ikem si na Chukwu), Chairman of the Summit Committee, discussed how the inaugural Stakeholders Summit aims to enhance socio-cultural and economic growth within the community. He urged all stakeholders, both near and far, to take an active role in the development and future of Edemani Amebo Ibagwa-Aka Autonomous Community.
The President General of the community, High Chief Nelson Onugwu (Ichie Omekannaya), praised the dual initiatives, emphasizing their ability to fuse cultural pride with a vision for progress.
The festivities will kick off at 10:00 AM on October 18, 2025, promising a lively mix of entertainment, education, and cultural expression. Organizers assure that this event will not only celebrate the wealth of Igbo heritage but also serve as a catalyst for community advancement.
Notable figures at the press briefing included the Secretary of the Town Union – Chief (Barr.) John Onah (Ichie Agu Nnaya Woro); the Chairman of the Edemani Royal Cabinet – High Chief Kevin Asogwa (Ichie Ochendo); the Secretary of the Royal Cabinet – Chief (Prof.) Didacus Eze (Ichie Nwachinemelu); the Chairperson of the Women in Council – Chief Mrs. Christy Ugwoke (Ugosimba); Mr. Chekwube Ayogu, President of the Edemani Amebo Youth; and Chief (Hon.) Jude Ugwu (Ichie Omemma Nwachinemere) – Palace Secretary, among other respected dignitaries from the community.
Mark your calendars for October 18, 2025, as all roads lead to Edemani Amebo Ibagwa-Aka! Join the community in a memorable celebration of rich cultural heritage!!