Akagbe Ugwu Celebrates Iri Ji in Grand Style as Odaa Opuo Joins Community

The people of Akagbe Ugwu Community in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State on Thursday, August 6, 2026, commenced the celebration of their annual New Yam Festival, a colourful cultural event that brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, distinguished guests, families, youths, and cultural performers.

The New Yam Festival, traditionally known as Iri Ji, Iwa Ji or Ike Ji, remains one of the most significant cultural celebrations among the Igbo people. Beyond marking the successful harvest of yam and the end of the farming season, the festival provides an important opportunity for communities to celebrate their heritage, strengthen unity, honour their traditions, and express gratitude for the blessings of the year.

Adding colour and significance to the celebration was the presence of Chief Dr. Nweke Kingsley Chizoba, Odaa Opuo I Ndi Igbo, who once again demonstrated his strong commitment to identifying with the people and promoting the preservation of Igbo culture and traditions.

Odaa Opuo attended the event alongside members of his entourage, including HRM Igwe Don Sylvester Nweke, Lady Prof. Muna Nweke (Ufam), Hon. Prince Emma Ogbodo, Director of the Odaa Opuo Movement, as well as other distinguished personalities and members of the press.

The celebration also attracted prominent sons and daughters of Akagbe Ugwu, including Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, Member representing Nkanu West State Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, the renowned oil magnate Chief Sincodor, popularly known as Odogwu Snake, and other notable community leaders.

In their remarks and interactions, the community leaders and residents expressed appreciation to Odaa Opuo for honouring their invitation and identifying with the community at such an important cultural occasion. His presence was widely described as a demonstration of respect for the people, their heritage, and the enduring values of Igbo communal life.

The atmosphere became even more vibrant as traditional music, dancing, cultural displays and masquerade performances took centre stage. The masquerades and enthusiastic members of the community joined in celebrating the occasion, with praises and goodwill directed towards Odaa Opuo.

For Odaa Opuo, the celebration was more than a social gathering. It was an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of culture, community, unity and collective identity, while encouraging the younger generation to appreciate and preserve the rich traditions handed down by their ancestors.

The New Yam Festival at Akagbe Ugwu was, indeed, a flamboyant celebration of Igbo culture, heritage, unity and community spirit—a colourful reminder that the strength of a people lies not only in their achievements, but also in their ability to preserve and celebrate the traditions that define them.