By David Onwuchekwa
The historic town of Nnewi came alive on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, as the community officially flagged off this year’s Afia-Olu festival with pomp and pageantry.
Among the dignitaries in attendance was the Chief Executive Officer of Dotland Estate Limited, Barr. Ugochukwu Francis, who joined the people of Nnewi in celebrating the age-long cultural heritage.
Dotland Estate Limited, a fast-rising company renowned for providing exceptional and people-oriented real estate solutions, threw its weight behind the festival in solidarity with the traditional institution and the entire Nnewi community.
The 2025 Afia-Olu festival featured an array of colorful and exciting events, including a wrestling competition, cooking competition, cultural dance displays, musical performances, and the empowerment of petty traders—activities that not only entertained but also highlighted the spirit of unity and progress embedded in the festival.
Speaking to journalists at the Nkwo Triangle, the central venue of the celebration, Barr. Francis described the Afia-Olu (New Yam) festival as a significant tradition observed across all Igbo communities.
He explained that beyond the festivities, the celebration remains a sacred period of thanksgiving to God for a bountiful harvest and an avenue for communal bonding.
“Afia-Olu is more than just a festival; it is a season of homecoming where our brothers and sisters in the diaspora return to reunite with their people. It is also a time of blessings, both from God Almighty and from the revered custodian of our tradition, His Royal Highness, Igwe K.O.N. Orizu III,” he stated.
The Dotland CEO recalled with joy his courtesy visit to the palace of Igwe Orizu, describing the monarch as a father figure and a rare gift to Nnewi land.
“I was deeply honored to be warmly received and blessed by the longest-serving monarch in Nigeria, His Royal Highness Igwe K.O.N Orizu III. His reign has been a blessing to Nnewi and a symbol of peace, wisdom, and cultural preservation,” Barr. Francis noted.
He further called on cultural custodians, parents, and community leaders to intensify efforts in promoting Igbo culture, ensuring that younger generations understand and uphold their heritage.
The flag-off of the Afia-Olu festival was graced by illustrious sons and daughters of Nnewi, both at home and abroad, who trooped in to celebrate their rich cultural identity and renew their bond of unity.
