Obi Irefi and others
By Akuma Ebere
The vibrant Irefi community in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, was aglow with cultural splendour and communal spirit as it successfully concluded the third edition of its annual Ufiejioku Festival.
Double Lion at the center during the event
Held at the Irefi Civic Centre, the event drew dignitaries, friends and well-wishers from across Nigeria and the diaspora, reinforcing the festival’s growing stature as a significant cultural celebration.
Presiding over the event was His Highness, Obi Sunday Enekwizu (Eze Obiukwu II), the revered traditional ruler of Irefi, who alongside the Irefi Obi-in-Council, Nzuko Irefi and other stakeholders, led the community in the traditional Iwaji (New Yam) ceremony ,a symbolic thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and the sustenance of life.
In his keynote address, Obi Enekwizu highlighted the importance of yam as the “king of crops” in Igbo land, expressing profound gratitude to God for the successful harvest season and the peaceful gathering of his people. “This is the third celebration where we have come together, heads held high, united for the progress of Irefi. God has done it again,” the monarch declared.
He further praised the efforts of the festival’s planning committee and sponsors, including the Chairman of Irefi in Council, Okwuoto Ezeigbo, Dinta Oraifite and Ofia Anawaluego.
A key highlight of the festival was the much-anticipated yam competition, which added a competitive but joyful edge to the proceedings. Among the contenders were:
Luben Aninwa – 15.5kg
Basil Okoye – 9kg
Ikechukwu Nnoli – 8.5kg
Chiagozie Onwuagba – 7kg
Azuka Ifediora – 5kg
Luben Aninwa emerged winner with an impressive 15.5kg tuber and was ceremoniously honoured with the title DIJI Irefi Oraifite, cementing his place in local folklore.
Distinguished guests graced the occasion, including Engr. Abela Emuebue, popularly known as Double Lion of the Black Race, Dr. Chris from the United States, Ven. Uchechukwu Offor (representing Sir Emeka Offor), Comrade Emuka Igwilo and Comrade Amaobi Ibeh, Deputy Youth Coordinator of the Ekwusigo National Youth Council.
Speaking to Vintage Times, Prince Chinedu Nsoffor (Ichie Nzedike Oraifite), Chairman of Igboebinie PLC and the Irefi Obi-in-Council, described the Ufiejioku Festival as a deeply symbolic occasion marking gratitude, unity and cultural pride. “This event is not just about yam; it is about life, thanksgiving and the future of our community,” he said, while expressing appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the festival.
Engr. Abela Emuebue, a loyal attendee of the festival, noted his enduring friendship with Ichie Nzedike Oraifite as one of the reasons for his annual participation. “Every year it gets better. This year was great, but I believe next year will be even greater,” he said with optimism.
Other attendees, including Comrade Amaobi Ibeh, Ven. Uchechukwu Offor, and Comrade Emeka Igwilo, echoed similar sentiments, praising the peaceful and colourful celebration while praying for sustained unity and progress in the community.
Earlier, Ven. Kenechukwu Obi led the gathering in a solemn dedication to God, urging Ndi Irefi to place Him at the center of all celebrations. In his prayer, Ven. Obi asked for the success of the program and called on the people of Irefi to unite for the true development of the village where the Will of God reigns supreme.
Cultural performances added rich layers to the celebration, with masquerade displays, traditional music, dances, and the ceremonial cutting of roasted yam by Obiukwu II serving as focal moments of the day’s festivities.
As the festival concluded on a high note, the people of Irefi Oraifite once again demonstrated their commitment to cultural heritage, community development, and shared prosperity ,a legacy they vow to uphold in future celebrations.
