By Akuma Ebere
The Igbokwe Youth Association (IYA) in Okpuneze Uruagu Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State has celebrated its New Yam festival at the Obi Igbokwe Palace.
The event was attended by all members of the Igbokwe Royal Family, along with their wives and children, umuada (women from the clan), friends, and well-wishers.
The celebration featured free medical check-up, including a lecture on sugar levels and blood pressure by Dr Okoye Oluebube, and a motivational talk by Prince Afam Ofodeme from Authority Radio on “Standing on Your Feet to Succeed in Life.” The event also included scholarships for brilliant students.
The IYA, which began in 2017 with only five members, has now grown significantly. Their aim is to unite the youth and support those who may be going astray. Some of their achievements include forming a group called Igba, which is used for activities within and outside the community.
Chief Emmanuel Igbokwe (Ezenwa) of the Igbokwe Royal Family expressed gratitude to God for bringing everyone together once again.
He thanked God for His protection and blessings on their family members and prayed for continued blessings. Ezenwa also appreciated the efforts of all the Igbokwe youths, particularly the founder, Prince Chinedu Igbokwe (Nwafenna).
In an interview, Prince Igbokwe thanked God for the successful gathering and explained that he funded the medical check-ups and other activities out of love for his brothers and sisters.
He prayed for further protection and encouraged everyone to work together to elevate the Igbokwe Royal Family and uphold the legacy of their forefathers.
Prince Chukwuemeka Igbokwe, Chairman of IYA, and Prince Onyeabo Igbokwe (Owele), Chairman of the planning committee for Iwaji 2024, described the event as wonderful. They praised their family as God’s own and expressed gratitude to everyone, praying for long life and prosperity.
In their separate speeches, Evangelist Prince Izuu Igbokwe and Prince Chikodili Igbokwe called the Iwaji Festival a success.
They emphasized that the festival is part of their forefathers’ heritage and vowed to continue their efforts to preserve it. They prayed for their Obi’s long life and good health and wished God’s favour upon all family members.
