By Akuma Ebere
Ihembosi community in Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Anambra State has been filled with joy as the town, in collaboration with its newly elected executive, celebrated her Iwaji (new yam) festival.
The ceremony took place with pomp and pageantry. It was attended by prominent figures from the town, including Anya Ihembosi, Ezementus, Nwakaibeya, and representatives from all the villages and branches of Odinana Ihembosi.
Ihembosi consists of eight villages: Umuabor, Umunakwa, Uhuala, Otukwe, Onitsha, Chekenta, Ubahu, and Umuohi, the youngest.
The ceremony was declared open by Rev. Fr. Calistus Agbadike. The cutting of the new yam was performed by the youngest village, Umuohi according to the tradition of the town.
In his opening speech, Chief Malachy Ezeamulunobi, the new President General of Ihembosi Progressive Assembly (IPA), expressed gratitude to God for His protection, which they sought and received. He prayed for God’s endless blessings and protection of Ihiembosi people.
He said that the annual festival was a time to thank God and Ihiembosi ancestors for a good harvest and to prepare for the next farming season.
“This year’s Iwaji was particularly successful, with everything going smoothly despite Nigeria’s economic challenges, “he observed.
As PG, Ezeamulunobi heartily appreciated the sons and daughters of the town, as well as all the villages and branches, for coming out in large numbers to promote the community’s cultural heritage and traditions.
Several Chiefs, groups, and branches were interviewed, including Chief Chidiebele Achinike (Mgbologuoji Okija), Mr. Fidelis Nwaeze (Ejeme Okosisi), Chief Okechukwu Agwuncha (Ezenyerenwa), Ikechukwu Oputa (aka Ugodiebube), Igbokwe Olisaemeka (aka Agujelemba), Chief Gregory Duru (Ezedioramma), and Arthur Ezeani (Arthur Rich).
They encouraged everyone to be strong and engage in meaningful work, assuring that God would bless them. They also prayed for greater love and progress, congratulating the new IPA executive and asking God to grant them wisdom in guiding the town.
Very Rev. Fr. Ephrem Chukwuma (Atuba Aloudo) noted the importance of promoting Igbo tradition, which he said was why he attended to support the event.
