The Aganama Royal Family in Awkuzu, led by HRH Eze Chibuike Okafor, Eze Aganama III has celebrated its annual Iriji festival to promote agriculture and Igbo tradition.
The event, held at Obieze (the king’s palace) in Iruayika Awkuzu, attracted age grades, clubs, business associates, friends, and well-wishers. All wished Eze Aganama III a long life and paid homage to him as the recognized Obi of Awkuzu.
Speaking with the press about the Iriji cultural celebration, Eze Chibuike Okafor explained that he chose to celebrate the new yam with his people in a special way.
He expressed satisfaction that their plans had come to fruition and thanked God for it. Eze Chibuike also expressed gratitude to everyone present and prayed for continued peace and unity in his community. He noted that the event was a way to thank God for a bountiful harvest and used the occasion to encourage everyone, especially the youth, to invest more effort in agriculture to ensure future food security.
The Onowu of Awkuzu, Chief Tochukwu Mgbako, thanked everyone for attending the ceremony and emphasized that the long-standing rich cultural festival would continue to foster peace, love, and understanding in Awkuzu.
Chief Ekene Innocent Isiogu, aka Ozo Nweleibobo, Chairman of the Udo Amaka Friends Club and Omenala Ka Di Group, along with Chief Emmanuel Chukwuaruka, Eze Obiadimbuya I of Achina, expressed gratitude to HRH Eze Chibuike Okafor and wished him a long life on the throne.
Highlights of the ceremony included the cutting of the roasted yam by Eze Aganama III, dancing by the Eze and others, masquerades, entertainment, photographs, and more.
