– Mayor, Chiefs, villagers storm community field in celebration of new year, culture
By Akuma Ebere
Ihembosi, a serene and culturally rich town in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, came alive in full glory on Saturday, 27th September 2025, as it played host to a jubilant crowd for its annual Iwaji Festival, a celebration of new beginnings, heritage and harvest.
The festive spirit took over the Ihembosi Community Field, the epicentre of the occasion, with drumming, dancing, masquerades and cultural displays drawing sons and daughters of the town ,both home and abroad for a memorable event marked by pomp, pageantry and deep traditional significance.
Gracing the colourful celebration was none other than the Mayor of Ekwusigo LGA, Hon. Chimezie Obi (Onyemezi), a proud son of the soil, alongside respected traditional and community leaders including Anya Ihembosi, Ezementus, Onwa Ihembosi, Nwakibeya, Ossytraco and other notable dignitaries from the town’s eight vibrant villages: Umuabo, Umunakwa, Uhualor, Otukwe, Onucha, Chiekenta, Ubahu and the youngest, Umuohi.
Opening prayers were led by Ezementus, calling for divine protection and guidance over the land. In his address, the event’s Chairman, High Chief Chris Ubah (Ezechunagbaluogu), praised God for the fair weather and the smooth flow of the festival. He thanked both past and present Presidents-General (PGs), traditional title holders, clergy and community branches for their commitment to Ihembosi’s unity and progress.
He used the opportunity to caution the youth against the temptation of “quick money” and ritual wealth, urging them to embrace hard work and integrity as the true path to success.
In a heartfelt speech, the President-General of the Ihembosi Progressive Assembly (IPA), Chief Malachy Udezue (Ezeamulunobi), thanked God for His protection and for a peaceful and successful harvest season, despite the biting economic challenges facing Nigeria.
“Our ancestors have blessed us with a fruitful year,” he declared. “This festival is not just a tradition; it is a testimony of thanksgiving and preparation for the next farming season.”
Ezeamulunobi lauded the turnout of villagers and branches, emphasizing the role of agriculture in sustaining Ihembosi’s economy. He praised top-performing farmers and announced the continuation of the farming competition to further strengthen agricultural pride in the town.
He also extended his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the festival’s success spiritually, financially, and morally ,praying for divine replenishment “in hundred folds.”
On politics, he boldly urged his people to vote wisely in future elections, affirming the present administration’s impact on the town and promising their support for a second tenure.
Several prominent personalities echoed similar sentiments. Ossy Ihioha (Ossytraco), Mr. Chidera Nwaneyi (Nze Nwachinamalaoji), Chief Odinaka Udeze (CEO Odinick Ltd, Ogbuefi Nwakibeya) and Nze Ndupu Kevin (Ezeakunehiudu) described the festival as a success and encouraged Ihembosi youths to engage in meaningful ventures.
They called for unity, prayers for wisdom among the town’s leaders and continued promotion of Igbo culture and values.
Anya Ihembosi commended all past Presidents-General from Rev. Arazu to Ezementus, from his own tenure to Chief Ebuka Onunkwo, Dumije, Professor and the incumbent Ezeamulunobi , praising the innovation of homage-paying at the community field instead of personal residences.
The highlights of the day were as rich as the new yam itself. They included:
Cutting of the new yam, marking the traditional start of the harvest season
Awards for the best yam farmers, celebrating excellence in agriculture
Presentation of the football competition trophy
Homage to past PGs, acknowledging leadership and continuity
Wrestling competition, masquerade parades and cultural displays, bringing alive the vibrant traditions of the Igbo people
As the sun set over Ihembosi, the town danced on united by culture, blessed by the land and hopeful for the future.
For Ihembosi, Iwaji 2025 was more than a festival ,it was a bold statement of identity, progress, and pride in tradition.
