Umuobasiukwu Ozuitem Celebrates ‘Ikoro Nji’ with Unprecedented Pomp
The people of Umuobasiukwu Autonomous Community, Ozuitem, in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, celebrated their ‘Ikoro Nji,’ a central feature of their New Yam Festival, also known as ‘Ike Nji’ in their local dialect on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
It was marked by a spectacular display of culture and unity, with a large turnout of the people within and outside the nation, as well as distinguished guests from far and near.
In his speech at the Obasiukwu Palace, the traditional ruler of Umuobasiukwu, HRM Eze John Onuoha Akaliro (MFR), expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for blessing them with the opportunity to celebrate the New Yam Festival.
Eze Akaliro, a former Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, emphasized the festival’s significance as a key aspect of Igbo cultural heritage—a time to give thanks to God for life, good health, and the bountiful harvest of the new yam, which he described as the “king of crops” in Igboland.
He dismissed misconceptions that the festival has any fetish connotations, stating that it is purely a celebration of gratitude and unity.
The traditional ruler further reiterated the importance of maintaining the peaceful, joyous nature of the festival, stressing that it should not be a time for settling scores or fostering violence.
He urged other Igbo communities to adopt a similar spirit of peace and unity during their own celebrations.
HRM Eze Akaliro thanked the people of Umuobasiukwu for their unwavering commitment to the New Yam Festival and expressed appreciation for the large turnout, which included members of his cabinet, notable community leaders, and other distinguished personalities.
After his prayers, he ceremoniously presented the roasted yam to God and shared it with the gathered crowd, accompanied by fresh palm oil and other local delicacies.
Thereafter, the traditional ruler, accompanied by the council of chiefs and various age grades in the community, proceeded to the village square, where he officially declared the ‘Ikoro Nji’ celebration open.
The arrival of HRM Eze Akaliro was met with much fanfare, as the crowd cheered, praised, and danced along with their amiable ruler to the rhythm of the Ikoro drum.
In his remarks, Chief Nwabueze Ogbonnaya (Ebube Mba), President General of the Umuobasiukwu Progressive Union, expressed his satisfaction with the large turnout, describing it as a clear sign of the community’s pride in its cultural heritage.
He lauded the New Yam Festival as an opportunity to come together, connect with one another, and chart a path for the community’s future.
Chief Ogbonnaya also showered praises on HRM Eze Akaliro for his peaceful and effective leadership, and commended the various age grades for their contributions to the success of the festival.
He highlighted the importance of the age grade system, calling it the “lifeblood” of any Igbo community.
In his speech, Ogbonnaya outlined some of the achievements of the Umuobasiukwu Progressive Union under his watch including youth empowerment initiatives, such as sponsoring 20 youths to participate in the 2025 Abia Leadership Academy.
Additionally, he said that they sponsor young people to acquire skills at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, covering both tuition and accommodation fees.
He also thanked the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR), for building an ultra-modern health centre for the community and for his overall efforts in fostering development across the state.
Chief Ogbonnaya appealed for urgent attention to the Umuobasiukwu-Okweyi Road, which links their community to Umuahia, stressing that its completion would greatly enhance the area’s connectivity.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, High Chief Iheanyichukwu Orji, expressed satisfaction with the successful execution of the festival, noting that the weather was favorable despite it being the peak of the rainy season.
He acknowledged the contributions of HRM Eze Akaliro, the President General, Chief Nwabueze Ogbonnaya (Ebubemba), Onyekachi Otti, Chief Onwuka Egwuonwu, Chief Obasi O. Obasi (Agunechemba), Chief Okechukwu Orji (Omekannaya), Amb. Wisdom Madukwe and other illustrious sons and daughters of the community for making the event a huge success.
The Vice President General of Umuobasiukwu Progressive Union and Assistant Secretary General of Ozuitem Development Union (National), Chief Iroham Sunday Kalu (Ebubedike 1 of Ozuitem), also described the 2025 New Yam Festival as an epoch-making event.
He expressed gratitude to God for a clement weather and the community’s successful celebration, acknowledging the hard work of everyone involved.
On his part, Ikechukwu Egbuta popularly known as ‘Oloo’ expressed great satisfaction with the festival adding that they would not allow it to die.
The celebration continued with merriment, the iconic Ikoro Dance, and other traditional activities, with many sons and daughters of Umuobasiukwu and prominent figures from across the country in attendance.
As the festival drew to a close, the community reflected not only on its rich cultural heritage but also on the progress made in unity, peace, and development.
With the new farming season on the horizon, Umuobasiukwu remains committed to its farming traditions, poised to continue its growth and transformation.
The New Yam Festival in Umuobasiukwu is not only a celebration of culture but also of vision, resilience, and community spirit.
This year’s festival will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most successful in recent times, marking another chapter in the community’s rich cultural legacy.
