Umuopara Ahia Asaa Celebrates 3rd ‘Iwa ji’ with Pomp
It was pomp and ceremony as the traditional rulers and good people of Umuopara Ahia Asaa in Umuahia South local government area of Abia State celebrated their 3rd ‘Iwa ji’ ceremony tagged, ‘Ogbodiukwu 2024’.
The epoch-making occasion earlier scheduled to take place at Mbara Ogbodiukwu later held at Umuopara Primary and Secondary School Field on Friday, September 13, 2024 under the able direction of the Chief Host, HRM Eze Engr. Wisdom Ndubueze Ekueku, the Ohazurume 1 of Dim na Opara Ancient Kingdom and Chairman, Umuopara Council of Traditional Rulers.
His majestic entrance into the well-decorated arena was heralded with jubilation, dancing and deafening canon-shots.
As soon as he alighted from his vehicle, he was received by his fellow traditional rulers, esteemed guests and illustrious sons of Umuopara Ahia Asaa before accompanying him to his throne with special cultural music.
As he glided along, he danced gracefully with uncommon agility and style to the admiration of all and sundry.
Thereafter, the ceremony commenced with an opening prayer and moved from one stage to another.
In his welcome address, HRM Eze Engr. Wisdom Ndubueze Ekueku expressed profound gratitude to God for keeping them alive to celebrate another ‘Iwa ji’ Festival this year before craving the indulgence of all present to stand up and observe a minute silence in memory of three of their departed colleagues namely HRM Eze (Hon.) A. A. Uwanamodo (Obizi 11 of Ekenobizi autonomous community, HRH Eze Nelson Y. Ohakah (Ekeala 11 of Ihienwekeala autonomous community) and HRM Eze Nelson Nwosu (Ekweghiariri of Omaegwu autonomous community, Ehume Umuopara).
Thereafter, he appreciated the organizers of ‘Ogbodiukwu 2024’ for making the event a reality as well as their esteemed guests and friends for their presence and support.
He said that the ‘Iwa ji’ ceremony is an annual cultural event, which marks the beginning and end of the harvest season as well as an occasion to thank God (Obasi di n’elu) for giving them rain, sunshine, strength and every other good thing to farm as well as blessing their efforts with a bountiful harvest.
He described yam as the king of all crops in Igbo land saying that the prominence accorded it is well- deserved.
He recalled with nostalgia how big time yam farmers in Igbo land were honoured with the ‘Eze ji’ title and regretted that the Oba ji’ or yam barns that dotted Igbo land in the past are no more.
He decried the nation’s dependence on oil and called on the citizenry to go back to agriculture in order to overcome the increasing economic hardship across the nation.
He used the occasion to appreciate Dr. Alex Chioma Otti’s quality leadership of Abia State, especially in terms of infrastructural development, education, health, prompt payment of workers salaries among others.
He commended him on behalf of Umuopara Council of Traditional Rulers and the entire people of Umuopara Ahia Asaa for approving the construction of Umuopara Ring Road and Abia Tower – Onuimo Road terminating at the boundary with Imo State.
He expressed gratitude to him for approving the comprehensive upgrading and retrofitting of Amachara General Hospital, Umuopara, Umuahia.
He appealed to Dr. Alex Otti to intervene urgently in the gully erosion at Ekeudi, near Umuopara Palm Oil Market and others.
At the end of his address, Ogbodiukwu Women Federated thrilled the guests with a spectacular dance followed by other communities in Umuopara Ahia Asaa.
There was musical interlude by Koboko and his crew.
Hon. Chief Mrs. Lilian Obiakaraije (JP) also entertained the people with her amazing cultural group of kid dancers.
The Ekpe Masquerades and other cultural troupes added colour to the ceremony.
The icing on the cake was the breathtaking acrobatic displays by the Eagle Aromatic Schnapps ensemble.
Highpoint of the occasion was the ‘Iwa ji’ by HRM Eze Engr. Wisdom Ekueku.
He said that the ‘Iwa ji’ ceremony is their way of thanking God for a successful farming season and bountiful harvest.
He wished the people a successful celebration, long life, good health, unity, peace and progress.
He disclosed that their ‘Iwa ji’ ceremony marks the beginning of ‘Iri ji’ in the various communities and villages in Umuopara Ahia Asaa namely Umuokorodo, Ezeleke, Dikeukwu, Ekenobizi, Ihie nwekeala, Dim na Opara, Umuanya, Umuchime/Ofeiyi, Ngodo, Umuihe, Omaegwu, Eluama Mgbedeala and Ahiaocha.
Thereafter, the various communities, groups and individuals picked the new yam one after another with huge sums of money to the admiration of all and sundry.
In his remarks, the chairman, 2024 ‘Iwa ji’ Organizing Committee and Secretary, Umuopara Ahia Asaa, High Chief Ichie Promise Oleka (Ugwu Umuopara Umuihe) congratulated the people on their successful ‘Iwa ji’ ceremony.
He said thanked God immensely for preserving their lives to celebrate it this year adding that next year’s celebration would be grander and more elaborate by the grace of God.
He described peace as a sine qua non for development and enjoined the people to remain peaceful, united and law-abiding so as to develop their place.
He stated that there is nothing fetish about the ‘Iwa ji’ ceremony and urged the people to continue to sustain their rich cultural heritage adding that if they lose their culture, they have lost everything, especially their identity.
Similarly, the Chairman, Umuopara Council of Chiefs, a renowned yam farmer and Pillar of Culture in Abia State, Chief Dr. Smart Onyekachi Nwokorie described the 2024 ‘Iwa ji’ ceremony as another milestone in the history of Umuopara Ahia Asaa.
He extolled the rich cultural extravaganza and appreciated HRM Eze Engr. Wisdom Ndubueze Ekueku for his undying love and continued promotion of their cultural heritage adding that it would continue to thrive.
He wished all a successful celebration filled with love, peace and unity
In his vote of thanks, the Traditional Prime Minister of Umuopara Ahia Asaa, High Chief Acho Hawkins Uluocha (Oke Ekpe Nke Mbu) and Ugwu Umuopara Chime na Ofeiyi thanked the chief host, Umuopara Council of Traditional Rulers, esteemed guests and the good people of Umuopara Ahia Asaa for making the ceremony a huge success.
He prayed God to grant them another wonderful celebration next year and wished all safe journey back to their various destinations.
The ceremony attracted the presence of distinguished personalities from far and near including traditional rulers.
At the end, all roads led to the magnificent palace of HRM Eze Engr. Wisdom Ekueku as well as the palatial country home of the Traditional Prime Minister of Umuopara Ahia Asaa, High Chief Acho Hawkins Uluocha for an all-night long unforgettable reception.
