Nimo Community in Njikoka Local Government Area has kicked off activities to mark the 2022 annual Iwa Ji festival known in the town as “Alo Mmụọ.”
The event which kicked off with a holy mass took place at the Owelle Palace of the traditional ruler of the town, Igwe Maxi Ike Oliobi and was attended by dignitaries, including the Chief Whip, Anambra State House of Assembly, and member representing Njikoka Constituency Two, Hon. Pete Ibida.
other attendees at the event were the traditional Prime Minister of Nimo, retired Justice G. U Ononiba, accompanied by Ndi Nze na Ozo, the President General of Nimo, Mr Ekene Okafor, the clergy, cabinet members and other sons and daughters of the town.
In his homily during the mass, a guest priest, Reverend Father Wilfred Ike offered prayers thanksgiving to God for a fruitful harvest, describing Igwe Oliobi as a great king who knows the value of tradition and prayed to God to bless the Community.
Opening the ceremony, Igwe Oliobi walked round his palace in his Royal regalia to supervise the roasting of the new yam and its sauce in local parlance known as Ugba, as well as declaring it ready for consumption.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Whip of the state House of Assembly, Honourable Ibida who described yam as the king of all crops said that the new yam festival ushers in orderliness in the community and sustains the bond between the people and their ancestors.
In an interview, The President General of Nimo, Mr. Ekenne Okafor and a prominent son of the community, Chief Chukus Ide said that the culture of yam cultivation is an age-long attribute of the Igbos which has successfully transcend from generations to generations.
In their various remarks, the wife of the monarch, Mrs. Theodora Oliobi , Mrs. Nkoli Chukwurah as well as Mrs. Vivian Ajoku, made it clear that culture has its dynamic nature and that when culture is lost, every other thing is gone and stressed that culture is a symbol of identity of every person in Igbo land.
Earlier, Igwe Oliobi expressed satisfaction with the sustainability of Nimo culture and tradition, even as he prayed and thanked God for a fruitful farming season, peace and unity in the state and country at large, urging Nimo people in the diaspora to always visit home and participate in the festival.
The event featured an array of masquerade performances, dance from different groups, paying of homage to Igwe Oliobi as well as cash awards to Nimo Sons who participated in the cultivation of yams in this year’s season.
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