Celebrating Heritage, Inspiring Growth: The 2nd Iwa Ji Festival and 1st Stakeholders Summit of Edemani Amebo Ibagwa-Aka.
Among the Igbo people, the Iwa Ji Festival (New Yam Festival) holds a special place as a celebration of gratitude, renewal, and cultural identity. It marks the beginning of the harvest season, a time when communities gather to thank God and their ancestors for abundance, to reaffirm unity, and to showcase the richness of Igbo traditions. Beyond feasting, it is a moment of reflection on heritage and communal values.
In this spirit, the 2nd Iwa Ji Festival and the 1st Stakeholders Summit of Edemani Amebo Ibagwa-Aka Autonomous Community is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 18th October 2025, at the Palace of His Royal Highness, Igwe Prof. Ikenna S. Omeje, Eze Obule II of Edemani Amebo Ibagwa-Aka.
A highlight of the day will be the Iwaji rite to be performed by HRH, Igwe Prof. Ikenna S. Omeje, Eze Obule II, in the presence of all traditional rulers of Igbo-Eze South, titled elders of Oha Amebo, and the Ohaneze Ndigbo of Igbo-Eze South. This sacred moment will symbolize both thanksgiving and renewal, uniting the people under a shared cultural bond. Following the rite, the Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Hon. Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, will officially declare the event open.
Another central feature of the celebration will be the 2nd Iwa Ji Lecture, to be delivered by erudite scholar and cultural promoter, Prof. Damian Opata, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Igbo Language and Culture, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. Speaking to journalists at a press briefing at the palace of Eze Obule II, the Chairman of the 2nd Iwa Ji Lecture Committee, Chief (Prof.) Ejikemeuwa J. O. Ndubisi (Ichie Ugosinachi), assured that this year’s lecture will be mind-blowing, revealing, and intellectually stimulating. According to him, it will deepen the understanding of the Iwa Ji tradition and its enduring intergenerational relevance.
In his remarks, Eze Obule II emphasized the festival’s importance, describing it as a symbolic reaffirmation of Igbo cultural identity and community solidarity. He extended an open invitation to all sons and daughters of Edemani Amebo Ibagwa-Aka, along with friends and well-wishers, to take part in the unique cultural celebration. Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Priscilla Omeje, the Lolo Ugo Eze Obule, assured that the women are fully engaged in the preparations and well-prepared for the forthcoming cultural festival. She highlighted that their meaningful participation will greatly enhance the beauty of the occasion while reaffirming their vital place in sustaining and advancing the community’s valued traditions.
Turning to the 1st Stakeholders Summit, the Chairman of the Summit Committee, Pst. Engr. Ugwoke Sunday A. Okpaka (Ichie Ikem si na Chukwu), explained that the summit is designed to foster socio-cultural and economic development of the community. He called on all stakeholders, both at home and in the diaspora, to actively contribute to the growth and future of Edemani Amebo Ibagwa-Aka Autonomous Community.
On his own part, the President General of the community, High Chief Nelson Onugwu (Ichie Omekannaya), commended the twin initiatives, noting that they blend cultural pride with developmental vision.
The festival will commence at 10:00 AM on Saturday, 18th October 2025, promising a vibrant mix of entertainment, enlightenment, and cultural expression. Organizers affirm it will not only showcase the richness of Igbo heritage but also chart new pathways for community development.
Some notable personalities at the press briefing included the Secretary of the Town Union, Chief (Barr.) John Onah (Ichie Agu Nnaya Woro); the Chairman of Edemani Royal Cabinet, High Chief Kevin Asogwa (Ichie Ochendo); the Secretary of the Royal Cabinet, Chief (Prof.) Didacus Eze (Ichie Nwachinemelu); the Chairperson of the Women in Council, Chief Mrs. Christy Ugwoke (Ugosimba); the President of the Edemani Amebo Youth, Mr. Chekwube Ayogu; and the Palace Secretary, Chief (Hon.) Jude Ugwu (Ichie Omemma Nwachinemere), among other distinguished dignitaries from the community.
On 18th October, 2025, all roads lead to Edemani Amebo Ibagwa-Aka!
Join Edemani Amebo Ibagwa-Aka Autonomous Community to celebrate the uniqueness of cultural heritage in a unique way!!