…Says there’s no faction, disagreement
… Pays tribute to founding fathers, amazons
The Central Planning Committee (CPC) of the annual Iri ji (New Yam) National Cultural festival of the people of Mbaise in Imo State, slated for 15th August, 2023, has insisted that the event will go on as scheduled.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday 6th August, 2023 at the Aboh Mbaise Council headquarters, the CPC Chairman, Prof Uzodinma Nwala assured that all necessary precautions have been taken to ensure hitch-free Iriji festival.
He added that the CPC has set up a very powerful security committee, which is to liaise with all security agencies.
Also, he said they have called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to reinforce security across the state by involving community vigilante to provide security and intelligence.
Prof Nwala said: “we are celebrating one of our most hallowed events which define our spiritual and cultural identity –our Annual Iriji festival”.
Explaining the essence of the Iriji festival, Chairman of the Planning Committee said since 1955 disclosed that the philosophy of the festival include that yam crop (Ji) in Mbaise is the king of crops, which is seconded by the cocoyam (Ede) and land is most vital source of human wealth and survival.
He paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of Mbaise nation such as “Joseph Iwunna who gave the name Mbaise to our people”. Others include Mr Achara, Chief Dennis Abii, Chief Pius Nwoga, Chief Williams Obasi, Chief Oparaji, Chief Chilaka, Chief Waturuocha, Chief Onyekwere, and Fred Nwigwe among others.
In the same vein, the CPC extolled women who displayed the embodiment of Mbaise greatness as far back as 1929 during the Aba Women Riot. Such women include; Daa Marbel Uwaelemuche Oyiridiya Ejekwu of Onicha Mbaise, madam Chinwe of Nguru Native Court and Ihejelimebi Ibe of Umuokirika.
In her remarks, the Sole Administrator of Aboh Mbaise LGA, Barr Mrs Ogechi Njoku –Ehirim expressed joy for the privilege to be with great leaders of Mbaise nation like Prof Nwala, lauding him for his rich cultural and historical knowledge of Mbaise.
She extolled the leadership of Ezuruezu Mbaise, the other Sole Administrators of Ahiazu Mbaise and Ezinihitte Mbaise, Chairmen of Traditional Rulers Council of the three LGAs and Ndi Ezeji among others, and urged all to re-energize efforts towards the greater good of Mbaise.
President of Ezeji Mbaise, Ezeji Greg Ikeagwu while thanking his colleagues for choosing him as their leader, thanked Prof Nwala and his committee for the way they are handling the planning of the event.
Reacting to a question on if there are factions or dissenting voices towards the Irji festival, Chairman of Aboh Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Marcellinus Waturuocha said Mbaise people have agreed to hold the 2023 Iriji and make it a success.
He reiterated that there is no disagreement or anyone that says it would not be a success as all the critical stakeholders in Mbaise nation –Ezurueze Mbaise, Ndi Eze Mbaise, LGA Chairmen and Ndi Ezeji Mbaise are all in one accord.
Dignitaries from Mbaise nation that were in attendance during the press conference include the Sole Administrators of Ahiazu Mbaise and Ezinihitte Mbaise, Hon Anakani and Dr Chukwuma Ojukwu respectively. Chairmen Ahiazu and Ezinihitte Mbaise Council of Ndieze, His Royal Highnesses Eze Sabinus Nwanaegbe and Eze Osita Nwokocha respectively and Dr Desmond Chikwe, Secretary of Ezuruezu Mbaise, among others.
