By Eze Adiuku
Preparations have gathered momentum for the 2026 edition of the Iri Ji Mbaise National Cultural Festival, which will take place on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Oke Ovoro Secondary School, Uvuru, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The date was announced during a media briefing by Ezuruezu Mbaise, alongside traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders, ahead of the annual New Yam celebration.
Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Chief Steve Onu, described the festival as a sacred cultural and spiritual event dedicated to thanking God for a successful harvest, strengthening unity among Mbaise people and preserving their rich cultural heritage. He said the royal fathers entrusted Ezuruezu Mbaise with hosting this year’s celebration.
Onu disclosed that mobilisation is ongoing across Aboh, Ahiazu and Ezinihitte Mbaise, as well as among Mbaise people in the diaspora, to ensure a successful festival. He also clarified that the proposed Grand Patron Award is purely honorary, recognising individuals who have contributed to the development of Mbaise, stressing that no traditional titles will be conferred during the event.
He assured residents and visitors of adequate security arrangements and dismissed claims that the festival had been politicised, insisting that Iri Ji Mbaise remains a non-political celebration of culture, thanksgiving and unity.
The Chairman of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Barr. Henry Iheukwumere, described this year’s festival as unique, noting that hosting it in Uvuru reflects a commitment to inclusiveness. He revealed that community support has exceeded expectations and announced that road rehabilitation to improve access to Uvuru is already underway ahead of the event.
Traditional rulers, including HRH Eze Reginald Aguwamba and HRH Damian Nwigwe, described Iri Ji Mbaise as a cherished annual celebration that symbolises gratitude to God, cultural identity and the unity of the Mbaise nation. They urged all Mbaise sons and daughters to support the organising committee to ensure a peaceful and successful festival.
Chief Onu also appealed to traditional institutions, community groups, religious organisations, professional bodies and the Mbaise diaspora to actively participate in making the 2026 Iri Ji Mbaise Festival a memorable celebration of culture, peace, unity and sustainable development.
