OWERRI, August 14, 2026 — The Vice President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), South East Zone C, Comrade (Chief) Ezenwa Adiuku, JP, has congratulated the leadership of Ezuruezu Mbaise and the entire people of Mbaise on the 2026 Iriji Mbaise National Cultural Festival.
The festival, scheduled for August 15, 2026, is expected to bring together sons and daughters of Mbaise from within Nigeria and the diaspora to celebrate the new yam and the rich cultural heritage of the people.
In a goodwill message, Adiuku, who described himself as a proud son of Mbaise, extended his congratulations on behalf of his family, colleagues in the media and himself, stressing that Iriji goes beyond the celebration of the new yam.
According to him, the annual festival remains a significant expression of the people’s identity, resilience, unity and cultural heritage handed down by their forebears.
He noted that Iriji provides an important opportunity for Mbaise people across the world to return home, reconnect with their roots and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among Ahiazu, Ezinihitte and Aboh Mbaise.
The NUJ Vice President commended the leadership of Ezuruezu Mbaise for its commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the people, saying such efforts would help ensure that the values and traditions of Mbaise are transmitted to future generations.
Adiuku also called on Mbaise sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora to continue to uphold the ideals of unity, progress and brotherhood which, he said, the Iriji festival symbolises.
He wished the organisers a hitch-free celebration and prayed for a joyous, peaceful and prosperous new yam season for the entire Mbaise nation.
“Once again, congratulations to us all. I wish the organisers a hitch-free celebration and the entire Mbaise nation a joyous and prosperous new yam season,” he said.
