Dr. Kachi Nwoga Advocates Cultural Reforms in Iriji Mbaise Festival: Calls for Full Recognition of Ndi Ezeji
By Mary Ugorji
In a call for cultural revitalization, Dr. Kachi Nwoga, Coordinator of Ndi Ezeji Mbaise, has urged the full recognition and active involvement of Ndi Ezeji—the revered traditional custodians of yam culture—in the annual Iriji Mbaise (New Yam) Festival.
Speaking at the 2025 edition of the Iriji celebration held last Friday at the Eke Ngwuru Center of Ezeji, Dr. Nwoga emphasized that the festival must remain rooted in its spiritual and ancestral significance. He cautioned against the increasing marginalization of Ndi Ezeji in the organization and performance of this deeply symbolic ritual.
“The Iri Ji Festival honours our past, embraces our present, and inspires a collective vision for a prosperous future,” said Dr. Nwoga. “It is not just a celebration—it is a sacred rite that must be handled by those who are traditionally empowered to do so.”
He described the Iriji Mbaise as one of the most revered cultural events in Igbo land, attracting sons and daughters of Mbaise from across the globe. The festival, he noted, is a time for thanksgiving, community bonding, and spiritual reflection.
Dr. Nwoga warned that side-lining the Ndi Ezeji—a group deeply connected to Ahanjoku, the yam deity—threatens the authenticity and spiritual depth of the ceremony.
“The Ezeji are the custodians of our heritage and tradition. They are not symbolic—they are essential,” he asserted. “Their full recognition and involvement are critical for the spiritual success of the festival and the well-being of our people.”
He called on the people of Mbaise to uphold the integrity of their traditions by ensuring that cultural custodians are respected and empowered, stressing that this is the path to unity, peace, and the upliftment of the youth.
“Let us do the right thing—for the growth of our land, for long life, and for the well-being of our youths. May God forgive and bless our land,” he prayed.
The event also witnessed the presence of notable dignitaries, traditional leaders, and cultural enthusiasts. Among them was Dr. Uzor Mezi, the Imo State Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), who joined the celebration at the Eke Ngwuru center and later at the private residence of Dr. Nwoga.
Speaking to the press, Dr. Mezi praised Dr. Kachi Nwoga, who was ADP’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate, as a man of integrity and cultural pride.
“I came to celebrate the Iriji cultural heritage with Dr. Kachi Nwoga, who has been a dear friend and a man of sound character,” said Dr. Mezi. “He is jovial, intelligent, and a true ambassador of our culture.”
He used the occasion to advise young people to embrace sincerity, hard work, and moral discipline, warning against the dangers of fraudulent practices, particularly 419, which he said has negatively impacted Imo State.
“The youths are the hope of tomorrow. They must shun fraud and embrace culture, good morals, and values that will secure them a long and fruitful life,” he added.
The Iriji Mbaise Festival continues to serve not only as a celebration of agricultural bounty but also as a rallying point for cultural reflection, communal renewal, and intergenerational dialogue.
