Eze Anosike Urges Cultural Rebirth and Productivity at Iriji Mbaise 2025 Celebration
By Mary Ugorji
As the rhythmic beat of traditional drums echoed across the fields of Itu, and the aroma of freshly roasted yam filled the air, His Royal Highness, Eze P.N. Anosike (Oguroigwe Asuko III of Ekwereazu), made a clarion call to the Mbaise people to deepen their cultural roots and go beyond mere ceremonial fanfare in celebrating the annual Iriji Mbaise (New Yam Festival).
Speaking during the grand celebration held at Town School, Itu, Eze Anosike commended the organizers of the 2025 edition of the festival for their commitment to upholding Mbaise cultural values. However, he challenged them — and the community at large — to do more than just celebrate. He emphasized the need for the festival to become a vehicle for productivity, agricultural innovation, and socio-cultural development
> “Let us work harder to ensure that Iriji Mbaise is not just a display of farmfire and tradition, but a springboard for transformation,” the revered monarch stated. “It must reflect our grassroots values — our heritage — and must evolve into a platform that inspires our youth to embrace farming, hard work, and agricultural pride.”
Eze Anosike reaffirmed the significance of yam in Igbo cosmology, calling it “the king of all crops.” He described the festival as a moment of deep gratitude — a time to thank God for the gift of life and for a bountiful harvest.
> “Iriji is not just about food. It’s about our identity, our unity, and the legacy our ancestors left for us. On this day, we celebrate peace, love, and the enduring strength of our people.”
The traditional ruler also used the occasion to call for unity and peaceful coexistence among all stakeholders across Mbaise — including traditional rulers, Ndiezeji, the Ezuruezu Mbaise Council, youth groups, and women organizations.
> “We must stand as one people. With unity and orderliness, we can build a brighter future for our children. Let this year’s festival mark the beginning of renewed purpose, culture-consciousness, and development,” he added.
Eze Anosike urged community leaders and educators to help preserve the cultural wealth of Mbaise by incorporating traditional values into youth development programs. He stressed that when tradition is honored and aligned with innovation, it becomes a powerful force for growth.
The 2025 Iriji Mbaise celebration witnessed a vibrant display of cultural dances, masquerade performances, traditional rites, and communal feasting — all testifying to the enduring spirit of the Mbaise people.
the monarch’s message rang clear: the future of Mbaise lies not only in remembering the past but in redefining tradition to build a more prosperous tomorrow.
