IRROMA Board Member, Ezikeojiaku Commends 2025 Iri-Ji Umuguma Cultural Festival
By Chidinma Amaechi
A Board Member of the Imo State Rural Roads Maintenance Agency (IRROMA), High Chief Sir Paschal Ezikeojiaku KSM (popularly known as Nnaomadiebube), has lauded the people of Umuguma in Owerri West Local Government Area for their commitment to preserving their cultural heritage through the annual Iri-Ji (New Yam) Festival.
Speaking to journalists during the 2025 edition of the festival, High Chief Ezikeojiaku emphasized the importance of using such cultural events to promote peace, unity, and community development. He urged the people of Umuguma to see the festival as a platform to strengthen social bonds and pass their cherished traditions on to the younger generation.
According to him, the New Yam Festival is not only a thanksgiving event to God for life and bountiful harvests, but also a celebration of identity and cultural pride. He dismissed misconceptions that the festival is fetish, noting that all such elements have long been removed. “Today, most communities begin the celebration with a church thanksgiving service,” he said.
High Chief Ezikeojiaku explained that the festival is deeply rooted in Igbo tradition, inherited from their ancestors. He noted that traditionally, no indigene of Umuguma is permitted to eat new yam before the festival is officially celebrated. “Yam is regarded as the king of crops and a symbol of wealth in Igbo culture,” he stated.
He described culture as the bedrock of identity, warning that a community without culture is like a tree without roots. “I am passionate about tradition and have consistently worked to ensure that the culture of our people does not go extinct,” he added.
The IRROMA board member also called on parents to take an active role in teaching their children about Igbo culture and values, to ensure the preservation of their ancestral heritage.
He further encouraged the community to continue supporting not just the Iri-Ji Festival but also the Igba Nta Festival, stressing the need to protect these customs from fading into oblivion.
According to him, the New Yam Festival represents fertility, peace, development, and civilization. “Our ancestors would be proud of our efforts to sustain and preserve our culture,” he noted. “This festival reaffirms our rich cultural heritage and showcases love and development in our community.”
High Chief Ezikeojiaku concluded by wishing the people of Umuguma an abundant harvest season and continued unity.
It will be recalled that the 2025 Iri-Ji Umuguma Festival recently brought together indigenes and guests in a vibrant celebration of the community’s enduring cultural legacy.
