Enugu: Imeoha Nkerefi Celebrates 2025 New Yam Festival

The ancient community of Imeoha Nkerefi has celebrated its 2025 Iri Ji (New Yam) Festival on October 25, 2025, with a grand event led by HRH. Igwe Luke Ogbu Ogbuta Okorie. The festival marked the thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest, reinforcing cultural unity and spiritual gratitude among the people.

It event drew sons and daughters of the community home from near and far under the royal discipline of Igwe Okorie, blending cultural splendour with royal tradition.

The festival also acknowledged the efforts toward rural development in the area, with the king calling for continued progress while honoring the season’s abundant yields.

Global Times Nigeria reports that the Iri Ji festival is a sacred cultural event that celebrates the beginning of the harvest season and highlights communal thanksgiving and unity in Igbo culture.

Royal Communiqué

Before the festival, the Eze-in-Council of Imeoha Nkerefi issued a communiqué reaffirming the palace’s authority within the autonomous community.
It declared that “Imeoha Nkerefi remains the only recognized traditional authority empowered by law and heritage to organize and oversee cultural festivals within its domain, including the annual Iri Ji celebration.”

The Council cautioned that any attempt by individuals or groups within Imeoha to duplicate such events without palace consent would amount to “a gross violation of ancestral order and an affront to constituted authority.”

The communiqué clarified that the directive applies only to Imeoha Nkerefi—one of the four autonomous communities of Nkerefi—while urging harmony among Amofu, Ohuani and Enuogu.

“Imeoha Palace is not a political platform but a cultural sanctuary entrusted with the spiritual welfare of its people,” it read.

It concluded that “the peace and dignity of Imeoha are inherited duties that must be upheld by every true son and daughter of the community.”

Festival Highlights

During the celebration, Igwe Ogbuta Okorie announced ₦6.2 million bursaries for 62 students across the four Nkerefi communities.
He spoke of ongoing medical projects and the coming Smart Green School designed to promote sustainability and innovation.

The monarch hailed Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for developmental strides and requested improved infrastructure and a higher institution for Nkerefi.
He also proposed the siting of an airport or logistics hub in the area, citing its favourable topography and vast land.

At a Thanksgiving Service held on Sunday October 26, Hon. Frank Anioma represented the governor and conveyed goodwill.

Traditional rulers including HRH Igwe Michael Ogbonnaya of Ishienu and HRH Igwe Onukwube of Enuogu attended.

The Iri Ji Planning Committee, led by Dr Patrick Njoku, with Hon. Chukwudi Bernard as Head of Media, ensured smooth organisation and wide publicity.

In his closing prayer, the Igwe said, “May peace dwell in Nkerefi; may our barns overflow; may our youths rise and shine.”

The festival ended with music, dance and thanksgiving as Imeoha reaffirmed its heritage and unity.