By Joyce Onuora, Abakaliki
The Honourable Member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Chinedu Ogah, OON, has extended heartfelt felicitations to the people of Izhi Nnodo Ekumenyi on the occasion of their annual Ojiji Izhi Festival, the clan’s revered new yam celebration.
In his goodwill message, Chief Ogah commended the paramount traditional prime minister (Ishi-Uke) of Izhi Nodo-Ekumenyi, His Royal Majesty, Elder Mbam Ngele Ogharu, for his unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Izhi people.
The lawmaker, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, praised the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru (Onwa Oferekpe), for his progressive leadership, which ensured the peaceful and colorful celebration of this year’s festival. He described the governor’s administration as one that fosters peace, cultural pride, and community development.
Demonstrating his deep respect for Izhi traditions, Chief Ogah joined the Governor at the grand finale of the 2025 Ojiji Izhi Festival, held at Amegu Izzi, the ancestral home of Nnodo in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. As a traditional gesture of honor to the elders and custodians of Izhi culture, he presented a fat cow, several tubers of yam, and other items, in accordance with cultural expectations.
“The Ojiji Izhi Festival holds profound cultural and spiritual importance for the Izhi people. It is a time to offer gratitude to the gods and ancestors for a successful yam harvest and to seek blessings for the new planting season. In Igbo culture, yams are revered as the ‘king of crops’, symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and sustenance,” Chief Ogah remarked.
“The festival is also spiritually dedicated to Njõkū/Iphéjiõké, the yam deity, and Àli, the earth goddess, both regarded as central to agricultural success. Ojiji Izhi strengthens social bonds, fosters unity among community members, and showcases the rich Izhi cultural identity and heritage,” he added.
Chief Ogah also used the occasion to felicitate with the First Family of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and his wife, Chief Mrs. Mary Maudeline Uzoamaka Nwifuru (Nneoha) wishing them and all Ebonyians a joyful and impactful festival celebration.
The festival attracted a wide array of distinguished guests and political leaders, including former governors: Chief Sen. David Nweze Umahi (represented by Hon. Kenneth Ugbala), Gov. Sam Ominyi Egwu, and Chief Martins Nwanchor Elechi; as well as serving Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, political appointees, and dignitaries from all walks of life.
The 2025 Ojiji Izhi Festival was not just a celebration of harvest, but a reaffirmation of identity, unity, and cultural continuity for the Izhi people and Ebonyi State at large.
