By Ifeoma Egbeocha
Nibo Town in Awka South on Saturday celebrated the annual New Yam Festival, popularly known as Iri Ji Nibo.
In his address, the Traditional Ruler of Nibo, Igwe Dr Sir M. C. Ngene, led the people in thanksgiving, blessed his subjects and prayed for more prosperous harvest in the coming year.
Also speaking, Ichie Tony Omeligwe thanked God for favourable weather during the farming season and prayed for a wonderful harvest next planting season. He noted that the New Yam Festival is a long-standing tradition that connects the people of Nibo to their ancestors and to God.
Ichie Chief Dominic Kodilichukwu Enemuo, also blessed and thanked God for granting the people the opportunity to witness another Iri Ji festival.
Ozo Ken Nwogbo, and a member of the Igwe’s cabinet, also expressed joy over the successful celebration of the Iri Ji Nibo festival.
The Member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Oby Lilian Orogbu, who also graced the occasion promised the people government empowerment programmes already captured in the budget. Hon. Orogbu also appealed to the people of Awka North and South Federal Constituency to support her and give her the opportunity to return to the House of Representatives for a second term in the 2027 general election.
Hon. Orogbu urged the people to consider continuity in representation, noting that experienced and ranking lawmakers are often in a stronger position to negotiate and advocate for projects, empowerment programmes and other developmental interventions for their constituencies.
Many members of the Igwe’s cabinet and other prominent chiefs of Nibo were also present including Ichie Ozo Robins Ezeani, Ichie Kodili Chukwu, Ichie Enemuo and Ichie Ozo Lawrence Chukwuebuka, among others.
The event which also attracted the traditional ruler of Umuawulu, Igwe Joel Egwuonwu, featured rich cultural displays, as Ulaga masquerade also featured at the event.
