…Anambra assures Igbo heritage preservation
Igwe Benneth Emeka, the Traditional Ruler of Umueri Kingdom in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, has celebrated with joy and thanksgiving to God for bountiful harvest during community 2026 new yam festival, known as “Iwa-Ji Umueri” at his Odoabor Palace in Umueri.
The event held on Saturday started with a Church Service by the Anglican Communion joined other denominations to mark the 10th Iwa-Ji Umueri celebration under Igwe Emeka, who ascended the throne on Feb.28, 2017.
Igwe Emeka, who prayed for development, progress, and lasting peace and unity in Umueri and the neighbouring towns, broke the kola nut, cut the new yam and shared it to the quarters in Umueri namely Ezi, Ikenga and Ivite as well as Otuocha political quarter.
The Okebo II Igwe Umueri, whose ascension to the revered throne of Okebo Umueri kingdom came with lots of improvements in the Iwaji ceremony, said the gathering was not merely to celebrate the new yam, but to celebrate life, harvest, unity and the enduring spirit of the community.
“Iwa-Ji is deeply rooted in our ancestray heritage. It is a season when we acknowledged the blessings of God, appreciate the fruits of our labour, honour our forebearers and reaffirm our commitment to preserving the values and traditions that have sustained our people across generations.
“As a people, we must never allow the rapid changes of the modern world to disconnect us from the cultural foundations upon which our identity is built.
“Our culture is our heritage; and our heritage is our identity; our identity is a legacy we must consciously preserve and bequeath to our children.
“This year’s celebration is therefore an opportunity for us to remind ourselves that Umueri is one family. Regardless of our villages, kindreds, professions political affiliations or places of residence, we remain Ndi Umueri, bound together by a common history, common heritage and common destiny,” he said.
Speaking, some of the Umueri Royal cabinet members, including Ikem Michael Nwafor, Chairman of the 2026 Iwa-Ji Planning Committee, said the event observed in 13 Lunar months in a year is peculiar to the community and different from other communities in Igboland.
“Iwa-Ji Umueri has to follow the ancient pattern of going through different traditional steps.
“It is a time for people of Umueri to come together in joy to celebrate one another and appreciate their traditional ruler, Igwe Emeka,” Nwafor stressed.
Udoji Amedu, Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism in his goodwill message, said Anambra State would continue to pursue the vision of building a liveable and prosperous homeland.
According to him, culture and tourism remain important pillars of our collective development.
He said the ministry would continue to support initiatives that preserve “our heritage, promote cultural tourism and create opportunities for our people, especially our young people, within the creative and cultural economy”.
