Eze Oliver Njoku Celebrates Iri Ji Abazu Festival in Colours, Rewards Best Yam Farmers, Empowers Women
By Anselem Anokwute
It was a colourful celebration of culture, thanksgiving and community spirit as the people of Abazu Autonomous Community in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State gathered to celebrate the 2026 Iri Ji (New Yam) Festival in grand style.
The annual festival, which attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, politicians, technocrats, women and youth groups, provided an opportunity for the people to give thanks to Almighty God for a successful planting and harvest season, while also promoting the rich cultural heritage of the community.
Speaking during the ceremony, the traditional ruler of Abazu Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Oliver Ubaneferem Njoku, expressed gratitude to God for making it possible for him and the people of the community to celebrate another New Yam Festival in peace and good health.
Eze Njoku said the occasion was not merely a celebration of the harvest but also a demonstration of gratitude for the gift of life, peace and unity within the community.
According to him, the successful celebration was made possible by the grace of God and the support of family members, friends, well-wishers and the people of Abazu Autonomous Community.
He commended his kinsmen and other stakeholders who, according to him, had continued to support his administration and contribute to the development and progress of the community.
The traditional ruler also appreciated the in-laws, friends and other well-wishers of Abazu for their contributions to the growth of the kingdom, while praying that God would grant everyone the longevity to witness another planting and harvesting season in 2027.
Also speaking at the event, Chief Ikem Osita Nwabueze, Agunecheibe of Ogidi and Dike Diora Mma of Abazu Autonomous Community and Chairman of Kechita Groups, expressed delight at being part of the 2026 Iri Ji celebration.
Nwabueze, who described himself as a cabinet chief of Abazu Autonomous Community, (Dike Diora Mma)said he felt at home in the community, which he described as his second home after Ogidi in Anambra State.
He said the New Yam Festival provided an important opportunity for the people to appreciate Almighty God for His blessings and to strengthen bonds of unity, friendship and communal development.
Nwabueze pledged to continue sharing his resources with the people, saying he remained indebted to the people of Abazu Autonomous Community for the love and acceptance they had shown him.
He particularly commended the traditional ruler Abazuma 11 of Abazu, Eze Oliver Ubaneferem Njoku, Oputa Obie na Ikeduru LGA, whom he described as a good brother and a leader committed to the development of the kingdom.
He said his decision to remain in Nigeria and attend the festival was influenced by his respect for the traditional ruler.
«“I would have been in America today, but when the invitation came from a man I regard as a good brother, Eze Oliver Njoku, I postponed my trip to honour him. Today, I have witnessed the difference in the Iri Ji Abazu Festival, and I am very happy and proud to be the chairman of the 2026 Abazu Community New Yam Festival celebration.”»
A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of cash awards to the three best yam farmers who distinguished themselves during the 2026 farming season.
Mr. Vitalis Akaraonye emerged first and received a cash prize of N200,000, while Papa Egeonu came second and was rewarded with N150,000.
The Women Wing emerged third and received N100,000.
The gesture was described as part of the community’s efforts to encourage agricultural production, recognise hardworking farmers and promote food security among the people.
The traditional ruler also used the occasion to extend his humanitarian and empowerment programme to indigent and vulnerable women in the community.
One beneficiary was selected from each of the component villages of Abazu Autonomous Community, with eight women receiving non-refundable grants of N50,000 each to support petty businesses and improve their livelihoods.
The beneficiaries are Mrs. Prisca Emerenini from Amuzu; Mrs. Magdalen Igbo from Oroka; Mrs. Virginia Amadi from Umuneato; Mrs. Uju Emeribe; Mrs. Susan Ezeka; Mrs. Gloria Anosike; Mrs. Ugochi Iheukwu; and Mrs. Janeth Ifeanyi.
The empowerment initiative was presented as part of Eze Oliver Njoku’s humanitarian efforts aimed at supporting vulnerable members of the community and encouraging economic independence among women
The festival attracted several prominent personalities, including traditional rulers, politicians, technocrats, community leaders, members of the Abazu Autonomous Community Town Union, women organisations and youth groups.
Among those present were Eze Douglas Okwara Okwarachukwu 1V Umuna Ancient Kingdom in Orlu LGA, Eze Michael Amah, traditional ruler of Amaukwu Orodo; Mbaitoli LGA, Eze Emmanuel Assor Odozi-Obodo II of Assa Kingdom, Ohaji/Egbema; Eze Peter Njoku, Chairman, Ikeduru Council of Traditional Rulers and Uri I of Umuuri Amaimo Autonomous Community; as well as executives and members of the First Brothers Social Club of Nigeria and many others.
The gathering also featured members of various community organisations and groups, who joined the people of Abazu to celebrate the 2026 harvest season and reaffirm their commitment to peace, unity, cultural preservation and community development.