EZESINACHI 2025 NEW YAM FESTIVALS CELEBRATES IN CODIFYING STYLE,
…A CULTURE REVIVAL IN IMO STATE
By Our Reporters
A Culture revival, the world over, remains a vital identity through which every society expresses its philosophy, beliefs, and vision. This was evident last Sunday 19 October 2025, at Umuomi, Uzoagba Autonomous Community in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, came alive with colors, music, and excitement during the 2025 New Yam Festival celebrated by a frontline custodian of Igbo cultural heritage, Ezesinachi Chibueze Basil Egbujor, (Aka ji Ofo).
The event, held at the Community School Field, Umuomi, was marked by pomp and pageantry, drawing the presence of traditional rulers, community leaders, public servants, business moguls, and members of the press. The Igbo New Yam Festival, known for its deep cultural significance, serves as a reminder of the dignity of labor and the importance of agriculture as a pathway to food sufficiency and self-reliance.
Ezesinachi Chibueze, the celebrant, ensured the festival was a memorable one. He engaged professional event planners and a renowned highlife-bongo musician who thrilled guests with captivating tunes that added color and rhythm to the cultural fiesta.
In his remarks, Egbujor expressed profound gratitude to the guests who came from far and near to honor the occasion. He emphasized the importance of agriculture and urged the youth to embrace farming as a noble venture. He also encouraged everyone to continually thank Chukwu Okike Abiama (God the Creator) for His blessings and for the mysteries behind every bountiful harvest, especially of staple crops like yam and maize.
“This celebration is our way of appreciating God for life and for the gift of the land. The New Yam Festival will continue to remind us of who we are and keep our traditions alive,” he said.
“This yearly event has come to stay, and I wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2025 New Yam Festival.”
Speaking to Newsmen at the event, Apostle Paul Onyegbule, District Head Cherubim Church in Amaraku, Isiala Mbano LGA, commended Egbujor for promoting cultural values among the younger generation.
He remarked that the increasing acceptance of such cultural celebrations is a positive development, noting that “people are beginning to understand that culture is not fetish but a cherished tradition that strengthens community bonds as new Yam Festival is a thanksgiving service to God for good farming season. He encourage the people mostly the youth to go into farm for the growth of the economy and food security while thanking the celebrants for the culture reawakening.
Other dignitaries at the occasion included Chief Ekwueme, Chief Chinonso Uba (Nonso Nkwa) — Ochiagha n’Ikuku, Chief Justus Maduforo, Colleagues of the Celebrant from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Traditional Rulers, and many others.
The 2025 New Yam Festival in Umuomi, Uzoagba Ikeduru, not only showcased the richness of Igbo identity but testament of reaffirmation to the community’s commitment to preserve and celebrate its age-long traditions in line with the Title holders of Aka ji Ofo Umuomi Uzoagba Ikeduru Local Government Area in Imo State.
