By Ebele Ofodile
It was pomp, pageantry and rich display of Igbo culture in Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday, September 26, as the community marked its 2026 Iriji (New Yam) Festival.
The palace of the traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Ambassador Ogochukwu Daniel Obelle, was the centre of attraction as indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora, friends of the community, and lovers of culture gathered to celebrate the new harvest.
Performing the traditional rites, Igwe Obelle described the New Yam Festival as a major pillar of Igbo culture and identity which must be preserved for future generations.
The monarch said the festival is beyond merriment, but a moment for thanksgiving, reflection and unity. According to him, no community can achieve meaningful development without peace.
“We must preserve our heritage. We must live in peace with one another and with our neighbours. Without peace, there can be no progress,” Igwe Obelle said.
The traditional ruler commended Governor Charles Soludo-led administration for the massive road construction across Anambra and for improving security, but called for more effort in strengthening the security architecture across communities.
He urged wealthy sons and daughters of Nawfia to give back to the community, stressing that charity and good legacy are what outlive a man.
“Be your brother’s keeper. When we leave this earth, we will not be remembered for how much wealth we acquired, but for the lives we touched,” he stated.
In his remarks, the President-General of Nawfia Progressive Union, Chief Daniel Okoye, said the Iriji festival remains a symbol of hard work and dignity of labour.
Okoye advised the youths to shun get-rich-quick syndrome and embrace hard work, noting that there is honour in honest labour. He also encouraged women farmers to remain resilient despite current economic challenges, assuring that the government is working to build a prosperous Anambra.
He assured that the community under his leadership will continue to support the throne and ensure the festival grows bigger every year, while calling on all Nawfia indigenes to remain united under the Unity Palace.
The festival featured the symbolic Iwaji (breaking of new yam) ceremony, thrilling masquerade displays and cultural dance by the Igwe-in-Council, which kept the crowd entertained till evening.
