The Ohaji community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State on Sunday celebrated its 2025 Iriji (New Yam) Festival with a call on the state government to support private mechanised farming initiatives in the area.
The Traditional Ruler of Umuokanne Village, Eze Matthew Nwokeoma, made the appeal during his address at the ceremony.
Nwokeoma noted that although the area is rich in oil and gas deposits, agriculture remains the mainstay of the people. He, therefore, urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to assist large-scale farmers in the community with grants and soft loans to expand their mechanised farming efforts.
“The funds are needed to acquire quality seedlings.
Many of our youths desire quick wealth, often overlooking the enormous opportunities in agriculture.
We encourage them to embrace mechanised farming as a path to sustainable prosperity and genuine wealth,” the royal father said.
Speaking on the cultural significance of the festival, Eze Nwokeoma described culture as a unifying force and reaffirmed Ohaji’s reputation as the home of traditional yam cultivators.
“Historically, our fertile land produces large yam yields without artificial fertilisers.
Despite the recent oil and gas discoveries in our area, Ohaji is determined to restore farming as its primary economic activity,” he added.
In his remarks, a U.S.-based medical doctor and Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Greg Obi, expressed concern over what he described as the continued neglect of the oil-bearing community by successive governments.
Obi described Ohaji as both the state’s food basket and a key contributor to national oil revenue.
“Our people have trained their children and developed their community largely without government support.
The Iriji festival should serve as a moment for reflection on our history, progress, and unity, even in the face of challenges,” he said.
He also urged the people to remain united and avoid divisive tendencies, noting that peace and solidarity were essential for sustainable development.
Also speaking, the President-General of the Ogbako Ohaji Peoples Forum, Chief Fidelis Enyia, described the festival as a timeless tradition that binds the people to their roots while igniting their vision for a united and prosperous future.
“The Iriji festival is a sacred occasion to thank God and our ancestors for a bountiful yam harvest.
It is a time to reflect on our journey as a people, to honour the past, and to renew our commitment to a better future for Ohaji,” Enyia said.
A former Commissioner for Public Utilities in the state, Mr. Golden Nwosu, described Ohaji as the “cradle and custodian of yam cultivation and agrarian heritage,” noting that the Iriji Ohaji serves as “the grand finale and crowning celebration of all new yam festivals in the state.”
The highpoint of the event was the cutting and sharing of roasted yam by dignitaries, accompanied by traditional wrestling, cultural dances, and other colourful displays.
