-Special Report-
EBONYI STATE
– THE OHANIVO IRI JI FESTIVAL 2025
In the
heart of southeastern Nigeria, the vibrant cultural tapestry of Ebonyi State
came alive once again with the 2025 edition of the Ohanivo Iri Ji Festival.
Held in September, this annual celebration of the new yam harvest, known locally as “Iri Ji”, is more than a mere agricultural milestone. It is a deeply spiritual and communal event that binds the people of the Ohanivo region, comprising three local government areas, in a shared expression of gratitude, identity, and progress.
The
festival opened with a grand procession of traditional rulers, community
leaders, and dignitaries, including the acting governor of Ebonyi State, Her
Excellency Princess Patricia On Mei Oila. Her presence marked a historic
moment, as she is the first female acting governor and deputy governor in the
state’s history.
The event
was also graced by Senator Engineer Dr. Chief David Umahi, the Federal Minister
of Works, whose infrastructural contributions to the region were repeatedly
praised throughout the ceremony.
The
atmosphere was electric with cultural performances, traditional music, and
dances that showcased the rich heritage of the Igbo people. The festival served
as a platform for unity, with leaders from the three local government areas
reaffirming their commitment to community development and cultural
preservation. The President General of the Ohanivo General Assembly, Chief
Darlington, delivered a stirring welcome address, emphasizing the importance of
sustaining the Iri Ji tradition as an annual ritual that honors the land and
its people.
One of
the most symbolic moments of the festival was the announcement of a massive
community development initiative. A total of ₦1.1 billion was pledged by
friends and sons of Ohanivo, earmarked for ten community projects across the
region. Each community is expected to propose a ₦110 million project, with
implementation overseen by local government chairmen and traditional rulers.
The transparency of the process was underscored by a vow to use both the Bible
and Quran to ensure accountability.
In
addition to the financial pledges, three brand-new buses were donated to
support Ohanivo women, youth, and men. These gifts were accompanied by a
heartfelt prayer that they be used to further the work of the president, the
governor, and the communities they serve. The festival also featured goodwill
messages from various stakeholders, including senators, federal
representatives, and commissioners, all echoing a unified call for continued
support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and Governor Francis
Nwifuru’s leadership.
The event
was broadcast live by national television stations including Arise TV, TVC,
NTA, and EBBC, amplifying its significance beyond the borders of Ebonyi State.
The closing moments of the festival were marked by a collective rendition of
the national anthem’s final stanza, a solemn reminder of the shared hope for a
nation where no man is oppressed and peace and plenty abound.
The
Ohanivo Iri Ji Festival 2025 was not just a celebration of yams, it was a
celebration of resilience, leadership, and the enduring spirit of a people
determined to shape their destiny with pride and purpose.
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