Oluwatoyin Mathnuel
The Eze Ndigbo Ijegun / Ijeododo area, chairman council of Ndi Eze Igbo speaking community in Lagos state Amb. Eze Dr. C.C. Nwokedi on Sunday the 21rst of September, 2025 amidst all and sundry of Igbo indigenes celebrated an annual aged new yam festival with arousing cultural display.
It was indeed cultural in diversity as the celebration commenced with installation of four chiefs at the Okpoko 1of Obodoukwu’s palace.
The installed chiefs are: Chief Kingsley Iheakor, Mmama Ezinwa no na Obi, Chief Blessing Obiajunwa Osodimee Nwanyi manaria, Chief Collins Nwosu-Eze n Egbuodu, Chief Emmanuel Nneji, Okwuruora and Chief Elizabeth Nwankata- Akwaugo Nwanyi of Lagos state.
The host Eze Chika Nwokedi stressed the importance of the new yam festival as a significance of abundance aftermath an end to the old yam; though no taboo attached to disobedient but it’s better to follow the ancient rules of Iriji’s festival than to go astray Eze Nwokedi affirmed.
Eze Chika Nwokedi; a humanitarian to the core who has chosen a divine path of philanthropy in appreciation to God who lifted him up as a no body to a significant figure in the society distributed bags of rice, packs of bottled vegetable oil, Ankara textile materials to over 50 widows and notable attendee, cabinets members who has been updoing in their various assignments.
The president of Igbo Buru’otu Association of Nigeria implored Igbo breathrens across the country to abide to the dos and don’ts of wherever they found themselves as harmoney is the code; living in peace with other tribes most especially in Lagos state which is a host city.
The Ugoeze 1 of Ijegun Ijeododo Pst. Mrs Tessy Chika Nwokedi do not minced words regarding culture, tradition, and religion. Most especially Iriji yam festival that civilization can not erase.
Amb. Tessy Nwokedi highlighted displament of masquerade at a cultural event was for fun in Igbo tradition; it wasn’t diabolical neither against the Christianity in one’s life.
Amb. Tessy Nwokedi affirmed culture is a way of life imbibed in all like languages. Parents should teach their wards their languages, their culture which is a reminder of their place of birth.
At the event was an awardee and a special guest of honour; Eze Dr. Onyeka Ifekandu of Lagos Island who appreciated Eze Nwokedi for the recognition as he has been propagating Igbo culture in Diaspora, collaborating with kings and breathrens in making sure children born outside Nigeria speak Igbo language fluently.
Eze Ifekandu applauded Eze Nwokedi for his dedication in supporting Igbos both home and abroad.
ACP Patrick Nnemeka Onwu an awardee and a special guest appreciated Eze Nwokedi’s recognition, he claimed Eze Chika has harmonious relationship with Nigeria security operatives for over 25 years.
ACP Patrick applauded Eze Nwokedi for his accommodating act, generosity gestures towards whoever cross his path. ‘ He is a good, kind hearted man’ ACP concluded.
In attendance also was Eze Nicholas of Ejibo area of Lagos state. Eze Nicholas praised Eze Nwokedi for his relentless efforts in making sure Igbos are one with the get-together of Iriji yam festival which promote Igbo culture as expected. Eze Njoku called on Igbo parents to teach their children their culture for its a way of life.
The host Eze Chika Nwokedi in his concluding good will message advised Ndigbos to respect the law, rules, culture and tradition of Lagos state as he prayed for National unity peace , national prosperity as Nigeria approaches her Independent celebration.
Eze Nwokedi affirmed Nigeria government’s best possible in the betterment of her citizens; urges collective prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his cabinets and Nigeria at large.
