Ihembosi, a serene and culturally rich town in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, came alive in full glory on Saturday, 27th September 2025, as it played host to a jubilant crowd for its annual Iwaji Festival, a celebration of new beginnings, heritage and harvest.
The festive spirit took over the Ihembosi Community Field, the epicentre of the occasion, with drumming, dancing, masquerades and cultural displays drawing sons and daughters of the town, both home and abroad for a memorable event marked by pomp, pageantry and deep traditional significance.
Gracing the colourful celebration was none other than the Mayor of Ekwusigo LGA, Hon. Chimezie Obi (Onyemezi), a proud son of the soil, alongside respected traditional and community leaders, including Anya Ihembosi, Ezementus Mbonu; Onwa Ihembosi, Nwakibeya, Ossytraco and other notable dignitaries from the town’s eight vibrant villages, which include: Umuabo, Umunakwa, Uhualor, Otukwe, Onucha, Chiekenta, Ubahu and the youngest, Umuohi.
Opening prayers were led by Chief Ezementus Mbonu, who prayed for divine protection and guidance over the land.
In his address, the event’s Chairman, High Chief Chris Ubah (Ezechunagbaluogu), praised God for the fair weather and the smooth flow of the festival. He thanked both past and present Presidents-General (PGs), traditional title holders, clergy and community branches, for their commitment to Ihembosi’s unity and progress.
He used the medium to caution the youths against the temptation of “quick money” and ritual wealth, urging them to embrace hard work and integrity as the true path to success.
In a heartfelt speech, the President-General of Ihembosi Progressive Assembly (IPA), Chief Malachy Udezue (Ezeamulunobi), thanked God for His protection and for a peaceful and successful harvest season, despite the biting economic challenges facing Nigeria.
In his words: “Our ancestors have blessed us with a fruitful year.
“This festival is not just a tradition; it is a testimony of thanksgiving and preparation for the next farming season,” Chief Udezue stated.
He further lauded the turnout of villagers and branches, emphasizing the role of agriculture in sustaining Ihembosi’s economy. While praising top-performing farmers and announced the continuation of the farming competition to further strengthen agricultural pride in the town.
The PG, also extended his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the festival’s success, both spiritually, financially, and morally, and ,prayed for divine replenishment “in hundred folds.”
On politics, Chief Udezue boldly urged his people to vote wisely in future elections, affirming the present administration’s impact on the town and promising their support for a second tenure.
Several prominent personalities, who spoke in line with the President General, which include: Mr. Ossy Ihioha (Ossytraco); Mr. Chidera Nwaneyi (Nze Nwachinamalaoji); Chief Odinaka Udeze, (CEO, Odinick Ltd.); Ogbuefi Nwakibeya and Nze Ndupu Kevin (Ezeakunehiudu), described the outcome of the festival as successful; while urging Ihembosi youths to continue to engage in meaningful ventures.
The Clan stakeholders in the meantime, called for unity, prayers for wisdom among the town’s leaders and continued promotion of Igbo culture and values.
A traditional Chief in the Clan, Anya Ihembosi commended all past Presidents-General of Ihembosi, for their various contributions to the development and preservation of the Clan’s cultural homage-paying, which was showcased at the festival.
For the people of Ihembosi, 2025 Iwaji Fest was more than a festival, it was a bold statement of identity, progress, and pride in tradition.
It is indeed, a true testament of a people united by culture, blessed by the land and hopeful for the future.
The highlights of the event include: cutting of the new yam, marking the traditional start of the harvest season, awards for the best yam farmers, which is way of encouraging and celebrating excellence in agriculture.
Others include: presentation of the football competition trophy, homage to past PGs, which has to do with acknowledging leadership and continuity.
While wrestling competition, masquerade parades and cultural displays, brought alive the vibrant traditions of the Igbo people.
