The highlight of the ceremony was the presence of the Member representing Ikwo/Ezza-South Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, Rt. Hon. (Comrade) Chinedu Ogah OON, who joined the community in thanksgiving and merriment.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Ogah commended the organizers for sustaining the festival, stressing that culture is the people’s identity and must never be allowed to go into extinction. He praised the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and his wife for their leadership and support, which he said enabled him to serve effectively at the National Assembly. He also lauded the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Barr. Peter Mbah, for his exemplary leadership and for providing a peaceful and conducive environment for Ikwo Indigenous people living in Enugu.
Ogah advised the people, particularly the youths, to shun social vices and criminality, and instead embrace skill acquisition, entrepreneurship, and other lawful ventures capable of sustaining their livelihoods.
Speaking on the cultural importance of the celebration, Ogah explained that the New Yam Festival (Iri Nji Ophungu) holds deep cultural and spiritual significance among the Igbo, especially the Ikwo. According to him, it is primarily a thanksgiving to God and the ancestors for a fruitful harvest. It also marks the beginning of a new agricultural year, symbolizes unity and identity, and serves as a platform for cultural preservation, transmitting the values and traditions of the people to younger generations.
The 2025 New Yam Festival featured remarkable activities, including: the eating of new yam by various autonomous communities of Ikwo Noyo—Unweka, Alike, Echara, Mgbebu, and Okpuitumo—signifying renewal and abundance, launching of the Ikwo Almanac, showcasing cultural pride and development milestones, fundraising drive to support the purchase of a union bus for the community.
A donation of ₦1,070,000 by Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah to strengthen the union’s activities, alongside his call for collective action and involvement of more prominent Ikwo leaders in supporting the union’s goals.
The colourful celebration attracted several distinguished personalities, including: Prince Ifeanyi Ogbuewu – Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, representing the Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Ilang Donatus Chukwuma – Commissioner for Education, Ebonyi State, Dr. Sam Nte Egwu – President, Ikwo Development Union, Chief Ikepi Chibuueze – Chairman of the occasion
Other eminent Ikwo sons and daughters from the political, cultural, and academic spheres.
The Ikwo Noyo New Yam Festival in Enugu not only reinforced the people’s bond with their heritage but also showcased their resilience, unity, and determination to preserve Igbo traditions—even in the diaspora.
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