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The Eze Ndigbo Ifako Ijaiye Lagos state, Eze Michael Ezekwobi, has called on Ndigbo in the Diaspora to continue to promote Igbo culture in line with the goals of our forefathers in line with the legacy of Eze Igbo gburugburu, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu.
In a statement, Ezekwobi said the New Yam Festival, also known as Iri Ji, is an annual cultural event held by the Igbo people at the end of the rainy season in early August ¹. He added that the importance of the New Yam Festival in Igboland can be summarized as follows :
“Harvest Celebration*: The festival marks the successful yam harvest, which is a staple crop in many West African communities.
“Cultural Preservation*: The festival plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
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Thanksgiving and Gratitude*: The festival is a time for expressing gratitude to the gods, ancestors, and spirits believed to have blessed the land and crops.”*Social Cohesion*: The New Yam Festival strengthens social ties within communities.
“Economic Significance*: The festival has economic implications as it provides a platform for farmers and traders to showcase their yam produce, promoting local trade and commerce.
“Cultural Education*: The festival serves as an educational platform, especially for younger generations.
“Spiritual and Religious Significance*: The festival has strong spiritual and religious connotations. It involves various rituals, invocations, and offerings to deities or gods associated with fertility, agriculture, and abundance.”
