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By Grace Egbunuekhe
The Uburu community in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State will celebrate its New Yam Festival or Iri ji on August 30, 2026, amidst pomp and ceremony. It is a deeply symbolic cultural celebration marking the end of the farming season and the start of a new harvest.
In Uburu and other Igbo communities, yam is viewed as the most important crop, symbolizing life, wealth, strength, and prosperity. The festival serves as a spiritual offering to God and ancestors for a bountiful harvest and protection through the farming cycle. It brings families and kindreds together, reinforcing social bonds and shared identity.
On the occasion, the community’s vibrant and rich cultural heritage will be showcased. Masquerades and various cultural groups will show their stuff through colourful parade and performances that express community joy and tradition. The local or home-based masters of ceremony led by MC Noble will spice the occasion with ribs cracking jokes.
Apart from activities marking the new yam celebration and offering prayers to God for bountiful harvest, the event will be used to give honour to whom honour is due.
It will be an opportunity to acknowledge exceptional service and contributions of some sons of the soil to local heritage as a way of appreciating their efforts and encouraging others to emulate them.
Those who will be bestowed with prestigious chieftaincy titles are Chief Dr. Stanley Ngene (Mmririnezereoha), Chief Ignatius Akuma (Ikenga), Chief Gabriel Umahi (Enyi Wa Uzo), Chief Nweze Okechukwu Joseph (Akajiugo)
and Chief Bill Akpa Innocent (Nnayereugo).
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The event is expected to bring together members of the community at home and in diaspora, the leaders and distinguished guests to celebrate the men of timbre and calibre who dedicated themselves and resources to the growth and development of their homestead.
Multi-award-winning journalist and indigene of the community, Mazi Uche Umahi, said: “I am excited that Uburu community leaders are recognising the unwavering commitment of some of their sons to mentorship of the young ones and the advancement of Uburu Adu kingdom.
“Over the years, Uburu has produced men and men of distinction, who excelled in every sphere of life, exceptional individuals who stand out from the general public because of their high achievements and strong moral character. Some of them may not have been duly recognized in their life time. That is why I consider this recognition as significant and special. I pay special tribute to late Chief Odi Nshiri, a man who came way ahead of his time.”
Another illustrious indigene, Ogbuevi Evang. Chimezie Egwu Obasi, aka Ajakampu, expressed joy over the development. He said: “I warmly felicitate with Dr. Engr. Stanley Ngene and all the distinguished awardees who will be honoured by Uburu Adu Kingdom, Ohaozara LGA, Ebonyi State, during the Uburu New Yam Festival on August 30, 2026.
“This well-deserved recognition is a testament to their remarkable contributions, dedication, service, and positive impact in our community and beyond.
“As they receive this honour, may it serve not only as a celebration of their achievements but also as encouragement to continue making meaningful contributions to the growth and development of our people.”
Ajakampu prayed that the New Yam Festival should bring renewed unity, prosperity, peace, and progress to Uburu Adu Kingdom.
In the same vein, the next day, August 31, Amenu village will celebrate its own New Yam Festival and honour exceptional community builders and friends with roots in Amenu village.
