2025 Iri Ji Ofuji: A Festival of Unity, Culture, and Vision

2025 Iri Ji Ofuji: A Festival of Unity, Culture, and Vision

The 2025 edition of the Iri Ji Ofuji, a vibrant celebration of culture, harvest, and heritage, was officially flagged off at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Eze Joseph Anyanta, the traditional ruler of Ibinikwu Igbere Autonomous Community in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

Now in its fourth year since inception in 2022, the Iri Ji Ofuji festival has evolved beyond a traditional new yam celebration into a dynamic cultural movement symbolizing thanksgiving, unity, and community empowerment.

This year’s theme, “Celebration of Two Decades of Bountiful Harvest: The Role of Education and Training in Cultivating the Next Generation of Wealth Creators,” underscores the festival’s deeper purpose. It reflects the belief that yam, beyond being a staple of sustenance, also represents the values of hard work, knowledge, and the future aspirations of the people.

The event attracted an impressive array of traditional rulers, community leaders, residents, and dignitaries from across Bende and neighboring communities. A key highlight of the day was the symbolic cutting of the new yam, signifying gratitude for past blessings and hope for continued prosperity.

In his address, Dr. Chima Anyaso, convener of the Iri Ji Ofuji festival, expressed joy and appreciation for the growth of the celebration.

“Since 2022, this celebration has become more than a birthday, more than a festival—it is a thanksgiving, a unifying call to our roots, and a proud display of the rich traditions that make us who we are,” he said.

“OfujiCares will not stop in Igbere alone. This celebration will touch all three senatorial zones of Abia State, Abia South, Abia Central, and Abia North and every ward in Bende Federal Constituency. Together, we are stronger.”

Also speaking at the occasion, the Executive Mayor of Bende LGA, Deacon Uwabunkonye Bassey, expressed his gratitude for the festival being hosted in Bende.

“We thank God this is happening in Bende. We came for Iri Ji Ofuji to celebrate love, peace, and unity,” he remarked.

His Royal Majesty, Eze Joseph Anyanta, commended Dr. Anyaso’s unwavering commitment to cultural preservation and community development.

“Dr. Anyaso is a worthy son of Igbere. Through this festival, he has become a bridge of unity among our people. His actions remind us that we are one brothers and sisters of the same heritage. This is an example worthy of emulation,” the monarch stated.

Following the palace ceremony, Dr. Anyaso and his team embarked on a tour of all 13 wards in Bende LGA, spreading the spirit of the Iri Ji Ofuji across the constituency. The festival is also set to reach the three senatorial zones of Abia State, transforming what began as a local initiative into a state-wide symbol of unity, culture, and hope.

As the drums of celebration echo across the land, Ndi Igbere, Ndi Bende, Ndi Abia, and Ndi Igbo at large are invited to join in celebrating this cultural renaissance, a true reflection of the strength, identity, and vision of a united people.