….SAYS IRIJI MBAISE REMAINS AGELONG UNIFYING HERITAGE..
It was yet another epoch gathering of friends and associates of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha CON, as he celebrates this year’s 2022 Iriji Mbaise festival.
The colourful traditional event, which held at the Mbutu, country home of the Omenkeahuruanya, had in attendance traditional rulers, Ndi Nze na Ozo, businessmen, politicians, industrialists, the Clergy, cultural dance and musical groups, etcetera.
In his welcome speech, shortly after presentation of kolanut, His Excellency, took time to acknowledge his guests and reitertaed his commitment to preserving as well as observing the tradition and culture bequeathed to our generation by our forefathers.
He said, “I am delighted to again, welcome you to this year’s Iriji Mbaise at my country home. This festival remains an agelong unifying cultural and traditional heritage which has brought our people together, from various shades of endeavour. I have never wavered in my commitment to ensuring that it is not only persevered, but also celebrated annually with friends and associates who understand the significance of the festival.
“This is one festival that has put the Mbaise nation and indeed Imo State on the national tourism outlook as a result of its significance. I therefore enjoin you to please ensure that various traditions and cultural heritage in your respective localities would not be lost.”
Performing the iwaji, (cutting of yam) His Excellency, who was flanked by leaders, led the symbolic cutting and eating of the yam, which signals the celebration of the bountiful harvest of the farming season. He cut roasted yam, dipped in the red oil sauce, garnished with nchanwu and other local condiments and ate to the cheers and admiration of the guests. Similarly, guests took turns to cut and eat from the displayed roasted yam.
Various hightlife bands, cultural and dance groups, such as Oriental brothers International, Oku Nwamama, Abigbo Mbaise, Ugwumba Mbaise, Ikoro Mbaise, among others electrified the event with entertaining songs and dance.
Guests at the event include; HRH.Eze Damian Nwaigwe, HRH Eze Emma Nwimo, Ezuruezu Mbaise, led by Barr. Cyril Anyanwu, President General, Hon. Oliver Enwerenem, Secretary General, Chief Chime Aliliele, Vice Chairman, Dr. Okey Aguwa, former President General of Ezurezu; Chief Ambrose Ejiogu, Chairman, Imo PDP Elders Committee, Hon. Emeka Chinedu, representing Ahiazu/ Ezinihitte Federal Constituency; Chief Charles Ugwu PDP State Chairman, his wife and members of his State Working Committee and State Executive Committee, including Sir. Martin Ejiogu, Deputy State Chairman, Nze Ray Emeana, State Secretary, Nze Law Biaduo, PDP State Organising Secretary, Barr. Kissinger Ikeokwu, State Legal Adviser, Mrs. Maria Mbakwe, Women uleader, among others; Chief Emeka Alihe, Cordinating Chairman of PDP LGA Chairmen led his colleagues to the event. Members of the House of Assembly, Hon. Anyadike Nwosu, Minority Leader, IMHA, Hon. Okey Onyekanma, Hon. Pascal Okolie, Hon. Solomon Anukam, Hon. Philip Ejiogu; Chief Charles Ezekwe, former PDP State Chairman, Hon. CAC Njoku; Senatorial, House of Representatives and State Assembly Candidates of the PDP led by Barr. Uche Onyeagucha, Imo East Senatorial candidate; Dr. Vin Udokwu, Director General led Directors and members of the Rebuild Imo Organisation, leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party; Chief Chuma Nnaji, Prof. Obioma Iheduru, Sir Bon Unachukwu, Barr. Kester Enwereonu, Chief Fan Ndubuoke, Chief Richmond Osuji, Rev. Fr. Ikechi Ezeukwu, Rev. Ken Mbakwe, Chief Leo Okeahialam.
Others are; Chief Emma Nworgu, Comrade Hamilton Okere, Chief Charles Abara, Mr. Emeka Nwokeke, Chief Jasper Chukwuemeka ,h Chief Macdonald Amadi, Hon. Alex Emeziem, Chief Ben Mere, Chief Ugwuibe, Chief Steve Onu, Chief Victor Iheanacho, Chief Mrs. Ann Njoku, Mrs. Blessing Njoku, Comrade Owelle Evans, among others.
Chibuike Onyeukwu
Media Aide
Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha CON
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