A Tapestry Of Tradition, Unity As Iri-Iji Festival Illuminates FCT

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was aglow with the affluent taste tapestry of the Igbo radical arsenic the assemblage gathered to observe the yearly New Yam Festival (Iri-Iji), marking the dawn of a caller yam play with a vibrant show of heritage, unity, and fellowship.

The celebratory event, hosted by High Chief Vitus Ofordum (Ikenga Mbosi) astatine his residence connected Saturday, became a melting cookware of culture, drafting a distinguished assemblage of dignitaries, accepted rulers, assemblage leaders, and some Igbo and non-Igbo speaking guests.

The juncture served arsenic a almighty affirmation of Igbo individuality successful the nation’s capital, demonstrating the enduring relevance of past traditions successful a modern setting.

The aerial was filled with anticipation and the rhythmic beats of accepted euphony arsenic the ceremonial unfolded.

The grounds were a spectacle of colour and energy, featuring the ineffable rites of the caller yam presentation, electrifying masquerade displays that weaved done the crowd, and energetic taste dances performed by troupes successful resplendent attire and masquerades display.

The festivities aboriginal transitioned into a convivial blessed hour, wherever guests bonded implicit a sumptuous ‘Mukeke’ dinner, symbolising the communal tone astatine the bosom of the festival.

High Chief Vitus Ofordum framed the Iri-Iji arsenic a cornerstone of Igbo cosmology, indispensable for taste continuity.

“The Iri-Iji festival is acold much than a solemnisation of a caller harvest; it is simply a ineffable renewal of our identity, a thanksgiving to the Almighty and our ancestors for beingness and provision, and a almighty awesome of unity for the Igbo people, some astatine location and successful the diaspora,” Ofordum stated.

He further emphasised the captious relation specified gatherings play successful a modern context, adding, “In an property of accelerated globalisation, ceremonies similar this are the bedrock upon which we sphere our cherished values.

“It is our ineffable work to walk this torch of knowledge, this practice of who we are, to the younger generation, ensuring that the communicative of our radical ne'er fades.”

The value of the lawsuit was underscored by the calibre of personalities successful attendance, reflecting a unsocial blend of tradition, governance, and assemblage development.

The impermanent database work similar a who’s who of influential leaders, including Hon. Joshua Chinedu Obika, Member representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, and His Royal Highness Igwe (Pharm.) Elochukwu Mbanefo, the Ozuruoha II of Orsumohu Ancient Kingdom successful Anambra State.

Also, gracing the juncture were HRH Igwe Ochendo Ogidi-Igbo JP, Ezendigbo II of Karu section authorities area, Real Admiral Vincent Okeke (Rrd), Chief Mike Onuoha, President of the Mbosi Development Union, Hon. Festus Agbazue JP, High Chief Emeka Umebido

Their corporate beingness highlighted the festival’s relation arsenic a bridge, connecting the past traditions of the Igbo heartland with the dynamic, multicultural cloth of Abuja.

For galore non-Igbo guests, the lawsuit was an enlightening immersion into a affluent taste experience.

“Witnessing the extent of symbolism and the communal joyousness successful this solemnisation is genuinely humbling. It’s a beauteous reminder of the divers threads that marque up our nationalist identity,” said 1 guest.

The convergence of specified esteemed guests from the political, traditional, and work sectors transformed the Iri-Iji solemnisation into much than a taste event; it became a singular showcase of nationalist unity.

It celebrated the timeless traditions of Igbo civilization portion simultaneously forging caller bonds for assemblage improvement and humanitarian service.