The Ohaji Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo, on Sunday, celebrated its 2025 “Iriji” (New Yam) festival, with an appeal to the state tovernment to support private mechanised farming initiatives in the area.

The Traditional Ruler of Umuokanne Village, Eze Matthew Nwokeoma, made the appeal in a speech at the ceremony.

Mr Nwokeoma said although the area is rich in oil and gas deposits, agriculture remains the mainstay of the natives.

He, therefore, appealed to Governor Hope Uzodimma to assist largescale farmers in the community with grants and soft loans to scale up their mechanised farming efforts.

He said, “The funds are needed for quality seedlings.

Many youths desire quick wealth, often overlooking the massive potentials in agriculture. We encourage young people to embrace mechanised farming as a path to sustainable prosperity and genuine wealth.”

Speaking on the traditional essence of the festival, the royal father said that culture unites the people, and described Ohaji as the home of traditional yam cultivators.

“Historically, a naturally fertile land produces big yam yields without requiring artificial fertiliser application.

“Ohaji is poised to restore farming as its primary economy, in spite of the recent oil and gas discoveries in our area,” he said.

In a remark, a US-based medical doctor from the community, Dr Greg Obi, expressed concern over the continued government’s neglect of the oil-bearing community.

Mr Obi, who was the Chairman of the occasion, described Ohaji as both the state’s food basket and a key contributor to national oil revenue.

He said that Ohaji had been able to train its children independently, without sufficient government assistance.

He admonished the people to use the Iriji festival to reflect on their history and journey to the present day.

He also advised the community to maintain unity and resist divisive tendencies, despite the presence of oil in their fertile land.

Also speaking, the President-General of Ogbako Ohaji Peoples Forum, Fidelis Enyia, described the event as a “timeless tradition that binds the people of Ohaji to their roots and ignites their vision for a united and prosperous future.”

Mr Enyia said that the festival was a solemn moment to give thanks to God and their ancestors for a bountiful yam harvest.

“The festival is a time to reflect on a journey as a people, to honour the past and renew our commitment to a prosperous future for Ohaji,” he said.

A former state Commissioner for Public Utilities, Golden Nwosu, described Ohaji as the “cradle and custodian of yam cultivation and agrarian heritage.”

Mr Nwosu said that the Iriji Ohaji was “the grand finale, closing and crowning celebration of all Iriji festivals in the state.”

Highpoint of the event, which featured  traditional wrestling and cultural displays, among others, was the cutting of the roasted yam, which was shared and eaten by prominent personalities at the event. 

(NAN)