Iriji-Awa: Umuyota Eze Designate High-Chief Nlewedim Calls on People to Unite to Preserve Our Culture
The Eze Designate of Umuyota-Umuawa-Alaocha, High-Chief Sunny Nlewedim, has called on the people of Umuawa-Alaocha to remain united and committed to preserving their rich cultural heritage and traditions.
High-Chief Nlewedim made the call on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, during the celebration of the annual Iriji-Awa (New Yam Festival) by the people of Umuawa-Alaocha in Ohuhu, Umuahia.
The festival, which was marked with traditional rites, cultural activities and merriment, brought together sons and daughters of Umuawa-Alaocha to celebrate the new yam harvest and give thanks for the blessings of the year.
As part of the celebration, the people of Umuyota-Umuawa-Alaocha, led by the Eze Designate, High-Chief Sunny Nlewedim; the Regent, High-Chief Engr. Jonathan Ogbonna; and the President-General, Chief Nwachi Okechukwu Ogbonna, visited Ogbadere, the ancestral ground of Uyota-Awa, for the traditional observance.
Speaking during the ceremony, High-Chief Nlewedim expressed gratitude to God and the ancestors for the gift of life, peace and a bountiful harvest, noting that the annual Iriji celebration provides an important opportunity for the people to reconnect with their roots and pass their cultural values to younger generations.
He urged the people to remain united, stressing that the preservation of the community’s culture and traditions requires the collective commitment of everyone.
The Eze Designate also encouraged the people, particularly the younger generation, to embrace farming and agriculture as a means of promoting food sufficiency and sustaining the agricultural heritage of the community.
He prayed for continued peace, good health and prosperity among the people, expressing the hope that God would preserve everyone to celebrate another successful Iriji-Awa festival in the coming year.
Following the traditional blessing at Ogbadere, the people of Umuyota joined other members of Umuawa-Alaocha at the Umuawa General Market Square, where the celebration continued amid cultural displays, entertainment and communal festivities.
The Iriji-Awa celebration once again highlighted the importance of culture as a tool for unity, identity and community development, while providing an opportunity for the people of Umuawa-Alaocha to celebrate their heritage and strengthen their bonds of togetherness.
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