The people of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State on Saturday the 26th day of October 2019, rolled out their drums with different cultural display to celebrate this years’ IRIJI OHAFIA.

Speaking at the occasion Chairman Council of Ohafia Monarchs/Uduma Ezema of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, His Royal Paramountcy Eze Prof. E.U.L Imaga explained that an average Ohafia indigene venerates her yam festival due its numerous importance to not only the people, but to visitors who usually troop to the Ancient town to felicitate with them.

The royal father went further to state that when an Ohafia man plant a small yam, he expects to get the biggest yam from the harvest because of the strong believe they have in their gods of harvest which has been helping them to reap bountifully from their farm land, pointing out that Iriji Ohafia remains the most special one across Igboland.

Eze Prof. Imaga described yam as the king of every other crops, that he said prompted the community and the people to always come together every other year so as to celebrate, adding that they will continue to celebrate their annual yam festival as it remains a special event to them.

Also speaking at the Occasion the Speaker Abia State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Engr. Chinedum Orji who was ably represented on the occasion by the  Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu who is an indigene of the community, explained that it has always being a privilege to witness the community’s New yam festival, adding that Ohafia as a great community has announced it’s name globally through their annual celebration.

The Speaker hinted that he will continue to celebrate with the people as they remain part of him, pointing out that their rich cultural heritage, makes them very special.

He further stressed the need to join hands together with the present led government in the state so as to make Abia State to become the State of everyone’s dream, while supporting the event with a handsome donation.

On his part, the Chairman of the occasion Nze Uche Uche Ohafia Ph.D while reading out his welcome address on the occasion, expressed joy for chairing this year’s Iriji Ohafia stating that activities are on top gear to move Iriji Ohafia into Pan Ohafia Otomu which projects he said are to be chosen by Nde Ohafia and executed by a Pan Ohafia Traditional Council made up of the Ohafia Council of Monarchs.

Nze Uche Uche Ohafia thanked all those who came for the event and prayed God to lead them safely back to their respective homes.

Also speaking, one of the Chieftaincy Title recipient at the occasion Dr. Barrister Okwun Ojah explained that it was a thing of joy to be conferred with the title of Onwa 1 of Ohafia, adding that he deserve even more that that considering his landmark achievements in the community.

Dr. Barr. Okwun Ojah who was represented on the occasion by Mr. Okoro Jonah thanked Ohafia Council of Ndieze for such conferment, pointing out that such will spur him to do more for the overall development of Ohafia Community and beyond.

At the event, the Speaker Abia House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Engr. Chinedum Orji was conferred with the title as Ikuku Ohafia by Nde Eze ogo Ohafia, among other prominent display.