FORMER Governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha on Sunday, received Chief Dr. ThankGod Ezeani who celebrated with him at his country home in Mbutu, Aboh-Mbaise local government area of Imo state.
The event was the year 2021 Iri Ji Mbaise Festival (The New Yam Festival).
Chief Ihedioha who expressed delight with the visit, show of love and solidarity by the Orlu-born politician, stated that the Iriji Mbaise Cultural Festival is the people’s way of expressing and promoting their cultural heritage.
According to the former Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the festival was geared towards sustaining love and brotherliness in Mbaise nation.
He stated that every August 15, the Mbaise Nation gather to celebrate the Iri Ji Mbaise Festival with love, togetherness and unity.
“The cultural fiesta has enormous potentials to attract infrastructural development, huge socio-economic benefits, promote tourism and local contents in form of crafts, cultural and artistic talents as well as opening trade and commerce while building bridges with other emerging societies,” he said.
Earlier, Dr. ThankGod Ezeani who was represented at the occasion by the Director-General of Dr ThankGod Ezeani Organization, Chief Dr. Ken. Anaeme, thanked Rt. Hon. Ihedioha for the warm reception accorded to him and his entourage.
He called for the sustenance of the festival because of its benefits.
In his words, ”The Iri-ji Mbaise New yam festival is a way of expressing the custom, culture, tradition and values of the Mbaise nation with focus on ensuring that rich cultural uniqueness of Mbaise people is showcased to the global world.”
It is worthy to note that the Iri Ji Mbaise festival is a ceremony to officially mark the consumption of new yam in Mbaise nation and some other parts of Igbo land.
Two Special Assistants on Media to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo and Hon. Weyinmi Ufuoma Onovughakpo were seen with Chief Jerry Ibe at the venue with a team from Delta State.
