Igbo Cultural Day: Ijegun Ijeododo community celebrates Iriji Festival with cultural displays and gifts
7 min read
Igbo Cultural Day: Ijegun Ijeododo community celebrates Iriji Festival with cultural displays and gifts
… prays for peace.
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By Naomi Onome
The Ezendigbo of Ijegun Ijeododo, Eze Chika Nwokedi, and cabinet chiefs of the ‘Obi Chukwu’ palace celebrate the Iriji Festival with Igbo sons and daughters on Igbo Cultural Day in Ijegun, Lagos State. The ‘Iriji’ celebrated yearly signifies a new season of bountiful harvest and thanks to God for the gift of life.
The event held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, had dignitaries in attendance consisting of Igbo traditional rulers in Lagos, executives and members of the Igbo-speaking community who graced the occasion in honour of Eze Chika Nwokedi, Okpoko 1 of Obodoukwu, the Chairman of the Council of Ndi Eze Igbo Lagos.
The event commenced with the coronation of chiefs, including Chief Kingsley Iheakor Mmama Ezi nwa no na Obi, Chief Blessing Obiajunwa Osodimee Nwanyi ma na’ria, Chief Collins Nwosu, Nze n Egbuodu, Chief Emmanuel Nnamdi Nneji, Okwuruora, and Honourable Chief Mrs Elizabeth Nwankata, Akwaugo Nwanyi 1 of Lagos State.
Chief Sunny Akpoyibo, the event’s chairman, in his introductory remarks, appraised Ndigbo for having the best yet sustainable culture, especially when it comes to the New Yam festival, which he says is uniquely celebrated worldwide. He praised Eze Nwokedi for his charitable actions over the years, which have touched the lives of humanity, saying his passion and compassion for the less privileged are a testament to his magnanimity. He affirmed Nwokedi is committed to the course of giving throughout the years as he urged other Igbo traditional leaders to follow in his strides.
Speaking at the event, an awardee and special guest, Eze Dr Onyeka Ifekandu, the Ezendigbo of Lagos Island, a businessman who hails from Enugu, expressed gratitude over the recognition accorded him by Eze Chika Nwokedi. He noted that as a successful businessman for over 33 years in Lagos, he’s an ambassador of Igbo culture and advocates for its preservation.
In response to his award recognition presented by Eze Chika Nwokedi at the Iriji event, he said, “I’ve been awarded for propagating Igbo culture in the diaspora, partnering with kings in the homeland and teaching children born outside Igbo soil about the culture. In my capacity, I have also provided scholarships for indigent people and financial grants to homeless individuals.”
He further said he’s mentored over 20 young people in tailoring material businesses, demonstrating his dedication to supporting the Igbo people. Ifekandu praised Nwokedi’s dedication to supporting the Igbo people.
Another guest at the occasion, Eze (Amb) Nicolas Njoku, the ‘Aigbaka of Ejigbo’, commended Eze Chika Nwokedi for his tenacity in promoting the Igbo culture; he noted that cultural events such as the ‘Iriji’ enable the children born outside Igbo land to embrace their cultural heritage. He urged the Igbos who live in the urban areas to educate the children about their traditions.
ACP Patrick Nnemeka Onwu, a guest at the Iriji event, also received an award for his praiseworthy service in the Nigeria Police. As the Area Commander of Lion Building, Lagos, he revealed he’s responsible for providing security cover for various dignitaries, including government officials. During his appreciation message, he expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Police, which has enabled astounding achievements so far. Through the support of the Nigerian Police, Patrick said he’s travelled extensively, attending all police courses at home and abroad; as a member of the second contingent of Nigerian police peacekeepers in Kosovo, Nnemeka is winding down the system and will retire in October.
In his goodwill message to Eze Chika Nwokedi, ACP Patrick described the monarch as a metagenerous person, always there to support widows and the less privileged individuals. He said Nwokedi has had a cordial relationship with all the military formations, including the Nigerian Police Force, for over 25 years and still counting, and affirms he is a good and kind man.
The Igbo cultural day, which also had business tycoons in attendance, led pressmen to a media chat with one of Nigeria’s recognised phytomedicine practitioners, Dr Uzu Onyemaechi Roberts, the CEO of Ruzu Herbal Products and Services Ltd, the makers of the Ruzu Herbal range of products and the bestseller ‘Kampe’.
He noted that the company is happy to be one of the sponsors of the event, following a three-year partnership with Eze Chika Nwokedi, and affirmed that the monarch is one of the Ruzu brand’s ambassadors who’s been very effective in promoting the products. He added that the ‘Iriji’ festival is a celebration of the Igbo cultural heritage and potential, and as an indigenous manufacturer, Robert believes in showing total support and dedication to the activities of Eze Chika Nwokedi, whom he affirms represents a rich cultural heritage. The goal is to showcase the potential in Igbo culture.
Speaking with Amb. Pst. Mrs Tessy Chika Nwokedi, the Ugoeze 1 of Ijegun Ijeododo, on culture and traditions, she discusses the importance of teaching children their cultural and traditional roots and advises parents to teach their children about their birthplace to prevent them from losing their roots. She also emphasises the importance of teaching children languages, especially if their parents are from different tribes.
Tessy also discussed the correlation between decorating the wives of title chiefs according to culture and traditions, citing examples from the Bible; she says the Bible states that behind every successful man is a woman (wife), and this emphasises the significance of the ‘Lolo’ title accorded to the wife of a coronated chief. She enlightens that it is important to note that the adornment of a Lolo is a sign of respect given to a wife for being an enabler of her husband’s good achievement. She also emphasises the importance of having a wife to make a peaceful home and fulfil expectations; in other words, the importance of having a wife in a man’s life outweighs the disadvantages. A wife brings honour to her husband, she added.
Eze Chika Nwokedi, Okpoko 1 of Obodoukwu, the Ezendigbo of Ijegun Ijeododo, Chairman of the Council of Ndi Eze Igbo Lagos State, and the President of the Igbo Buru’otu Association of Nigeria, emphasises the significance of the Iriji festival, which involves bidding an end to the old yam while ushering in the new yam after a bountiful harvest. This tradition, he says, brings blessings to the people, underscoring communal sharing and gratitude while also highlighting the cultural significance and personal adherence to tradition.
Eze Chika, who championed the remarkable Igbo cultural day celebration, gave free food items (rice bags) to over 50 people and presented awards accompanied with gifts such as wristwatches, printed materials, duvet, traditional walking sticks to a good number of recipients and members of the press present. This year’s cultural event, he says, is crafted to be unique, following his desire to bless people through giving in a bid to appreciate those contributing significantly to Igbo culture.
He emphasised living in peace with other tribes in the state, which resonates deeply, drawing inspiration from Matthew 5-7. He highlights the commitment to preventing ethnic tensions among Igbo people and the importance of fostering harmony with other tribes in Lagos State.
However, he noted that he’s chosen a divine path as a giver, a trait exhibited since childhood, and encouraged others to follow their own paths, cautioning against emulation that might lead to difficulties. He also advised Ndigbo in Lagos to respect the Yoruba culture, acknowledging that Lagos is Yoruba land and promoting peaceful coexistence is paramount.
As Nigeria approaches its independence celebration, Eze Chika prays for national prosperity, job creation, and mercy for Nigerian leaders and citizens alike. While being supportive of Nigeria’s progress, Eze Chika acknowledges the challenges of governance and urges collective prayer for the country’s betterment. Prays for longevity to witness next year’s Iriji celebration.
Highlights of the event include presentations of awards, cultural displays, presentation of the new yam, masquerade display, presentation of gifts and food items, and speeches from various dignitaries in acknowledgement of the ‘Iriji’ celebration.
Dignitaries in attendance include Chief Sunday Udeh (President General of the Igbo Speaking Community), High Chief Sunday Eze (former President General of the Igbo Speaking Community), Eze Jude Arinze (Ezendigbo of Isolo, Vice Chairman of the Council of Ndi Eze Igbo Lagos), Eze Augustine Ojukwu (Ezendigbo of Amuwo-Odofin), High Chief Sunday Akpoyibo (Akeweje of Meiran Kingdom, Chairman of the event), Chief Dr Okechukwu Uzuegbunam (youth leader of the Igbo Speaking Community Lagos), Chief Mike Ochuko, businessmen including Dr Uzu Onyemaechi Roberts MD/CEO Ruzu Herbal Products and Services Ltd and Comrade Prince Saviour Iche MD/CEO Authentic Skin Care Products, members and executives of the Igbo Speaking Community Lagos and others. ….
Awardees honoured by Ezendigbo Ijegun Ijeododo and his Cabinet includes: High Chief Aloysius Nnamdi Ikegwuoni (Bishop of Ozubulu), Lolo Chizoba Okoli, Adaigbo di ora nma ( Treasurer Eze Okpoko Cabinet), Mr Ngbe Kelechi Nelson ( Chairman of Ndi Igbo Bi Na Ijeododo), Dr Ogechi Nwunze Anthony, High Chief Sir Chukwuma Ohabueze ( Akubuntutu 1 of Okija), Obinna Emeka (Don JP), Chief Dr Godwin Anaeme Eze ( Onyekachukwu na ozubulu Akajiofor 1 of Ijegun Ijeododo, Chairman Eze Okpoko Palace Chiefs), Major Prophet Ernest Chisom (Excess Grace General), Mr Chukwuma Omalu, Eziada Mrs Ifeoma Chukwunenye ( MD/CEO Becfam Group of Companies), HRH Amb. Sir Godwin ( Chukwubenna Ndigbo JP Ezeigbo Ezeodioranma Mainland Local Govt. Area Lagos), Madueke Chijioke ( PRO Obi Udo Traditional Group), Eze Dr Onyeka Ifekandu ( Ezeigbo Lagos Island Local Govt), ACP Patrick Nnemeka Onwu ( PSC Assistant Commissioner of Police, Area Commander Area A Lion Building Lagos), Mr Kanu Okoro ( Kanu KK Motors) and others….
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