2016 Iri ji Mbaise: Imo govt applauds Mbaise people on preservation of Igbo culture

The Government of Imo State has commended the people of Mbaise in Imo State for preserving the cultural heritage of Ndi Igbo, while assuring them of Government’s resolve to work with them to improve on their infrastructure and general development.

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere made this remark on Monday 15th August 2016 while addressing the people of Mbaise at the venue of their New Yam Festival in Aboh Mbaise.

Prince Madumere who represented the Governor of Imo State began by his address with a message of hope and love, peace and unity.

The number two citizen of Imo State who had his childhood and part of his secondary education in Mbaise also said that Governor Okorocha's high regards, saying that it is the reason he has always worked with Mbaise people as their sons and daughters are appointed to lead and serve in strategic positions.

Speaking further, he revealed Governor Okorocha has directed that construction work will begin on some of the roads as soon as the rains are over. He also asserted that academic activities will soon begin in Mbaise-Ngor-Okpala Campus of Imo State University.

It will be recalled that Governor Okorocha had promised to build Campus of Imo State University in Mbaise-Ngor-Okpala axis as proposed under the administration of late Dr. Sam Mbakwe.

Prince Madumere speaking on Iri Ji Mbaise described the event as the height of celebration of Igbo culture, which is universal in every Igbo community. He said that yam remains the chief-crop of Igbo land and main-stay of agriculture in the traditional Igbo society, saying it is worthy of being celebrated.

He however attributed the Iri Ji festival as symbolic and significant to the enterprise of Igbo man. He also asserted that development of agriculture keys into Owelle Rochas Okorocha Government's idea of diversification of economy.

He also used the opportunity to call for the support of the good people of Mbaise, saying that Rescue Mission Government's strength does not lie on force and might but on the love, cooperation and massive support it enjoys from the people including the people of Mbaise.

The high point of the event is the "Iwa Ji and Iri Ji" (Yam cutting and eating) ceremonies, which afforded the people of Mbaise and other guests the opportunity to make donations for the execution of some Community projects in Mbaise.

As the tradition demands, the highest ranking Traditional Ruler, HRH, Eze Chidume Okoro as the custodian of the culture and tradition of the people was the Royal Father of the Day and the Deputy Chairman, Imo Council of Ndi Eze, Owerri zone with Chief Dr. Pat Eke as the Chairman of the occasion.

Prince Eze Madumere was accompanied by top government officials of ‘Rescue Mission’ including illustrious sons and daughters of Mbaise Nation among whom are Chief Hilary Eke, Imo State Chairman of All Progressives Congress; Chief Chidi Ibe, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry; Hon. Iyke Njoku, Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor of Imo State; Barr. Ngozi Njoku, Commissioner for Health among others.

Others who spoke were Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe who is of Ahiazu Mbaise and member representing Ahiazu-Mbaise Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, HRH, Eze Bernard Onyenguzo Enweremadum, the Traditional Ruler of Ngwa-Ukwu from Abia State among others.