Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area hosted what has been described as one of the most historic, peaceful, and culturally significant editions of the Iri-Ji Mbaise Cultural Festival on Saturday. Sons and daughters of Mbaise gathered at Oke Ovoro to celebrate their rich heritage and strengthen the bonds of unity among the people.
The colourful celebration, held at the Oke Ovoro Secondary School Playground, brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, cultural groups, dignitaries, and Mbaise people from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Speaking at the festival, the Executive Chairman of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Barr. Iheukwumere Henry Alaribe expressed his appreciation to the people of Mbaise for entrusting Aboh Mbaise with hosting the historic cultural gathering.
Alaribe said the decision to host the festival at Oke Ovoro had not only provided an opportunity for Aboh Mbaise to showcase its hospitality and rich cultural heritage but had also further strengthened the bond of unity among the three local government areas that make up Mbaise.
He thanked the people of Mbaise for coming together in large numbers to celebrate their common heritage, noting that the peaceful and colourful gathering demonstrated the strength of Mbaise's cultural identity and collective spirit.
The Executive Chairman said the festival was more than a celebration of the new yam, describing it as an important platform for preserving the traditions, values and cultural heritage of the Mbaise people for generations yet unborn.
A major highlight of the festival was the presentation of the Iri-Ji Mbaise Grand Patron Award to Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe by the Mbaise people.
The award was presented in recognition of Alaribe's steadfastness, commitment to the development of the community, and his demonstrated love for the culture and people of Mbaise.
Receiving the award, an elated Alaribe expressed profound appreciation to the Mbaise people for the honour, describing the recognition as one he would cherish and regard as a call to greater service.
He also used the occasion to express his gratitude to the Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, whom he credited with providing the political support that made his emergence as Executive Chairman of Aboh Mbaise possible.
According to Alaribe, the Governor's support had been instrumental to his administration's ability to contribute to the successful hosting of the cultural festival.
He noted that without the Governor's support in helping him emerge as Executive Chairman, many of the initiatives and achievements recorded by his administration, including the successful hosting of the Iri-Ji Mbaise celebration, would not have been possible.
The Chairman expressed his appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for his confidence, support and encouragement, assuring that he would continue to work in the interest of the people and promote initiatives that unite Mbaise and advance the development of Aboh Mbaise.
The festival featured traditional dances, cultural displays, the celebration of the new yam, indigenous cuisine, and other activities that showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Mbaise people.
The successful hosting of the festival at Oke Ovoro further reinforced Aboh Mbaise's position as a welcoming host and provided a significant platform for Mbaise people to reconnect with their roots, celebrate their shared identity, and strengthen the unity that binds the three local government areas together.
The 2026 Iri-Ji Mbaise Cultural Festival ended on a high note, with participants celebrating the success of the event and the renewed spirit of unity, culture, and togetherness demonstrated throughout the gathering.
Dike Godspower writes from Uvuru, Aboh Mbaise LGA
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