“IRI JI’ FESTIVAL: IMO SA Urges ALL Diasporas To Remember Governor Uzodinma In Prayers.
Oru Leonard
The ‘New yam festival’ symbolizes the conclusion of a harvest and the beginning of a new cycle. An annual festival celebrating ‘Yam’ as the king of all crops; this is a highly captivating art event, culturally colourful with extensive merriment attached to it in Igbo land.
Over the weekend, the Special Adviser on Diaspora Affairs, to the Imo State Governor, Hon. Cllr. Celia Osakwe-Hibbert graciously honoured the invitation to ‘Iri Ji’ occasion in Igwe of Orlu’s Palace, celebrating with the Chief host, the ‘IGWE OF ORLU’ HRH PATRICK ACHULONU ( IGWE DIDIKADI II ) and the entire people of Orlu.
The SA noted that she is highly impressed to see cultural preservation in our localities. “The young Igwe is a Diasporan but here he is, adding his quota to the service of humanity and the uplifting of our cultural heritage. He is an outstanding Igwe and has today shown that. I’m also pleased to see that Him and his cabinet automatically respected my presence as if it were Governor himself.
“They gave me kolanuts (for my Boss), seated where men exclusively sat and addressed His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma with utmost respect like He (Onwa) deserves.
“To all Diasporans, I know some of us conduct events like this outside the shores of our great State of Imo. I urge that when you do, remember our Governor in your prayers/celebrations as a show of respect and a symbol of togetherness of Ndi Imo”, the SA said.
The Igwe of Orlu, observed the occasion under strict, safe Corona Virus guidelines as the event was a scaled down version this year due to the dreadful pandemic.
Nevertheless, the usual euphoric atmosphere was still the same throughout the event
