By: Kalu Okorie
The indigenes of Ohafia in Abia State have set aside Saturday, September 7, 2024, for their celebration of new yam festival (Iri Ji Ohafia), to be held at Ogbo Ukwu Akanu Ohafia.
Iri Ji Ohafia (celebration of new yam festival) is an annual festival held in Ohafia, in present day, Abia State of Nigeria, to commemorate the season of the harvest of new yam. The Iri Ji festival, which translates to “yam eating” in the Ohafia dialect, is a showcase of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Ohafia people.
Iri Ji Ohafia celebration marks the beginning of the yam harvest season-a staple crop planted, grown and harvested by the Ohafia people. It is a celebration of the fertility of the land, the hard work of the farmers, and the community’s gratitude for the harvest.
The Iri Ji celebrations come with various cultural activities which may include; Yam eating contests, Cultural dances and performances by Iri Agha, Ekpe(Ohafia cultural dances),Traditional music and drumming, Display of traditional attire and regalia, Offering of prayers and thanksgiving to the gods.
Iri Ji Ohafia is a celebration of the Ohafia people’s cultural identity, showcasing their customs, traditions, and values. The festival promotes unity, cooperation, and social bonding among community members.
The Iri Ji is celebrated by the 26 l villages in Ohafia and Akanu Ohafia is not left out. Usually age grades are appointed to organize such celebrations, add colour and make it unique.
The Ugomba Age Grade and Royal Age Grade of Akanu Ohafia, Ohafia will jointly host the Akanu Ohafia new yam celebration.
Both age grades coined into one as UgoRoyal are hosting the 2024 Iri ji Ohamoha Akanu Ohafia tagged Harvest of Manifold Blessings.
The Chairman of the joint organising Committee, Chief Nnanna Ajike, said the event was an opportunity to celebrate the new yam/harvest and thank the Almighty for his multi-faceted blessings upon the people of Akanu ancient kingdom.
He disclosed that added to the carnival would be the usual fanfare of Eke Ekpe which is a colorful cultural dance with masquerade displays for which Akanu is known.
Chief Nnanna disclosed that this year’s Iri Ji of the Akanu Ohafia people would attract tourists and visitors from across Nigeria.
Local businesses are not left out in making brisk business as food vendors will display the various cultural food, delicacies and traditional clothing.
