By: Ijeoma Sandra, Nnewi.
The people of Amichi community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State have celebrated their age-long New Yam festival amidst jubilation.
During the event held at the Igwe’s palace on Sunday, 31st of August, 2025, the Monarch, Igwe Alphosus Oforbike, the cabinet members, chiefs, the PGs in their royal regalia were glamorously seated,receiving the people of Amichi that paid homage to the traditional ruler of the Amichi kingdom.
Igwe Oforbike in his remarks during a Kola nut ritual, welcomed everyone present and advised anyone with bad intention against the throne to be careful, adding that the spirit of their ancestors would not spare the person. He said as a staunch Catholic, he believed totally in the tradition of their land.
“As the son of soil,whose root remained unquestionable, I am the traditional ruler of Amichi Kingdom. The spirit of my ancestors is always with me, If You fight me,they will not spare you” Igwe Oforbike revealed.
Igwe Oforbike spoke on the mystery of Yam as the king of the crops, which according to him is celebrated in Igboland. He noted that “Yam gives life, wisdom, prosperity, sound health among other good things”.
He finally blessed the people of Amichi, praying that they would live to celebrate 2026 Iwa ji festival.
Speaking, the President General of Obiagu village, the seat of power in Amichi, Engr. Pure Heart, showed his gratitude to his people that found him worthy by electing him as their President General.
He said they didn’t celebrate only New Yam festival but also celebrated Ofala festival, revealing that all the seven quarters in Amichi gathered to make this year’s festival a memorable one.
Pure Heart said Yam is been celebrated in Igboland since the time memorial, disclosing that the festival is significant in Igboland because according to him their ancestors used the period to count time.
He went further to reveal what he represents in his community, as development, unity and light of his community. He further disclosed that for decades now, this year’s festival remained a memorable one, because it brought all the people of Amichi Kingdom together.
On the same note, the Dynamic Friends Club, who paid homage to the Monarch with a very fat life cow headed by Hon. Victor Anyaegbu said the aim of the club remained to unite Amichi community, stressing that there is nothing like unity.
He encouraged the people of Amichi to remain United and shun evil for God’s blessings.
The 2025 Amichi Iwa ji festival attracted Igwes from neighbouring villages, political figures, Dynamic Friends Club headed by Hon. Victor Anyaegbu, Prince Abuchi Moses Ezeoke, among others.