By: Ijeoma Sandra, Nnewi.
The Obosi community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State erupted in jubilation as the monarch of the kingdom, His Majesty Igwe Chidubem Iweka Eze Iweka III, celebrated the New Yam cultural festival known as “Iwaji Obiora”.
The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, who was present during the festival, celebrated on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Obosi Township Stadium, was conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title of “Oluatuegwu 1 of Obosi”, meaning Governor that does not fear work.
While addressing the people of Obosi, Mr Governor appraised Igwe Iweka III and other traditional rulers across the state for promoting the customs and traditions of Igboland.
He reminded the residents of the community that in two weeks, Ndi Anambra, including them, would speak louder by voting for him for a second term.
He further assured the people of Anambra that his administration is committed to preserving and promoting Igbo culture and traditional values as vital instruments of unity and identity.
Igwe Chidubem Iweka, who is currently the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, while addressing his subjects, described the Obiora Obosi/ Iwaji Festival as a festival that marks the celebration of the new yam harvest and peace.
He revealed that the yam harvesting period in Obosi is one marked by lots of excitement, jubilation, and display of agricultural yield.
He further revealed that during the festival, they were compelled to maintain peaceful coexistence, adding that their ancestors imposed a heavy fine on anyone who fights during the Obiora week, therefore urged his subjects to maintain peace from one Obiora to the next.
Igwe Iweka III described Gov. Soludo’s title as a recognition of his leadership and efforts in advancing the state’s development and cultural preservation.
“Soludo has performed immensely well in the development of our dear state, in security, manpower development with 1 Youth 2 Skills Initiative, in free education and the Smart Schools Program, the rural road infrastructure and agriculture with the free disbursement of improved seedlings and agro allied farm additives to farmers” he disclosed.
The Chairman of the 2025 Obiora Obosi 2025 Committee, Chief Ken Ifeatu Obi, expressed his gratitude to their sponsors and the tireless efforts of the festival organizing committee and volunteers who have worked diligently to ensure that the event was successful.
He disclosed that 2025 Iwaji Obiora was celebrated with a renewed spirit of togetherness, especially as they recovered from the challenges they had faced in recent times.
He charged the people of Obosi to support one another, foster collaboration among their youths, and carry forward the legacy of their forebearers.
Others who spoke during the festival were Chief Engr. Emeka Molokwu (Ogbadike) and Chief Linus Mgbakogu, who encouraged younger generations to embrace traditional values and shun the erosion of culture by modern lifestyles.
The 2025 Iwaji Obiora was fully graced by dignitaries, including the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, the Sultan of Sokoto, Ooni of Ife among others.