Igbo Cultural:Eze Nwokedi Preaches Peace and Cultural Respect At New Yam Festival.

Emmanuel Clement 

The Chairman Council of Ndieze Lagos State, Eze Ambassador C.C.Nwokedi, Eze Okpoko I of Obodokwu has urge the Igbo community to respect the cultures and traditions of their host communities while supporting the Lagos State Government and promoting peaceful co existence.

He stated this during 2025 New yam festival held in Lagos which unify the heritage of the Igbo people, urging the people to uphold traditions passed down by their forefathers.

Eze Nwokedi who is the Eze Ndigbo of Ijegun and Ijedodo highlighted the importance of the New Yam festival which is an age long cultural and traditional ceremony as a mark of honour to thank God for the end of the harvest season and ask for his blessings in the next planting season.

“The Igbo New Yam Festival is an annual traditional event of the Igbos wherever they find themselves. As a king of Igbo man according to our tradition and culture, it is obligatory to observe this age-long festival laid down by our ancestors,”

“The festival, which coincides with the harvest season, is symbolic of divine grace,it provides an opportunity for the living to appreciate God for surviving the planting season.”

“Many people planted and today they are not alive to harvest. Therefore, those of us who are the alive have cause to glorify the Lord.”he said

Investigator news reports that the New yam/ Igbo Cultural festival which was held on Sunday, September 21, 2025 attracted so many Igbo sons and daughters including non indigenes, friends and well wishers to celebrate the new season of bountiful harvest and thanks to God almighty for the gift of life.

Those in attendance include members of Council of Ezendigbo, Igbo Speaking Community,  Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos,President of Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos, Chief Sunday Udeh,, High Chief Sunday Eze (former President General of the Igbo Speaking)members of Igbo Buru Otu Association.

 

Others are Chief Sunny Akpoyibo,( Otunba of Alimosho )the Managing Director of Ruzu Herbal products, Dr Robert Onyemaechi Uzu, Eze Jude Arinze (Ezendigbo of Isolo, Vice Chairman of the Council of Ndi Eze Igbo Lagos), Eze Augustine Ojukwu (Ezendigbo of Amuwo-Odofin),Comrade Prince Saviour Iche MD/CEO Authentic Skin Care Products,Igbo Speaking community youth leader, Chief Okechukwu Uzuegbunam, Chief Ginikachukwu Onwuzuruike,Chief Mike Ochuko,top Police officers and members and executive of Igbo-speaking community and Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos

The Chairman of the occasion Chief Sunny Akpoyibo,the Otunba of Alimosho hailed the unique celebration of the New Yam festival, describing it as a symbol of Igbo culture.

 

Chief Akpoyibo went further to praise Eze Nwokedi’s philanthropy and commended his unique approach to giving while calling on other Igbo traditional leaders to emulate him noting that Nwokedi has been an aggressive giver over the years.

Earlier,the event started with the conferenent of chieftaincy titles to deserving individuals, who have contributed immensely in various ways to humanity.

The ceremony which took place at the palace of the Eze Ndigbo of Ijegun and Ijedodo had individuals conferred with different titles. They include Chief Kingsley Iheakor Mmama (Ezi nwa no na Obi), Chief Blessing Obiajunwa (Osodimee Nwanyi ma na’ria), Chief Collins Nwosu (Nze n’ Egbuodu), Chief Emmanuel Nnamdi Nneji (Okwuruora), and Hon. Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Nwankata (Akwaugo Nwanyi I of Lagos).

Speaking with newsmen,Eze Ambassador Nwokedi emphasised living in peace with other tribes in the state,drawing his inspiration from the book of Matthew 5-7.

” As a custodian of culture and traditions,I love to make peace, according to Matthew 5:7,I am here to protect and ensure that there is peaceful co existence between the Yorubas and Igbo speaking community”

The United Nation Ambassador noted that he has chosen a divine path as a giver, a trait exhibited since childhood, and encouraged others to follow their own paths, cautioning against emulation that might lead to difficulties.

Speaking after his coronation, Chief Emmanuel Nnamdi Nneji (Okwuruora)pledged to use his title to mentor the youth and create opportunities for the less privileged.

For Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Nwankata (Akwaugo Nwanyi I of Lagos)she said that her recognition would spur her to expand her humanitarian efforts, particularly towards supporting vulnerable members of the community.

Nze Collins Nwosu(Onowu Obi Ndigbo)said he is full of thanks to Eze Ambassador Nwokedi for giving him the recognition, stating that he would continue to assist the needy in his little capacity.

An awardee and special guest, Eze Dr Onyeka Ifekandu, the Ezendigbo of Lagos Island expressed gratitude over the recognition accorded him by Eze Chika Nwokedi.

Eze Dr Ifekandu noted that as a successful businessman for over 33 years in Lagos, he’s an ambassador of Igbo culture and advocates for its preservation.

He said, “I’ve been awarded for propagating Igbo culture in the diaspora, partnering with kings in the homeland and teaching children born outside Igbo soil about the culture. In my capacity, I have also provided scholarships for indigent people and financial grants to homeless individuals.”

” I have mentored over 50 young people in tailoring material businesses, sponsored others in their area of business and supported the the Igbo community in Lagos and beyond”

“Let me use this opportunity to acknowledge the Eze Ndigbo of Ijegun and Ijedodo community for his benevolence and act of giving especially to the down trodden in the society,he is my kind of person that always preach and promote peace and ensure that the less privilegeed whether Igbo or non Igbo,we make an impact in the society.”he stated

The Eze Ndigbo of Aigbaka, Ejigbo Eze Ambassador Nicolas Emenike Njoku applauded Eze Chika Nwokedi for his tenacity in promoting the Igbo culture.

He noted that cultural events such as the ‘Iriji’ enable the children born outside Igbo land to embrace their cultural heritage while appealing to the Igbos who live in the urban areas to always educate their children about the traditions and culture of their heritage.

 

 

Goodwill Messages:

ACP Patrick described Eze Nwokedi as a giver and a blessing to many people in the society as he always there to support widows and the less privileged individuals.

ACP Patrick who is a one time Police force PRO,Osun State opined that Eze Nwokedi has had a cordial relationship with all the military formations, including the Nigerian Police Force, for over 25 years and still counting and has encouraged and supported the Nigeria Police force.

The CEO of Ruzu Herbal Products and Services Ltd,makers of the Ruzu Herbal range of products,Dr Uzu Onyemachi Roberts described the monarch as “a representation of our cultural heritage” and commended his role in preserving Igbo identity.

Dr Uzu who is one of the sponsors of the 2025 New yam/Cultural festival stated that the company decided to partner with the event because the festival provides a platform to showcase indigenous culture.

He noted that the company is happy to be one of the sponsors of the event, following a three-year partnership with Eze Chika Nwokedi, and affirmed that the monarch is one of the Ruzu brand’s ambassadors who’s been very effective in promoting the products.

“Eze Chika Nwokedi who is one of our brand ambassador represents a rich cultural heritage and our goal is to showcase the potential in Igbo culture.”he said

Ambassador Pst. Mrs Tessy Chika Nwokedi, the Ugoeze of Ijegun/ Ijeododo emphasize on the importance of parents and guardians teaching their children culture and traditions, advising them about the dangers in a child not learning its traditions and customs so that their children will know their birthplace to prevent them from losing their roots.

Pastor Tessy also discussed the correlation between decorating the wives of title chiefs according to culture and traditions, stating that it is important to note that the adornment of a Lolo is a sign of respect given to a wife for being an enabler of her husband’s good achievement.

Another award recipient,Chief Ginikachukwu Onwuzuruike(The Prophet) expressed gratitude to God almighty for the opportunity and honor giving to him, while thanking Eze Ambassador Nwokedi for the award which he described as “grace to do more”.

Chief Ginikachukwu Onwuzuruike (The Prophet)went further to state that God will continually protect and provide for Eze Nwokedi and his family for impacting into the lives of the less privilegeed, widows and those in need.

Speaking on the award giving to him, Chief Ginikachukwu Onwuzuruike (The Prophet) said that it is an opportunity to increase and extend more hands to the less privilegeed.

Investigator news gathered that this year’s New yam/Cultural festival took a different tune as Eze Ambassador C.C Nwokedi splashed gift items worth millions of naira raging from bag of rice, wrappers, wristwatch, duvet, traditional walking stick to over 50 people including members of the press present.

The ceremony also witnessed award presentation to distinguished personalities who have contributed immensely by impacting lives among whom are High Chief Aloysius Nnamdi Ikegwuoni (Bishop of Ozubulu), Lolo Chizoba Okoli, Adaigbo di ora nma ( Treasurer Eze Okpoko Cabinet), Mr Ngbe Kelechi Nelson ( Chairman of Ndi Igbo Bi Na Ijeododo), Dr Ogechi Nwunze Anthony, High Chief Sir Chukwuma Ohabueze ( Akubuntutu 1 of Okija), Obinna Emeka (Don JP), Chief Dr Godwin Anaeme Eze ( Onyekachukwu na ozubulu Akajiofor 1 of Ijegun Ijeododo, Chairman Eze Okpoko Palace Chiefs).

Others are Major Prophet Ernest Chisom (Excess Grace General), Mr Chukwuma Omalu, Eziada Mrs Ifeoma Chukwunenye ( MD/CEO Becfam Group of Companies), HRH Amb. Sir Godwin ( Chukwubenna Ndigbo JP Ezeigbo Ezeodioranma Mainland Local Govt. Area Lagos), Madueke Chijioke ( PRO Obi Udo Traditional Group), Eze Dr Onyeka Ifekandu ( Ezeigbo Lagos Island Local Govt), ACP Patrick Nnemeka Onwu ( PSC Assistant Commissioner of Police, Area Commander Area A Lion Building Lagos), Mr Kanu Okoro ( Kanu KK Motors),Chief Ginikachukwu Onwuzuruike (The Prophet)among others.

Highlight of the event was cutting of the new yam,display of different Igbo cultural dances and masquerades including entertainment of guest with Igbo traditional music.