Nzenwa Celebrates Iriji Festival
.Unveils Golden Guinea Depot In Imo
A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Executive Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Council, Dr. Bede Agunnaya Nzenwa has said that Iri Ji cultural festival is a rich cultural festival Mbaise people do not play with, pointing out that it is during the ceremony that farmers, especially those involved in yam cultivation thank God for the bountiful farm harvest which is like a thanksgiving for the farm produce coupled with his protections.
The ceremony which was held at the Banquet Hall of Hollywood Hotels around Prefab area of Owerri, attracted some prominent personalities.
In his lecture about the history of ‘Iriji’ festival in Igbo land, Ezeji Sunny Nzenwa who holds the title of ‘Ezeji’ described the ceremony as an age-long one in Igbo archeology passed down to the present generation by our forefathers.
Ezeji Nzenwa who is a direct cousin to Dr. Bede Nzenwa, the sponsor of the ceremony confirmed that the ‘Iri Ji’ ceremony in Igbo land is like a thanksgiving ceremony where farmers thank God for the bountiful farm produce for the year and provide a forum to plead for good harvest the following year, though he said in some communities, ceremonies are also held to herald the new planting season when the farmers pray and plead for good and fruitful planting season.
The Ezeji used the opportunity to enumerate the types of yam that are normally planted within the year which include among others ji Igwe, ji abali, ji oko, ji nkuakpagwa, ji ibibi and others.
He reminded all that the king of all the yam is ji Nkuakpagwa which grows so much while the one that is harvested early among is the ji abali and later talked on the issue of ‘Ike-ji’ which happens midway, during the life time of the yam, though, it’s not all types of yam that go through ‘ike ji’.
In his speech, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Eloka Unaigwe recalled the significance of ‘Iri ji’ in Igbo land, especially in Mbaise and remarked that ‘Iri ji’ Mbaise is a remarkable culture that should be sustained and improved upon in the future.
The same occasion was also used to unveil the Golden Guinness Breweries, producers of Golden Guinea Lager Beer, Eagle Stout and Bergedof Beer main deport at Owerri at, No 1 Dr Bede Nzenwa Lane Prefab Area of Owerri.
During the occasion, the Chairman of Golden Guinea Breweries, Barr Chief Okey Nzenwa who was ably represented by the Regional Sales Manager, Mr. Stanley Akaniro said that Golden Guinea Breweries has really landed in Owerri and all those who have been longing to get the beer can now access the beer with a difference at, No1 Bede Nzenwa Lane Prefab, by WAEC Office, Owerri.
He said that the Golden Guinea Beer still maintains its original taste because they vowed not to lower the standard, not minding the cost of production.
Highlights of the occasion were the cutting of the new yam which is the ‘iri ji’ proper and the official launching of the Golden Guinea beer main Deport in Owerri by the chairman of the company, Chief Okey Nzenwa ably represented by the Company’s Regional Sales Management assisted by Dr. Bede Agunnaya Nzenwa, the Proprietor of the Deport which operates with the name, GORETTI BEVERAGES COMPANY.
Among those who attended the ceremony include Dr. Eloka Unaigwe who was the Chairman, Hon Mrs. Uchchukwu Jacinta, a commissioner in ISIEC, Ezeji Sunny Nzenwa, Barr Alulegwu Nzenwa, Mr. Tom Ibe of FedPoly Nekede, Lady Jennifer Ibe, the wife of Late Neurosurgeon, Dr. MON Ibe, Mr. Nnamdi Ugha, Chief & Lolo Nick Onyechi-Ezejiaka 1 of Ogidi, Dr. Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, High Chief Chudi Nnadi, from Texas, Dr. & Mrs. Agoha among others. Hon Albert Nnorom, former Executive Chairman of Ehime.
