In line with th Igbo culture, there is a need to have New Yam festival celebration known as “Iri Ji” annually. The festival signifies gratitude to God for the harvest and fruitful yield of the year. It is usually celebrated between the months of August and October.
The Igbo Community in Abesan, Ipaja and around Alimosho came out in numbers to celebrate the Iri Ji Festival at Abesan Estate and was hosted by Chief Bona Odinaka, a reputable High Chief in Lagos.
Not only celebrating the New Yam Festival, The Igbo Community used the occasion to reward well-meaning Igbo people that have contributed positively to the plight of Igbo people in the community and other parts of Lagos State. Titles such as Ezinne and others were given to carefully selected awardees.
Led by Chief Moses Nwokoro, the Igbo Community in Abesan, Ipaja has shown commitment to the welfare of their members.
In his welcome speech, Chief Moses Nwokoro, an ebullient leader, said: “we are here to thank God for His protection and for enabling us to see a good harvest. In a country that we keep hearing bad news, we are celebrating, and using this opportunity to thank those that have made The Igbo Community here in Abesan, Ipaja, Lagos tick; also thanking our able Lagos State Governor, Jide Sanwo Olu, for allowing us to thrive.”
In line with the welcome speech, Mr. Kachi Egwim, the Financial Secretary said: “ though we are new as an association, we are flourishing. Our aim is to ensure that the welfare of our members is looked into. We also liaise with other Igbo-speaking communities here in Alimosho; but our primary objective is to ensure that Igbo members in our catchment areas are well represented politically, and taken care of if there is a financial need.”
Ezinne Ben Okafor, the Women Leader, added that the women are in total support of the leader, despite a few teething challenges; which is normal in leadership. She added that they aligned with his leadership style, which was why the women came out en masse to ensure that the event was a success. Truly it was a huge success, irrespective of the little challenge that came up earlier.
Igbo Community in Abesan, Ipaja is a non-profit, non-political, and non-religious group that has evolved to be a strong association, recognised by the Mosan LCDA and Alimoso LG. Led by Chief Moses Nwokoro, the community has many respected members that have offered various solutions and interventions to the challenges many Igbo members have had over the years. Their Iri Ji Festival is an annual event.
“we are here to thank God for His protection and for enabling us to see a good harvest. In a country that we keep hearing bad news, we are celebrating, and using this opportunity to thank those that have made The Igbo Community here in Abesan, Ipaja, Lagos tick; also thanking our able Lagos Governor, Jide Sanwo Olu for allowing us to thrive.”
