All is now set for Iri ji Isiama cultural fiesta, says Eze Ohanweh

Photo : HRH Eze Dr Oliver Ohanweh, Obi Gburugburu of Igboland

From Everest Ezihe, Isiala Mbano

Obi Gburugburu of Igboland and the Traditional Ruler of Isiama Kingdom,HRH Eze (Dr)Oliver Ohanweh, JP, says all is now set for the 2024 Iriji cultural festival of Isiama ancient kingdom in Isiala Mbano, LGA of Imo State, scheduled to hold this Saturday, 26th October, 2024,at his Wisdom Palace, Ihim.

Eze Ohanweh disclosed this on Monday, October 21,2024, while addressing newsmen on the activities heralding the historic occasion.

The traditional ruler assured that the annual event in which Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State is the Special Guest of Honour, will be chaired by Prof Maurice Iwu, one time Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), with the Obi of Obinugwu, HRM Eze (Dr) Cletus Ilomuanya, CON, who is the Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council and Chairman, Imo State Elders Council as the Royal Father of the Day, would be held with pomp and pegeantary.

He also informed that Chief Ikedi Ohakim, former Governor of Imo State will lead the plethora of other distinguished guests that would include Senator Patrick Ndubueze, Senator representing Okigwe Senatorial Zone in the Red Chambers, a business mogul, Chief Tony Chukwu, (Onweghi Ihe kariri Chineke), Princess Miriam Onuoha, a frontline member of the 10th Assembly representing Okigwe North Federal Constituency in the Green Chambers to the evergreen occasion.

Other distinguished guests he mentioned include Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri (Agunechemba na Okigwe), Chief Mathew Ukachu, Gen. Kelechi Madu(Rtd), Prof. Francis Opara, Chief John Enyogasi( Ok 2000), Hon. Evang Chika Okoroike, the Executive Chairman, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area , Amb. Chijioke Ebirinwa, POP & Entire President Generals in Isiala Mbano LGA, High Chief Matthew Ukeachu, (Emetumba 1 of Osuh Owerre), HRM Eze Sampson Okwudimma (Highest Investment) and High Chief Bright Chimezie-Njoku( the publisher of Nigerian Horn Newspapers).

Others include Barr. Rex Anunobi (Sokom), Prince Charles Amadi (Chalvon), Mrs. Rubby Emele, Rev. Divine Eche, PhD ( Chairman, Imo State Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN), Dr. Chineme Anyanze(Ikoro Okigwe), IGP Mike Okiro( Rtd), Prof. Vitalis Orikaeze Ajumbe ( President, Imo State Shippers Association), Rt. Hon. Nanah Goodluck Opiah, Rt Hon. Chike Okafor, representing Okigwe East in the Federal House of Representatives, Abuja, among others.

The reverred Royal Father further disclosed that the occasion will be spiced up by rejuvenated Omenaimo Cultural Troupe, Abiriba/ Ohafia War Dancers, Isiama Ihim Women Cultural Dancers and litany of other cultural cum traditional extravaganza.

Eze Ohanweh pointed out that the highlights of the occasion will be the Iwa-Ji/ Iri ji as well as bestowing Awards to some deserving and worthy Nigerians who have contributed immensely to the advancement, development and transformation of Isiama ancient kingdom.

Among the recipients of the prestigious Awards of Excellence are Senator Patrick N. Ndubueze and Rt. Hon.Princess Miriam Odinaka Onuoha,(Nwanyi Bu Ihe), for DISTINGUISHED HUMANITARIAN AWARD OF EXCELLENCE, while Hon. Sam Osuji ( Ohazurumee Mbano) bags MAN OF THE PEOPLE EXCELLENCE AWARD, just as Chief Johnpaul Ochemba (Asi Na Obughi Chineke), Rt. Hon. Kennedy Ibe, (Nke Nke Enyi) and Ambassador Abazie Ifeanyi Kingsley are to be decorated with PHILANTROPIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS.

However, Chief Lady Chika Duru (Igolo Amiyi Aka ) and Hon. Barr. Emeka Nwabudem have been detailed to receive the DISTINGUISHED ROYALTY AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE, while Engr. Henry Alaefule and Mrs. Maryrose Chinyere Nwachukwu, Ph.D, are to be honoured with LEADERSHIP PAR EXCELLENCE AWARDS.

As further demonstration of appreciation by the autonomous community, Eze Ohanweh gladly said that Chief Eze Okoro, (Ediri Mbano), will be given DISTINGUISHED COMMUNITY SERVICES AWARD OF EXCELLENCE, while Sir Henry Nwaugo Lawrence gets the DISTINGUISHED ODOZI OBODO ROYALTY AWARD OF EXCELLENCE.

Eze Ohanweh, further said that Ambassador Rotn.Ethelbert Tablet Onuoha, will be bestowed with DISTINGUISHED ROYALTY FRIENDSHIP AWARD OF EXCELLENCE , even as the community prides Miss Maureen Chinagorom Anyanwu, with the DISTINGUISHED DAUGHTER OF DESTINY ROYALTY AWARD OF EXCELLENCE, while Chief Eze Okoro, (Ediri Mbano), receives DISTINGUISHED COMMUNITY SERVICES AWARD OF EXCELLENCE