*ENUGWU-AGIDI NEW YAM FEASTIVAL* ‎‎ *Awam Ji Okpalariam; A Symbol Of Unity, Culture And Royal Leadership*

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‎As the famous community of Enugwu-Agidi in Umunri Ancient Kingdom prepares for the 2025 New Yam Festival (Awam Ji Okpalariam) on Saturday, 27th September 2025, attention turns to the palace of a monarch whose reign has come to symbolize peace, unity, and cultural renaissance, His Royal Highness, Igwe Michael Chidozie Okekeuche Okpalariam III, the Okpalariam of Enugwu-Agidi.
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‎Under the leadership of HRH Okpalariam III, Enugwu-Agidi has experienced a renewed sense of identity and communal pride, rooted in the rich traditions of the Umunri dynasty,  regarded by many as the cradle of Igbo civilization. The upcoming Awam Ji celebration is more than a cultural festival; it is a reaffirmation of unity, ancestry, and vision, all championed by a king who understands the power of culture in nation-building.
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‎The festival will bring together the leadership of the Enugwu-Agidi Brotherly Union (EBU), the Igwe-in-Council, Council of Chiefs, community stakeholders, traditional institutions, and dignitaries from across Nigeria and the diaspora. It is expected to be a grand celebration of heritage, but more importantly, a gathering to honor the enduring legacy of a people who remain connected to their roots.
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‎In an official statement, Ichie Ifeanyi Ndulue (Chief Onyima Enugwu-Agidi), Chief Press Secretary to the Igwe, emphasized the deep cultural and spiritual meaning of the New Yam Festival in the Umunri context:
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‎"In Umunri, the New Yam Feastival is not just about agriculture; it is identity, about remembering where we come from. It marks the beginning of a new cycle of life and prosperity. It is a spiritual, social and cultural renewal; a time for reconciliation, thanksgiving and vision".
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‎Across Igboland, Iri Ji Ohuru (New Yam Festival) is celebrated as a time of harvest and gratitude. However, in Umunri, one of the most historically significant regions in Igbo history, it takes on a heightened meaning. It is here that the ancestral lineages of many Igbo communities trace their origins, and as such, the Awam Ji is treated with reverence. It is during this time that the people pay homage to Chukwu Okike (God the Creator), offer traditional rites to the ancestors, and cleanse the land spiritually in preparation for a new season.
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‎The role of the traditional ruler in this process is paramount. Igwe Okpalariam III not only performs sacred rites as custodian of the land’s spiritual heritage but also serves as a unifying force in a time when communities must stand together. His calm wisdom, firm leadership, and deep respect for tradition have earned him the admiration of both the old and young across Enugwu-Agidi and beyond.
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‎As the 2025 Awam Ji approaches, it is a call not only to celebration but to support, support for the Igwe’s vision of unity, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and community development. Every community thrives when its people rally behind purposeful leadership, and Enugwu-Agidi is no exception.
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‎Now more than ever, sons and daughters of the land, both at home and abroad, are encouraged to show solidarity with the throne and embrace the cultural heritage that defines them. In doing so, they affirm the legacy of their forebears and build a stronger foundation for generations to come.
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‎Awam Ji Okpalariam 2025 is not just a date on the calendar; it is a living testament to the resilience, identity, and royal dignity of a people led by a king whose heart beats for his people.
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‎Long live Enugwu-Agidi. Long live the Okpalariam. Long live our cherished traditions.
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‎Written by:
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‎ *Ichie Ifeanyi Ndulue*
‎(Chief Onyima Enugwu-Agidi):* *_Advocate for cultural preservation and renaissance.*_


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