Iriji Mbaise Cultural Festival Will Not Hold This Year — Stakeholders

The Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers, Ezuruezu Mbaise and Ezeji Mbaise have said that their annual age-long cultural festival ‘Iriji Mbaise’ will not hold this year.

Eze Leo Nwokocha who is the Chairman Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers revealed the collective decision of the stakeholders to newsmen in Owerri, Imo State capital.

He said the decision was borne out of the need to be proactive in the protection of lives and property of their people; considering the prevailing insecurity in the society.

According to him, it would not speak well of the authorities if they had allowed the festival to hold, to the detriment of visitors, Mbaise sons and daughters.

“The Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers in our recent meeting agreed that this year’s yam festival will not hold due to the security situation in the society. We have consulted with the leadership of Ezurezu Mbaise and Ezeji Mbaise, they have unanimously agreed with us. So the stakeholders are now on the same page over the Iriji Mbaise issue. The safety of our people and visitors is of utmost importance to us.” Eze Nwokocha explained.  

The Royal father encouraged all Mbaise people to observe the day in their various homes and expressed optimism that the Festival would take place in subsequent years, when the issue of insecurity must have been over.

He however explained that the most important thing every well meaning Mbaise man or woman should think of is how to develop the area.

He asked those who might be pressing for the Festival to hold this year for their selfish interest to have a rethink.

“Anybody who has the interest of Mbaise at heart should show it by embarking on concrete projects to develop our land rather than planning yam festival for selfish gains, contrary to the decision of the stakeholders and instigate crises.

I want to implore our people not to listen to such psychophants who want to use the name of Mbaise to enrich themselves instead of fighting for general interest.” Eze Nwokocha stated.

Eze Nwokocha commended one of his subjects, Barrister Emma Njoku for his efforts to develop Mbaise; having rehabilitated the Mbano-Eke Nguru- Aboh junction-Okpala Federal government Road linking more than seven local government areas in Imo state, empowered the less privileged, distributed solar powered street lights to all the Traditional Rulers in Mbaise among other kind gestures.

While announcing his plans with Emma Njoku to embark on massive road projects in all the communities in Mbaise soon, Eze Nwokocha advised financially well-to-do people in Mbaise to support all community development efforts in the interest of all and sundry.

…TA/NCM