The Ufiejioku 2025 Festival has come and gone, and what a celebration it was. Full of pomp and pageantry, it showcased the richness of our culture and traditions , yam the king of crops, rice and fufu in abundance, masquerades and dancers filling the air with life, crowns and the crowned, and so much more. Wherever the shades and shadows of Igboebinie are seen and felt across the world, the spirit of Ufiejioku was alive.
It was truly a great moment. And as the saying goes, to whom much is given, much is expected. That was why I intentionally booked my ticket to be part of this year’s celebrations. I am glad I did. I was there, I participated, and I saw it all.
On the morning of September 13th, I set out with Chief Engr. Odogwu Agunabor on a mission to visit as many celebrating units as possible, quietly and without announcement, so our appearance would be a surprise. We succeeded, though not as widely as we had hoped. Bad roads, unfamiliar terrain, and even security concerns limited our movement. Between Awka-Etiti and near Nnewi, a particularly hostile and aggressive vehicle trailed us for several minutes, hooting and pursuing menacingly. Odogwu Agunabor, sensing the danger, refused to stop or clear for them, and only after we diverted onto another route were we free of them. It was not easy, but determination carried us forward.
Our first destination was Awka-Etiti, where we were received at the ancient home of HRH Late EzeAni of Awka-Etiti. The welcome there was heartwarming. Food and drinks flowed, pictures were taken, and the eldest son of the late king, Chief Agu-na-efefe , an investor and proud contributor to Igboebinie PLC, handed us the sacred nzu. After his prayers and a short history of the ancient palace, we were able to share with those present the opportunities that Igboebinie PLC represents. It was a memorable moment, though we had to keep our stay short so we could continue our journey.
By 3 pm we left for Irefi, in Oraifite. This was the road where we had the earlier frightening experience, but thankfully we arrived safely, a little after 4 pm. The venue was bursting with life, people everywhere, dancers of all kinds, masquerades in dazzling display, and the Royal Father himself, His Highness, the Obi of Irefi , present with his wife, Ndichie na Ozo, chiefs, and government officials. We were ushered into a private meeting with Ichie Nzedike, President of Igboebinie PLC. Though very short, it was fruitful, and immediately after, we were led back to the ongoing festival. Events unfolded one after the other, including the remarkable competition where the biggest yam harvests were weighed and celebrated, with prizes awarded to the first, second, and third winners. Joy filled the air. Food and drinks were served, and Engr. Agunabor and I were handed the microphone to share our experiences. This was another golden chance to highlight the vision, mission, and endless possibilities of Igboebinie PLC. We left around 6 pm, before the event ended, knowing we would not be able to visit any other unit that day.
Even though our physical presence was limited to only two units, my spirit was everywhere. From the United Kingdom, where Dr. Henry Egenti and his team hosted a beautiful celebration, to Lagos, where Barr. Temple performed a last-minute miracle to bring people together, to Onitsha, where Chief Akurienne led the grand gathering, the spirit of Ufiejioku thrived. In Houston, Texas, a few people came together to share food, drinks, and ideas for the future. In the Netherlands, under the coordination of Chief Emeka Mgbeonyejinu, who also serves as Diaspora Coordinator General, a modest celebration was held after another cultural event. In Liberia, Chief Nnabuife and his team pulled through against all odds to mark the day. Some places, like Ghana, Portugal, Asia, and other parts of Nigeria, were quieter, but that is understandable , it is never easy. The price of peace, unity, and prosperity is always heavy, but with determination we can and will continue to turn impossibilities into reality.
None of this would have been possible without those who laboured , often unseen. I must therefore thank the President of Igboebinie PLC, Ichie Nzedike, for his extraordinary leadership; the General Secretary, Princess Nkiru Ezeani Mark-N, for her tireless commitment; and all the directors and members of the Management Council of Igboebinie PLC for providing the backbone for these successes. My gratitude also goes to Chief Emeka Mgbeonyejinu for his dual role in the Netherlands and the wider diaspora; to Ambassador Lady Jane, the only person who made a general donation to support the Ufiejioku Global Campaign; to Chief Steve Ubah in the UK for his valued support to the UK team, to Chief Nnabuife and his team for standing strong in Liberia; to Comrade Kanayo, our hardworking Secretary of the Ufiejioku Global Committee; to Dr. Nwosu, another valuable contributor; and to Dr. Aron Okorie, Vice President of Igboebinie PLC, for his fatherly guidance. I must also thank Omasillieze for keeping our platforms clean and orderly so that people could focus on what truly matters. Chief Odogwu Agunabor and his wife, my traveling companions who made the day what it was. And beyond all these names, I thank every donor, every supporter, every cook, and even those who quietly washed the pots and plates after the guests had gone. To all of you, I say: daalu rinne.
This year’s Ufiejioku has surpassed last year’s, and next year’s will be greater still. Ufiejioku is not just a festival; it is one of the psycho-spiritual, cultural, and economic forces driving Igboebinie PLC. It connects us across borders and reminds us that our unity, vision, and determination make us unstoppable. May Chukwu Okike, rich in mercy, wealth, and beautiful gifts, bless and reward us all.
Dr. Okey Emezu Chairman, Ufiejioku Global Committee