The President of the Ohuhu Welfare Union (Youth Wing), Chief Iheanacho Uchenna Gavin, popularly known as Anyanwu Nke Mbu, has congratulated the traditional rulers of Ohuhu, Ndi Eze Ohuhu, following the successful celebration of the 2026 Iwaji Ohuhu New Yam Festival.
Chief Iheanacho described the annual festival as a significant cultural event that showcases the rich heritage, unity and communal values of the Ohuhu people in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.
The 2026 Iwaji Ohuhu Festival was held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Ofeme Health Centre Ground in Umuezike, Ofeme Ohuhu. The celebration attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, families, indigenes and other invited guests who gathered to mark the new yam season and celebrate the cultural identity of the Ohuhu people.
In his congratulatory message, the Ohuhu Youth President commended Ndi Eze Ohuhu for their leadership and efforts toward sustaining the annual Iwaji celebration. He noted that the festival has continued to provide an important avenue for cultural preservation, community interaction and the strengthening of bonds among Ohuhu communities.
According to him, the significance of the New Yam Festival extends beyond celebrating the year’s harvest. He described Iwaji as an avenue through which younger generations can learn about the customs, traditions, history and values that define the Ohuhu people.
He further stated that the successful organisation of the 2026 festival reflected the importance of collaboration between the traditional institution, community leaders, youths and other stakeholders.
Chief Iheanacho also recognised the contributions of individuals, organisations and community members whose support and participation contributed to the success of the celebration.
The youth leader used the occasion to encourage Ohuhu youths to become more involved in cultural activities and community programmes. He stressed that preserving the traditions of Ohuhu should be a collective responsibility involving both the older and younger generations.
He noted that increased youth participation would help ensure that cultural practices and values are successfully transmitted to future generations while creating opportunities for young people to introduce innovative ideas that can contribute to community development.
A major highlight of the 2026 Iwaji Ohuhu Festival was the warm reception accorded to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, by members of the Ohuhu community. The presence of prominent traditional rulers, community leaders and other distinguished guests further highlighted the importance of the festival.
The Ohuhu Youth President expressed optimism that future editions of the Iwaji Ohuhu Festival would continue to grow in prominence, attract more Ohuhu indigenes and welcome visitors from different parts of Nigeria and beyond.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Ohuhu youths to partnering with Ndi Eze Ohuhu, community leaders and other stakeholders in promoting peace, unity, cultural preservation and sustainable development across Ohuhu.
Chief Iheanacho concluded by congratulating Ndi Eze Ohuhu and the entire Ohuhu community on the successful 2026 Iwaji celebration. He called on the people to sustain the spirit of unity, cooperation and togetherness demonstrated during the festival.
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The annual Iwaji Ohuhu celebration remains an important cultural institution for the people, offering an opportunity to appreciate the harvest, preserve ancestral traditions and strengthen the bonds among the communities that make up Ohuhu.
