By Iheanyi EnweremÂ
The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has called on Imolites and Igbos at large to uphold the cultural heritage of the land, emphasising its importance in promoting peace and unity in Igbo land.
He disclosed this during the 2025 New Yam Festival (Iri Ji) of Nkwere people, held at the Nkwerre Aborigines Union premises, Nkwerre.
Uzodimma opined that the New Yam Festival is a season of love, peace, and sober reflection, rather than malice and jealousy.
While assuring the people of Nkwere that his administration’s Shared Prosperity Vision would soon bring constant power supply to not only the area both Imo state at large, transforming communities and driving grassroots development.
The Governor urged the people to continue supporting the 3-R administration in its efforts to develop the state and make it the economic and digital hub of the South East.
The Governor was represented by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, who came in company of her husband, His Excellency (Chief) Barr Chukwuma Ekomaru, SAN.
Chief Nnamdi Anyaehie, Chief of Staff, Imo Government House, and an illustrious son of Nkwere, expressed joy over the celebration and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to preserving their cultural values, while thanking Governor Hope Uzodimma for celebrating with them.
The President General of Nkwere Aborigines, Chief Austine Iromachi, assured the state government of their continued support and pledged to project Imo positively through the promotion of Igbo cultural values.
The festival featured dancing, singing, and cultural displays, attracting dignitaries from all walks of life, including the Secretary to the Government of Imo state, Chief Cosmas Iwu; the Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, Hon. Rex Anunobi; Traditional Rulers of both Nkwerre extraction and beyond, among others.