Culture, awards, dance as Umuolo Union Abuja set to host 2025 Iwa Ji Festival

The Abuja branch of the Umuolo Development Union (UDU), Onicha-Olona, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, will on Sunday, September 28, 2025, host its annual Iwa Ji (New Yam) Festival and Awards Ceremony.

The colourful celebration, scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. in Maitama, Abuja, will showcase a blend of Anioma cultural heritage and recognition of distinguished achievers within the community.

According to the organisers, this year’s edition will honour individuals who have made notable contributions to community growth and excellence. Posthumous recognition will be conferred on the late Diokpa Pascal Azuka Chizea, while Diokpa Isreal Chinwuba Ogbue will receive a lifetime community commendation award.

Other awardees include Dr. Tony Lukachukwu Elumelu, Bessie Nneka Ifekwuna, Kanayo Precious, Major General Raymond Nkem Ochei, and Frank Ndubuisi Onyemem, who will be recognised in various categories of achievement and service.

The event will attract eminent personalities, among them Sir Chika Chiejina, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Onicha-Olona Development Union (OODU) Worldwide; Barr. Anthony Ashibogwu, President, OODU Abuja; Mrs. Blessing Nkiru Uchebudike, President-General, OODU Women’s Wing; and Mrs. Blessing Onwubuya, President, OODU Abuja Women’s Wing.

While Diokpa Eziafe Ashinze will serve as the Father of the Day, the Chief Host is Chief Ndubuisi Isiekwenemgbu, President, UDU Abuja.

Highlights of the day will include a traditional Anioma dance competition with instant cash prizes for winners in the male, female, and children’s categories. Guests are encouraged to attend in all-white Akwa Ocha attire, complemented with coral beads, to reflect Anioma identity and cultural pride.

Organisers described the festival as more than a celebration of harvest, noting that it has become a unifying platform for Umuolo sons, daughters, and friends to celebrate heritage and strengthen community spirit.

For enquiries and RSVP, interested persons may contact Prof. Jideofor Chizea, Chairman, Iwa Ji 2025 Committee, or Michael Mukwuzi, Awards Sub-Committee.