The 2024 edition of Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso’s annual IRI JI OFUJI festival unfolded as a profound cultural exchange bridging the gap between the present and next generations.
This year’s Iriji Ofuji festival, held on Sunday, the 22nd of September, 2024, at the prestigious OFUJI EVENT CENTER in Onu Igbere, Abia State, attracted a plethora of kindreds, friends, supporters, and even pupils of the Ahuoma Anyasọ Educational Foundation to a meticulously orchestrated event.
The Abia State-born, renowned international entrepreneur, generous philanthropist, and reputed Igbo Culture Ambassador, Dr. Chima Desmond Anyaso, Ofuji Ndi Igbo, once again manifested his heartfelt aspirations of annually celebrating the grand cultural legacy of Iriji in accordance with age-old Igbo customs, while also commemorating his birthday by expressing gratitude to Almighty God for safeguarding his life and business throughout the previous year.
Anyasọ expressed his profound joy in commemorating the 2024 festival, themed “Celebration of Successful Harvest in A time of Scarcity” with all the guests present, those at home who observed the proceedings through their myriad digital devices.
“This event holds a special place in my heart as it allows us to come together and celebrate our traditions and heritage.
It is crucial for us to pass on the IRI JI Igbo culture to the younger generation, as it ensures the preservation of our customs and values. By teaching the youth about our rich history, we are ensuring that our culture continues to thrive and evolve.
The younger ones should also know that without celebration, nobody will know the importance of our culture, and without coming together, our children will not know the significance of our culture. They will not be aware of why we do things or live the way we do” Anyasọ said in his written address.
He want further to say that “just as YAM is prominently known as the chief crop worth celebrating yearly in Igboland, so OFUJI, the name with which many of you address me by, is not just another name, but a reminder to share whatever portion we have with others in love and to show gratitude to God for his blessings”.
Anyasọ advised all his guests to continue to share the portions God has given to them, and he promised to remain steadfast to this principle.
He concluded the remarks as read by Ezeogo Emeka Onuoha, JP, the Chairman of the occasion who also represented Ofuji, expressed gratitude to all those who participated in the special celebration, particularly the youth, while imparting wisdom upon them to persist in observing and imbibing the myriad teachings of our distinctive heritage.
Other notable moments during the event included a brief yet impactful sermon delivered by Pastor Prince Chimeremeze on the theme: THANKSGIVING IN TIME OF SCARCITY.
Drawing inspiration from Matthew 14:17-21 and Jeremiah 30:19, Pastor Chimeremeze underscored the significance of expressing gratitude for even the seemingly meager blessings we receive, as God has the power to magnify them abundantly.
There were also a short remarks from Hon. Promise Uzoma Okoro, the Abịa State Chairman of Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), emphasizing the imperative of unity amidst political diversity. He advocates for the transcendence of political divides in order to preserve our cultural heritage and uphold our cherished values. Promise extends his commendations and felicitations to Dr. Chima Anyasọ on the successful hosting of the 3rd edition of the Iri Ji Festival.
Not omitting the proper ceremonial customs of IWA JI / IRI JI by the Ndi Ezes and other dignitaries. The pupils and children observed the proceedings delightedly.
The Birthday section included the celebrant’s representative cutting the birthday cake with the Ahuoma Anyaso Educational Foundation school children, donation of food items and cash to the 13 communities of Igbere to mark this year’s celebration.
The children also received gifts as part of the celebration, along with special prayers for Dr. Chima Anyaso and his family from the clergy and the traditional rulers.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance at the event were the households of Royal Highnesses, headed by His Royal Majesty Eze Joseph Anyanta, the Enyị Eze Ji 1 of Ibina Ukwu Igbere, who also served as the Chief host. Other notable guests included His Royal Majesty Eze O N Chukwu, the Ekpuakọmi 1 of Okafia Igbere, Ezeogo O E Ukaegbu of Ámáofufe Igbere, Ezeogo John Okorocha, Okorocha 1, Ezeogo Imo Thomas Abpoto 1 of Ndi Abpoto, Ugoeze Rebecca Ola Anya and Elizabeth John Ejere, Hon. Mrs Nnenna Rose Igwe, CSP. Buku B. C DPO Igbere Divisional Police Hdqtrs. Bende, Comrade Godswill Awara Okorie – PG IWU, Hon. & Mrs Obike Imo Mascot – former Commissioner for boundary matters Abia State & his wife, Sir Pat Irokansi (Former Perm. Sec), Hon. Oso Frank Onyebinanma, Hon. John Mark (former two times deputy chairman of bende LGA), Hon. Promise Uzoma, former deputy chairman Bende LGA, Chief Mrs Arias Okparigbo, Comrade Uche Ogụike (Uche Digital Express), Hon. Janny Lilly, Comrade Bestman Eruba (Ogele Óbịngwa) & Lady Chinwe Ugele; the two Masters of the ceremony, Chief Ifeanyi Okorie, Gentlemen of the Press and a host of other distinguished individuals.
As we reflect on the profound insights shared during the Iri Ji Ofuji festival 2024, we are inspired to embrace the timeless values of community, tradition, and gratitude in our own lives. Through continued celebration and education, we can ensure that the legacy of Igbo culture endures for generations to come, enriching our collective heritage and fostering a deeper sense of connection and unity among all who cherish these traditions.
