The people of Ebem Ohafia Ancient Kingdom in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State have announced activities for the 2026 Iri Ji/Igba Ekpe Annual New Yam Festival, with the main celebration scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Paramount Ruler of Ebem Ohafia Ancient Kingdom and Kpoke I of Ekeluogo Ebem Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, JP, following consultations with the traditional yam barons, known as Ndi Ezie Ji, and the Ezie Ebem-in-Council.
According to the statement, the traditional ruler invited sons and daughters of Ebem, both at home and in the diaspora, as well as friends, in-laws and well-wishers, to participate in the annual celebration aimed at preserving and showcasing the community’s rich cultural heritage.
The programme of activities will begin with Ikere Ji on Saturday, September 19, followed by Nkwo Nzukoro on Sunday, September 20; Eke Mbu on Monday, September 21; Ikere Ji Agwuwa on Wednesday, September 23; and Eke Agwuwa Ekpe Umirima on Friday, September 25.
The high point of the celebration, Orie Ekpe Ebem Ukwu, will take place on Saturday, September 26, alongside the Abum Solemn Assembly, where sons and daughters of the community are expected to deliberate on issues affecting the development, peace and unity of Ebem.
Other activities lined up include Afor Nde Dibia on September 27; Final Afor Nde Dibia on October 1; Ikpa Onunu Akpam on October 2; Iri Aha, featuring the traditional war dance display, on October 6; Ekpee Cultural Society Display on October 10; and Okom Ebaa Display on October 14.
The Palace said activities associated with Ikpa Onunu would conclude on October 15.
Eze Ukoha stressed that the Iri Ji/Igba Ekpe celebration is primarily a cultural festival and directed that festivities should remain within the traditional confines of the community and not be extended to tarred roads.
He also announced that the usual traditional procession would not hold this year. Instead, the royal train will move directly from Ebem Ujuruezie Palace to Abum, where the traditional Abum Assembly will take place before the Igba Ekpe celebrations.
The monarch urged participants to adhere to the community’s traditional dress code and maintain peace and order throughout the festival period.
The Palace further announced a restriction on burials and other ceremonies in Ebem between Saturday, September 19 and Thursday, October 15, 2026, adding that such ceremonies would resume from Friday, October 16.
It also clarified that any security or other directives issued by the Abia State Government or Federal Government during the period would take precedence over the festival arrangements.
Eze Ukoha called on Ebem indigenes to use the occasion to reflect on their contributions to the progress of the community and embrace unity, brotherhood and constructive engagement.
He particularly encouraged citizens to participate in the Abum Assembly rather than remain outside the decision-making process while criticising the affairs of the community.
The Ebem Ohafia Development Union (EODU), through its Publicity Secretary, Chief Ifeanyi Okali (Fakzy), also called on Umu Ebem across Nigeria and in the diaspora to participate actively in the festivities and support efforts towards a peaceful and successful celebration.
The union described the festival as an important platform for celebrating the identity and cultural heritage of Ebem Ohafia while strengthening unity among its people.
