Iriji 2025: Eze Igbo Ijegun/Ijedodo Gives Back, Honours Outstanding Nigerians

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Lagos, Nigeria — September 21, 2025 — The Iriji Ndigbo 2025 (New Yam Festival) was celebrated in grand style as the Ezendigbo of Ijegun/Ijedodo, Eze Ambassador Dr. Chika C. Nwokedi (Eze Okpoko I), extended generosity to the needy and honoured deserving individuals with awards of excellence.

The celebration, held at the Igbo Buru Otu Event Centre, Ijegun, Lagos, began with the conferment of chieftaincy titles on outstanding personalities at the palace of Eze Nwokedi. The festivities later moved to the main venue, where gifts worth millions of naira were distributed, reflecting the monarch’s well-known philanthropic spirit.

Guests and Dignitaries

The event attracted a wide array of dignitaries, including:

Chief Sunday Udeh, President of Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos
Members of the Council of Ezendigbo and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos
Dr. Robert Onyemaechi Uzu, Managing Director, Ruzu Herbal Products
Chief Ben Obi, President General of Ndigbo in Alimosho
Traditional leaders, youth groups, senior police officers, and media representatives

A Celebration of Culture and Humanity

Eze Chika Nwokedi delivering a speech at the Iriji 2025 celebration.

In his address, Eze Nwokedi explained that the New Yam Festival is an age-long tradition to thank God for a successful harvest season while seeking blessings for the year ahead.

“This year, I chose to give back in a special way — by supporting the less privileged and honouring individuals who have contributed to humanity,” he said. He further urged Ndigbo in Lagos to respect the culture of their host communities while supporting the Lagos State Government.

Commendations and Tributes

Philanthropic gesture by Eze Nwokedi as he gives back at Iriji 2025 in Lagos.

Chief Sunny Akpaoyibo, Chairman of the occasion, praised Nwokedi’s compassion and consistency in giving back.
Chief Ben Obi described him as a leader whose unique style is always directed toward touching lives.
In a special tribute, HRM Igwe Prof. Chukwuma Chkwuemeka Ugwunta urged other Igbo monarchs in the diaspora to emulate Nwokedi’s humanitarian example.

Preserving Igbo Identity in the Diaspora

The festival featured Igbo cultural dances, masquerades, and traditional music. Eze Nwokedi emphasized that such events help younger generations born outside Igboland remain connected to their heritage.

Traditional leader Eze Chika Nwokedi in ceremonial regalia at Iriji Festival

“Most of our children born in the diaspora need festivals like this to stay in touch with the traditions of their forefathers. We shall continue to do our best to preserve our culture,” he affirmed.