By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk
The ancient Nkwerre Kingdom in Imo State came alive on Saturday as indigenes of its four autonomous communities gathered for the 2026 Iri Ji Ofo Ano, Oriri Nkwerre, an annual celebration of harvest, culture and communal identity.
Held at the Nkwerre Civic Centre Ground, the festival attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, political figures, titled men and women, youths and other guests who joined in celebrating the kingdom’s cultural heritage.
The ceremony, organised by the Nkwerre Aborigines Development Town Union (NADTU), also provided the traditional institution an opportunity to honour individuals who have distinguished themselves through leadership and community service.
The conferment of chieftaincy titles became the major attraction of the event, with several prominent sons of Nkwerre Ohaeshi receiving new traditional designations.
Sir Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie was honoured as Lord Mayor of Nkwerre Ohaeshi, while High Chief Nze Chinasa Nwaneri received the title Lord Duke of Nkwerre Ohaeshi.
Chief Barr. Rex C. Añunobi, popularly known as Sokom, was installed as Traditional Prime Minister of Nkwerre Ohaeshi. Nze Barr. Hon. Chisom Ojukwu became Lord Baron, while Nze Obinwanne Chinaka was honoured as Lord Earl of Nkwerre Ohaeshi.
Hon. Engr. Frank Onyejiaka was installed as Lord Chancellor of Nkwerre Ohaeshi, while Rt. Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu received the title AmaraChukwu of Nkwerre Ohaeshi.
Prince Eze Ugochukwu, popularly known as Aka Ekpushi Onwa, was also honoured with the title Lord Field Marshal of Nkwerre Ohaeshi.
The honours drew enthusiastic reactions from the gathering, reflecting the importance traditionally attached to service, leadership and recognition within the community.
The festival was attended by prominent traditional authorities, including HRH Eze Prince Nnannah, Eze Ishiala of Onusa Nkwerre Autonomous Community; HRH Eze Felix Ogbonnah, Opiaegbe of Amanano Nkwerre Autonomous Community; and HRH Eze Joel Udenkwo, Chairman of the Nkwerre Local Government Area Council of Traditional Rulers.
Cultural performances further enlivened the celebration, with troupes from different communities presenting traditional dances, songs and displays before the audience.
Among the performing groups were Akalikpo Umunachi, Ikpirikpe Amaegbu, Okwuamara, Ekere Mgbá Ukwube and the Isiawuodu Onusa Women Troupe.
The performances, alongside the colourful traditional regalia and communal gathering, underscored the enduring connection between the people and their ancestral heritage.
For the people of Nkwerre, the celebration went beyond the traditional presentation and consumption of new yam. It offered a moment to strengthen communal ties, celebrate achievement and pass cultural values to younger generations.
With the conferment of the new titles adding a significant traditional dimension to the occasion, the 2026 Iri Ji Ofo Ano ended as both a celebration of harvest and a reaffirmation of Nkwerre Ohaeshi’s cultural identity and unity.
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