Afikpo New Yam Festival Holds August 26 As Prof Uro-chukwu Delivers 4TH Okpudo Ikeji Lecture

By Judex OKORO 

The annual Afikpo (Ehugbo) new yam festival will hold on Eke, Monday, August 26, 2024.

The date for Ikeji or Iriji festival was officially announced by the Onikaras and Essas Traditional Ruling Council of Elders, the highest decision-making body in Afikpo North (Ehugbo land).

It was announced at Obu Ezi Aghabi, Amaokwu Amagballa in Ehugbo.

The festival will be preceded by the 4th Okpudo Ikeji annual lecture scheduled for Sunday, August 25, 2024 Sunday at 2:00pm at Rt. Hon. Iduma Igariwey’s Premises, Ogwu Ovum, Mgbom village, Afikpo.

Prof. Henry Chukwuemeka Uro-chukwu will deliver the lecture titled "The Ikeji (New Yam) Festival in Afikpo and Edda: Food Culture, Lifestyle and Health."

Uro-chukwu is a professor of public health medicine and nutritional biochemistry and an international scholar who has contributed greatly to knowledge and community service both within and outside Nigeria.

The Okpudo Ikeji annual lecture was instituted by Rt. Hon. Iduma Igariwey to articulate and project the cultural heritage of the people of Afikpo and Edda Federal constituency to the global community.

Iduma Igariwey was a one time chairman of Afikpo local government area and currently represents Afikpo North/Edda federal constituency.