Giant Strides ,As Ndieze Imo In Lagos, South -West,Diaspora ,Unveils Data Base, Fetes Friend, Well Wishers At Its New Yam Festival 

By Emmanuel Edom 

It was another auspicious Socio – Cultural event last Saturday, November 30th,2024, at the Police College field,where Igbos in Lagos State, South -West and Diaspora ,showcase their rich colourful cultural heritage in fanfer .

The occasion was sponsored by the  Association of Ndieze Imo State ,South – West and Diaspora, under the able leadership of His Excellency, Eze Dr. Ambassador Nicholas Emenike Njoku ,Eziokwu Bu Ndu 1 of Abazu , Ikeduru LGA, Imo state,Eze Ohazurumee of Ejigbo, lagos State.

In a unique, uncommon manner, the dual event entered into record and the anals of Igbo history in Diaspora,as the first New Yam Festival( Iri-ji) ,where a data base of Imo residents outside the Imo state, was unveiled and launched in a most significant way.

The Data base, according to Eze Njoku,who is also the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer,CEO, Nico Hotels Suites, Ejigbo,lagos,”would accommodate information concerning Imolites in lagos and Diaspora, indicating their various Occupations, locations and experiences’.

According to Ambassador Njoku in his speech, the information gathered would be stored in a computer system and managed through a Data base management system (DBMS).

The database unveiling and New yam Cultural fiesta, which was held under the Chairmanship of Eze Stephen Agabige Ikenga Ezenwa, was attended by prominent Ndieze Imo State in Diaspora, dignitaries and other Royal Fathers.

Moving forward, the  Association of Ndieze Imo, South – West and Diaspora, assured Ndigbo of their unflinching loyalty to preserve Igbo Cultural heritage and to ensure that Igbo language does not go into extinction .

They further vowed to help the needy and Widows, empower and assist Imo professionals,as well as to ensure that Imolites live in harmony with their host community.

Some of the prominent Ndiezes ,Guests and dignitaries that graced the occasion were, the Market Leader (Babaloja), Ladipo International Auto Spare Parts Market Mushin and Eze Ndigbo Mushin LGA/Odi – Olowo LCDA,Eze Monday Lawrence Obi, Popularly known as Ezediohanma 1 of Mushin, Osisioma na Echendo 1 of Mgbidi and Asiwaju Ewu Kingdom; Eze Ndigbo in Ijegun/Ijedodo and Chairman, Council Of Ndieze Lagos State,Ambassador Dr.Chika C. Nwokedi, Okpoko I of Obodo Ukwu Kingdom; Eze Professor Innocent Friday Okunamiri, KSM, Eze Ndigbo Ifo LGA, Ogun State, who was the Association of Ndieze Imo, South – West Nigeria and Diaspora Chairman, Organizing Committee .

Others are: HRM Igwe Livinus Ezenwa ; Eze Remi Anyamele; Eze Valentine Ezeugo Anyalebechi; High Chief Japhluke Ifeanyi Ejimadu ; Eze Chukwukadibia Umenweke ; Eze Peter Ifeanyi Asuonye ; Eze Okey Anorue; Eze Paulicap Chinenyeihe and Eze Kingsley Anayochukwu Nwaololo amongst others.

Earlier in the day, in an interview with News Planet International, Eze Nwokedi, who arrived early to the event, pledged his support to the efforts of the Association .

Speaking also, Ezediohanma 1, Eze Ndigbo in Mushin and Osisioma na Echendo 1 of Mgbidi, had expressed his determination and total support to the Association of Ndieze Imo state, South -West Diaspora.

The Eze popularly known as “Ijoba” among government and political circles in Lagos state,decried the poor attitude of some supposed Imolites leaders , who were alleged to have worked against the success of the Event.

Ijoba, however ,thanked God Almighty that despite the frustrations, the event was a huge success.

There was great display of different masquerades, Cultural dances , while food and drinks were not in short supply, as guests were overly entertained, even as many took home raw yams and cooked foods.