When The Yam Becomes History: The Journey to Iri Ji Grand Finale

There is an Igbo saying: "Onye ji anaghị eri ji ọhụrụ naanị ya." He who has yam does not eat the new yam alone.

That is the spirit of Iri Ji.

In Igboland, yam is more than food. It is the reward of patience, the dignity of labour, and the covenant between the land, the ancestors, and the living. Before the first yam is eaten, gratitude must first be offered. Before celebration begins, thanksgiving must lead the way. This is why the New Yam season, stretching from August through November, is not just a festival, it is the annual heartbeat of Igbo civilization.

The journey to the Iri Ji Grand Finale – New Yam Music Festival begins with a defining moment: the Project Launch & Press Conference on 15th August, 2026 by 12:00 PM at Anambra Country Club, Solution Fun City, Awka, Anambra State. This is not just an announcement, it is the ceremonial opening of a season that celebrates identity, creativity, enterprise and the enduring pride of Ndị Igbo.

As another harvest season unfolds, distinguished cultural custodians and public leaders will gather to reaffirm a timeless truth, that culture is not inherited by memory alone; it survives because every generation chooses to celebrate it.

Among the dignitaries expected are Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anambra State Chapter; Prince Chinedu Okafor, Mayor of Awka South; and Barr. Chukwudi Prince Oli (Oba Ezeafia), whose presence reflects the collective commitment to preserving the heritage that has shaped generations.

The event will also feature keynote addresses by Mr. Odorji Amedu, Honourable Commissioner, Anambra State Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Entertainment; Hon. Dr. Ossy Onuko, Managing Director, ACTDA; and Arc. Chukwudi Ezenwa, MNiA, Founder/CEO, Sliding Towers and Chairman, GSS Group, whose insights will illuminate the role of culture as a catalyst for tourism, economic development and social unity. 

The Project Launch & Press Conference is proudly supported by institutions dedicated to preserving Nigeria's rich cultural heritage and advancing sustainable development, including the National Council for Arts & Culture (NCAC), the Government of Anambra State, the Government of Enugu State, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment & Tourism, and the Ministry of Agriculture. Their collaboration underscores a shared commitment to promoting culture as a bridge between heritage, tourism, agriculture and economic prosperity. 

Ji bụ ndụ. To the Igbo, yam has never been ordinary. It is the bridge between the soil and the soul of the people. It represents the sweat of the farmer, the patience of the planter, the blessing of the land, and the joy of a community that has gathered to give thanks. Every slice of the first yam tells a story that began centuries ago and still continues today.

The Project Launch & Press Conference is an open invitation to everyone who carries a love for Igbo heritage in their heart: elders and youth, students, professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, families and friends. All who believe that culture is a legacy worth preserving are invited to be part of this historic beginning.

The Iri Ji Grand Finale is more than a destination. It is a journey back to our roots, a celebration of our present, and a gift to generations yet unborn.

The harvest has come. The people shall gather. The culture shall speak. And the world shall witness the beauty of Igbo heritage once again.