All Roads Lead to Mbaise as Community Gears Up for 2025 Iriji Cultural Festival
— Organisers Call for Road Repairs, Hospitality Upgrade Ahead of Grand Event
By Mary Ugorji
The vibrant people of Mbaise in Imo State are set to host their renowned Iriji Mbaise Cultural Festival on August 15, 2025, with fervent calls to government agencies and hospitality stakeholders to ensure infrastructural and service readiness for the historic occasion.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Ezuruezu Mbaise Civic Center, Chief Steve Onu, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, confirmed that this year’s celebration will take place at Town School, Itu, in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area. The event will be chaired by legal luminary Barrister Louis Alozie, SAN, and will feature a rich display of Mbaise cultural heritage, underscoring the Iriji Festival’s growing reputation as a national cultural landmark.
Chief Onu emphasized the need for urgent action on road rehabilitation across the three local government areas that make up Mbaise. He appealed to Senator Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State, to prioritize repairs and upgrades of internal roads to ensure seamless movement and access during the festival.
"This festival attracts thousands of visitors from within and outside Nigeria," Onu said. "Improving our roads will not only ease travel but also reflect positively on the image of the state government."
In addition to road infrastructure, the committee called on hospitality industry operators—including hotel and eatery owners—to upgrade and maintain their facilities in preparation for the expected influx of tourists. Onu stressed that quality lodging and culinary experiences would greatly enhance the overall impression visitors have of Mbaise.
The committee also appealed to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to turn its attention to dormant but culturally significant sites in Mbaise. These include the Lagwa Monkey Colony, Ahiara Declaration Centre, Mbari Cultural Centre, Nguru, and other notable landmarks. Onu advocated for their rehabilitation and the deployment of tourist guides to showcase the rich history of the region during the festival period.
The planning and coordination of the festival fall under the aegis of Ezuruezu Mbaise, the highest socio-cultural organization in the region. Under the leadership of Surveyor Joe Ogbonna Anosike, the group inaugurated the 2025 Iriji Festival Planning Committee during its April Governing Council Meeting.
As the countdown begins, excitement continues to build across the Mbaise nation and beyond. The 2025 Iriji Mbaise Festival promises to be a colourful celebration of tradition, unity, and identity, while also shining a spotlight on the urgent need for improved infrastructure and tourism development.
Chief Pastor Christian Nwokocha
Public Relations Officer, Ezuruezu Mbaise
