MINISTER MUSAWA, GOVERNOR UZODINMA, EX-GOVS TO ATTEND 2025 IRIJI MBAISE FESTIVAL — EZURUEZU PROMISES PEACEFUL CELEBRATION
By Mary Ugorji
In what promises to be one of the biggest cultural gatherings in the region, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, alongside Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma and former Governors of Imo State, have been officially invited to attend the 2025 IRI-JI Mbaise Cultural Festival.
This was disclosed by the President General of Ezuruezu Mbaise, Surveyor Joe Ogbonna Anosike, during a harmonization meeting of the festival’s Central Planning Committee held at the Ezuruezu Mbaise Civic Centre on Saturday, July 5, 2025.
Surveyor Anosike called on Mbaise sons and daughters at home and abroad to rally behind the iconic festival, slated for August 15, 2025, by offering their full support to ensure its success. He dismissed speculations of internal disputes, assuring the public of a rancor-free and more memorable celebration.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the 2025 IRIJI MBAISE Publicity Committee, Chief Austin Onwubiko, appealed to the State Governor and Chairmen of the three Mbaise Local Government Areas to urgently rehabilitate several dilapidated roads ahead of the festival, to ensure smooth homecoming for guests and indigenes alike.
Ezeji Dr. Kachi Nwoga reminded Mbaise people of the sacredness of August, describing it as a holy month of gratitude to God for a bountiful harvest and a time of communal peace.
The traditional ruler of Itu Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Ben Ifeanyichukwu Adindu, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the harmonization meeting, affirming that all stakeholders have been fully integrated into the Central Planning Committee. His view was echoed by the President of Ndi Ezeji, Chief Gregory Ikeagwu.
The meeting, chaired by TPL Chief Steve Onu, featured Ezeji Dr. Kachi Nwoga representing Ndi Ezeji in the planning process. Chief Onu confirmed that the 2025 IRIJI MBAISE Festival will be hosted at the Town School, Itu in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, with legal luminary Barrister Louis Alozie SAN serving as Chairman of the occasion.
This year’s festival will also feature exhibitions showcasing rich Mbaise cultural ensembles and heritage displays to further promote the community’s cultural pride.
Chief Pst. Christian Nwokocha
PRO, Ezuruezu Mbaise.
