As the highly anticipated 2026 Afịa ọlụ (New Yam Festival) officially kicks off, I welcome all residents, visitors, and well-wishers to this magnificent showcase of Nnewi’s rich cultural heritage. To ensure a joyful and hitch-free celebration, I strongly urge everyone to remain peaceful, vigilant, and completely law-abiding throughout the festivities.
Hearty congratulations to all the proud sons and daughters of Nnewi! I extend my deepest respect and felicitations to our revered Royal Father, His Royal Highness Igwe Dr. Kenneth Orizu III (Igwe mara chi ọ na-efe). A very special tribute goes to my noble Obi, His Highness Obi Afam Charles Obi Obi (Ogidi), the Obi of Uruagu Nnewi; alongside His Highness Obi Bennett Okafor (Amaukwu), the Obi of Umudim Nnewi; and His Highness Obi George Onyekaba (Obidiugwu), the Obi of Nnewichi Nnewi.
Profound appreciation goes to the Presidents-General of the four quarters of Nnewi, ably led by the President-General of Nzukora Nnewi, Prince Jude Osumuoh , and to all our esteemed stakeholders spearheaded by Chief Cletus Ibeto (Omekannaya). Your tireless, round-the-clock efforts have laid the groundwork for this festival to be celebrated in absolute peace and formidable unity.
I remain supremely confident that Nnewi will continue its steady march of progress, proudly standing out as a beacon of light and a standard of excellence for other local government areas in Anambra State and Nigeria at large.
Happy Afịa ọlụ! Nnewi ga-adị mma!