KINGSLEY EBERE
Dignitaries from across the local councils in Lagos State and beyond on 23rd November, 2025, converged to mark the New Yam festival of Eze Ji (king of yam), Eze Chinedu Offor, (Ikenga Gburugburu) in grand style.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the epoch making event was held at Church Street, opposite P&S, Jakande Estate, Oke-Afa, Ejigbo LCDA, Lagos State, under the Chairmanship of Chief Ejike Okezie, Ogbuehi Mimri Di Iche Na Okija town, Anambra State.
Those who attended the event included the Chairman of Council of Ezendigbo in Lagos State, Eze Dr Chika Nwokedi, Igbo top APC leader, Ozo Chris Ekwilo, Nnanyereugo of Ezinifite in Aguata Local Government of Anambra State, Chairman of Council of Igbo Prime Ministers, (Onowu) Prince Andymoore, representatives of traditional rulers, Utuh community in Lagos State, family, wellwishers and friends of Eze Ji.
The celebration of the New Yam festival by Eze ji marks the end of the year’s new yam festival in Lagos State.
This means that no other Igbo person is allowed to celebrate new yam festival in line with Igbo tradition and culture.
He reiterated that the title was given to him by both Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos State, signifying that he is the custodian of new yam festival in Lagos State.
During the celebration, there was displays of various Igbo traditional dances and masquerades to entertain the guests who attended the event from within and outside Lagos State.
Eze Offor explained the significance of the New Yam festival to Ndigbo, which is the reason it is being celebrated by the Igbo people all over the world.
He stated that the festival has its origin from the forefathers of Ndigbo, who sustained eating yam in the time of lack and maintained that yam as the chief crop for Igbo people. He explained that the event was also used to thank God for His mercy and protection and then take stock of various activities during the year, as well as used for the display of Igbo rich cultural heritage such as masquerades, dances and others.
Eze Chinedu Offor, who hails from Utuh town, Anambra State, was given the title as Eze Ji by Ndigbo because of his commitment to farming, which cut across Lagos State and Igbo land. Having distinguished himself as the great yam farmer and other crops, he was given the title in recognition of his hard work in the farm.