IRI JI OHA ABAM: EMBRACE PEACE AND UNITY – HON. UCHENNA OKORO.
It was indeed a moment of celebration at Ozu Abam High School play ground where all Abam sons and daughters gathered today the 24th day of October, 2025 to celebrate their first Iri-ji festival which brings together all the communities in Abam Onyerubi.
Abam Onyerubi Atitakpo is the largest clan in Arochukwu Local government Area of Abia State. The Iri-ji OHA Abam was instituted to bring every Abam sons and daughters together to say thank you to God for a successful farming season which Abam Onyerubi is known for.
The occasion which marks the beginning of new yam festival for all communities in Abam Onyerubi Atitakpo, started with Thanksgiving to the Almighty God for his unflinching mercy towards the people of Abam, breaking of kolanut, and the festival proper with many cultural display from different ABAM communities including Ikwuano, Abiriba, and others.
Speaking during the occasion, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu, the member representing the good people of Arochukwu State Constituency and the Majority Leader of the 8th Abia House of Assembly in his address urges all communities in Abam Onyerubi to embrace peace and unity, which in turn brings development and progress. In his words; “Individuals and Communities that fight against each other will rarely experience growth and development because development strifes where peace, and unity dwells. Therefore, I enjoins you all (Umunnem nde Abam) to embrace peace, unity and above all, love one another.”
The festival featured cultural dance, ekpe, okonko, ugbo mirinma, and rich cultural heritage of Abam people.
Prof. Kenneth Kalu, the Secretary to the State Government in his closing remark, encouraged Abam Onyerubi sons and daughters come together, work in unity, and harmony as he thanked everyone in attendance including our people in Ikwuano, Abiriba for gracing the occasion and prayed to God to grant everyone journey mercies back to their various destinations.
Goodluck Okorie
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