Ibusa Indigenes, Friends Gather in Lagos as Festac ICDU Celebrates First Iwaji Festival

 Ibusa Indigenes, Friends Gather in Lagos as Festac ICDU Celebrates First Iwaji Festival

* Book on the Community's Iwu Festival Unveiled to the Public

By Emeka Esogbue

Members of the Ibusa Community Development Union (ICDU), Festac Branch, Ibusa indigenes resident in Lagos, and friends of the community gathered in Festac on Sunday to celebrate Iwaji, also known as the New Yam Festival. 

Guests and other attendees began arriving at the venue as early as 11:00 a.m. for the event, which was scheduled to commence at 2:00 p.m. The hall was eventually filled to capacity, with hundreds of guests in attendance.

In his welcome address, Mr. Patrick Obi Nweke, President of ICDU Festac Branch, expressed delight at the impressive turnout. He attributed the large attendance to the love, unity, and sense of community among Ibusa indigenes and encouraged them to sustain these cherished values.

Delivering an address on behalf of the President General of ICDU Worldwide, Onowu Victor Uchuno, Mr. Martin Nwabuwa, the ICDU Vice President-General, Lagos Zone, commended the remarkable growth recorded by the Festac Branch within a relatively short period of its establishment.

Describing the branch as the largest ICDU branch, Nwabuwa said the ICDU Worldwide President General was pleased with its achievements. He also conveyed Uchuno's appreciation to the branch's leadership and members for their commitment to the development of the union and the Ibusa community.

The event's guest lecturer, Onowu Sir Patrick Emordi, delivered a lecture titled "Iwaji in Ibusa: Our Harvest, Our Heritage." In his presentation, he provided a detailed account of how the New Yam Festival is traditionally celebrated in Ibusa, highlighting its cultural significance and the customs associated with the annual celebration.

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of Ibusa Iwu Festival: Dancing Through Time, a book authored by Emeka Esogbue, foremost Nigerian Historian and General Secretary of ICDU Festac Branch.

The book reviewer, Apst. Patrick Nwanze, Vice President of ICDU Festac and President General of the Apex Association of Anioma Indigenes (AAAI), offered a critical evaluation of the publication, commending the author for his work.

In his review, Nwanze emphasised the importance of preserving Ibusa's cultural heritage and traditions. He urged the people to remain committed to safeguarding the community's cultural identity for future generations.

The book was subsequently unveiled by Nweke, President of ICDU Festac Branch, with the support of several prominent sons and daughters of Ibusa. Some of those present also announced their financial pledges in support of the book's launch.

The celebration continued with cultural displays and dancing as several Ibusa indigenes took to the dance floor to showcase their dancing skills. Their performances were enthusiastically supported and appreciated by Ezebo Mike Ossy Okolichi, a prominent member of the branch union.

The traditional presentation of tubers of yam to some members of the community further underscored the cultural significance of the occasion and brought the event to a close.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Onowu Austin Okechukwu Ukete, Secretary of the Planning Committee. He expressed his profound appreciation to the ICDU Worldwide President General for his special interest in the branch. He reaffirmed that the branch’s primary objective is to continue contributing meaningfully to the development and progress of the community.

He also thanked the leaders of other ICDU branches for making time to attend the occasion and commended the leaders and members of Festac ICDU for their dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to the community. He further observed that the love for Ibusa and its development was evident in the hearts of its sons and daughters, reflecting their shared sense of belonging and collective responsibility towards the growth of their homeland.

Among the invited guests who attended the celebration were Mr. Martin Nwabuwa, Vice President General of ICDU Lagos Zone, who represented the President General of ICDU Worldwide; Onowu Charles Nmarkwe, Esq., Legal Adviser, ICDU Worldwide; Engr. Kelvin Njideaka, President of ICDU Mainland Branch; Mr. Greg Enurah, President of Ibusa Lagos Island Association; Mr. Charles Onwordi, General Secretary of ICDU Alimosho; and Onowu and Mrs. Henry Nwabueze.

Other distinguished attendees included Mr. Morgan Agetua of Lagos Island; Pastor David and Mrs. David; Victoria Achukwu, née Ohai; Mr. Tony Nwokobia; Mr. Emeka Okwudishu; Madam Nneka Ikediashi; Mr. Amechi Monyei; and numerous other guests.

The event was moderated by Mr. Stephen Muanya Nwabudike. Ibusa is located in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.