Amune New Yam Festival Celebrates Culture, Unity As Uko Nkole Joins Community In Isiukwuato
ISIUKWUATO, ABIA — The Amune Autonomous Community in Isiukwuato Local Government Area of Abia State has celebrated its annual New Yam Festival, Iri-Ji, in a colourful gathering that brought together community leaders, traditional institutions, political stakeholders and sons and daughters of the community.
The festival, held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the Amune Village Square, was organised by the Amune Development Union, Ovim, as the community gave thanks to God for His faithfulness and celebrated the abundance of the new yam harvest.
Among the prominent guests at the celebration was Hon. Uko N. Nkole, who joined the people in marking the culturally significant occasion.
The event also attracted attention to Amune’s growing profile within Isiukwuato, particularly as the community is the home of Engr. Victor Okoronkwo, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Isiukwuato State House of Assembly, and Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika rtd , former Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army.
The celebration offered a blend of traditional festivities, thanksgiving and community interaction, with participants using the occasion to reinforce the bonds that hold the people together while preserving the cultural heritage of the community.
The President General of the Amune Development Union, Engr. Emenike Ihemelandu, alongside traditional and community leaders, welcomed guests to the celebration, which featured the presentation and sharing of the new yam in keeping with the traditions of the people.
The Amune New Yam Festival further provided an opportunity for indigenes and guests to reconnect with the community, celebrate its heritage and appreciate the significance of the new harvest to the people.
With the traditional greeting, “Ndewo! Iri-Ji Ga-Adi!”, the community expressed its hope for continued peace, prosperity and abundance.
The festival ended with renewed emphasis on unity, cultural preservation and the importance of maintaining the traditions that continue to define the identity of Amune and its people.
©️ 2026: UNN Media Network
