For the first time in as many as five years I will sorrow-fully be missing the traditional gathering of the brightest and most daring clan in Sub-Saharan Africa, The New Yam Festival (Iriji Mbaise) introduced in 1946 is the Christianized modification of the Ahianjoku and it is fixed on 15th August every year. There isnt a better day to celebrate over one million people that can easily be termed as all rounders, extremely educated with the earliest missionary and educational activities commencing in Mbaise as far back as 1915. Mbaise is an amalgam of indigenous, autochthonous clans, connected by intermarriage, and situated in the heartland of Igboland. It occupies an approximate area of 404 square kilometers. The quiddity of Mbaise is that this homogenous group of more than 1000 persons per square kilometer is the most densely populated area in West Africa. On June 12 1941, Mbaise became a federated unit of five clans, namely, Agbaja (Nguru, Okwuato, Enyiogugu, Obiangwu, and Umuohiagu), Ekwerazu, Ahiara, Ezinihitte, and Oke-Uvuru. A common treasury was opened in Enyiogugu in 1942 and it was later transferred to Aboh in 1948. Obiangwu and Umuohiagu which were constituent parts of Agbaja pulled out in 1957 and joined Ngor Okpala. Unfortunately Mbaise was currently reduced to three local governments, namely Ahiazu (result of a merger of Ahiara and Ekwerazu), Aboh-Mbaise (carving out a part of Ezinihitte West and added to Agbaja), and Ezinihitte. Thanks to a very ingenious people who effort-fully continue to send out worthy ambassadors changing lives and touching people all over the world, in virtually all spheres of life, from healthcare, business, religion, sports, military, engineering etc, We remember with great nostalgia, gratitude and respect our fore bearers, men who laid solid foundations for our proud Mbaiseness Dr. Ogbonna, Pius Nwoga, Eze Dennis Abii, Eze Nwaturuocha, Eze Chilaka ukpo, Eze Onukotu Eze Onyekwere Chief James Nwoga Hon. N.D. Ukah Donatus Onu Eze Sir Des Oguguo Prof. T. Uzodinma Nwala Dr. Sylvester Ugoh Gaius Anoka Chief I.D Nwoga Air Commodore Luke Ochulor (Rtd.) Prof COE Onwuliri Chrisogonus Ezewuiro Obinna, aka (Dr. Sir Warrior) Joseph Onyenegecha Iwuchukwu aka ( JONEZ) Etc With great humility but prayer-fully, we inspire our current generation of leaders, scholars, entrepreneurs, entertainers Prof Fabian. N. C. Osuji Chief. P.C. Onuoha. Dr. Alex Obi Prof. T. Uzodinma Nwala High Chief Prof. J.I.J. Otuka, Chief Surv. D.A. Nzenwa. Sen Chris Anyanwu Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha HRH, Eze, Senator Isidore Obasi HRH, Eze D.O. Eke. Mrs. Chinwe Obaji Chioma Ajunwa. Prof. Viola Onwuliri Frank Nneji John Kennedy Opara Chidi Chikere Kanayo O. Kanayo, Genevieve Nnaji Mike Ahamba SAN Bon Nwakanma SAN Chief Mrs Ada Okwuonu Etc With great expectations, we look forward to a younger generation of purposeful intellects cutting across all areas and works of life. Five clans united as one. Like fingers appending the hand we are diverse but extremely united. They say we are clainnish, Yes! we proudly are. Happy celebrations my people.
Posted on: Fri, 15 Aug 2014 11:03:38 +0000
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