Umuahia, Abia State| September 10, 2026 —
The Chief Whip of the Abia State House of Assembly and Member representing Umuahia South State Constituency, Hon. Emeka Tommy Obioma, on Wednesday, September 9, joined traditional rulers, government officials and other distinguished dignitaries at the 2026 Iwa-Ji Umuopara Ahia-Asaa, also known as Umunwanwa 2026, celebration held at the Secondary Technical School, Umuopara, in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State.
The annual cultural celebration provided an avenue for the people of Umuopara Ahia-Asaa to come together in thanksgiving, communal fellowship and celebration of their rich cultural heritage. The event was marked by a colourful display of traditional customs, reflecting the deep-rooted values, identity and collective spirit of the people.
The gathering attracted Ndi Eze Umuopara Ahia-Asaa, government representatives, community leaders, sons and daughters of the area, as well as other guests who converged to celebrate the cultural significance of the occasion and reinforce the bonds of unity within the community.
The Iwa-Ji festival, traditionally associated with the harvesting and thanksgiving for the year's agricultural produce, also offered an opportunity for the people to appreciate God for His blessings and reflect on the importance of agriculture, communal cooperation and preservation of indigenous traditions.
Speaking during the celebration, Obioma described the occasion as a remarkable demonstration of the cultural richness and communal solidarity of the people of Umuopara Ahia-Asaa, stressing the importance of preserving the customs and traditions that define the identity of the people.
According to him, cultural festivals such as Iwa-Ji remain important avenues for bringing people together, strengthening relationships and transmitting cherished values from one generation to another.
“I am delighted to join Ndi Eze Umuopara Ahia-Asaa, government officials and other distinguished guests at this year's Iwa-Ji celebration. Beyond the festivities, this occasion reminds us of who we are as a people, the values we cherish and the strength that comes from standing together as one community,” Obioma said.
He further expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers, organisers and members of the community for sustaining the annual celebration, noting that the preservation of cultural heritage was a collective responsibility that required the active participation of both the older and younger generations.
“Our culture is our identity, and we must continue to preserve and promote it for generations yet unborn. I commend our traditional institutions and the people of Umuopara Ahia-Asaa for keeping this tradition alive. May this celebration continue to foster peace, unity, progress and greater development across our communities,” Obioma added.
The celebration further displayed the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in community development, particularly in promoting peace, unity and social cohesion at the grassroots.
The colourful gathering also provided an opportunity for the people to reconnect with their cultural roots while celebrating their shared heritage and communal achievements. It reflected the strong communal spirit of Umuopara Ahia-Asaa and the determination of its people to preserve their traditions while embracing development.
Obioma's participation in the event further demonstrated his continued engagement with traditional institutions and communities across Umuahia South, as he joined the people not only in moments of governance and development, but also in occasions that celebrate their history, culture and collective identity.
