Ohaji indigenes celebrate festival, lament govt’s neglect

Ohaji, Imo – An indigene of the oil bearing coumunity of Ohaji in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, Dr. Greg Obi, has lamented over goverment’s continued neglect of the community despite their huge contributions to the economy of the state.

Obi, speaking as the chairman of the 2025 Iriji (Eating of yam) festival held at Ohaji district headquarters of Umuokanne, Ohaji, reminded that Ohaji remained the food basket of Imo State as well as producing the highest deposit of oil that is used for the development of the state and the nation

He said that Ohaji community has a God-gifts land that produces large quantity of crops yet, government have continued to neglect the areas.

He said: “Right from time, Ohaji people have been the ones training themselves without any help from government, as a result of that there is no body in Ohaji born with a golden spoon in his mouth.”

He advised the people to use the gathering to reflect where they are coming from and where they are today, while urging them not to forget the blessings which God has given them through oil in their lands.

The President-General of Ogbako Ohaji Peoples Forum, Chief Fidelis Enyia, described the celebration as a timeless tradition that binds the people of Ohaji to their roots and ignite their vision for a united and prosperous future.

Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Golden Nwosu, said the Iriji Ohaji is not just another festival in the state but acrowning celebration of all Iriji festival in Imo State.