Okpara Delivers Colourful 2023 Iwaji Akokwa

Okpara Delivers Colourful 2023 Iwaji Akokwa

- By Chief Ingram Osigwe 

It was glamour and glitz at the 2023 edition of the annual Iwaji Akokwa( Akokwa New Yam Festival). Akokwa, an Ancient kingdom that shares a boundary with the Aguata council area in Anambra state, is in the Ideato North local government area of Imo. It's noted for its rich cultural heritage.

The Akokwa annual Iwaji cultural fiesta attracts tourists from around the world.  The 2023 edition was no different.

This year's edition was chaired by Dr. (Ambassador)  Obinna Okpara( Nmirioma Akokwa), a renowned philanthropist who has impacted positively on the lives of many through scholarships and other humanitarian works.

Dr.  Okpara had, before the festival,  been appointed by the traditional ruler of Akokwa, Eze (sir) Ikenna Okoli,  KSC, (Okoli V) (Agbarakwuriibe 111) The 11th of Akokwa,  as the Ozo ji 2023 (overseer of the New Yam festival).

The Akokwa monarch had told Dr. Okpara in his appointment letter that " it pleases me greatly to inform you that the palace has found you worthy to be appointed the Ozo ji for the 2023 New Yam festival".

True to type,  Dr. Okpara gave a good account of himself in organizing, executing, and delivering a richer,  more colorful, and well-attended Iwaji Akokwa thus justifying his choice as Ozo ji.

The preparation for the 2023 Iwaji started a month before the event with a football competition among the various villages that made up the kingdom and was sponsored by Dr. Obinna.

The football competition segment of the new festival ended with a grand finale held on the 24th of August.

It was graced by the sponsor, Dr. Obinna, and Eze  Okoli who kicked off the ball to signal the commencement of the match. 

The Iwaji festival proper which was held on August 25th attracted hundreds of guests and culture enthusiasts from around the world, including friends, business associates, and well-wishers of Dr.  Okpara.  Those who could not physically make it to Akokwa sent congratulatory messages wishing Eze Okoli and his subjects( the people of Akokwa) a successful festival.

One of the highlights of the epoch event was the presentation of prizes and gifts to the winners and runners-up of various competitions.

For example,  in the football category,  the first prize was #200,000, the second prize was #150,000, and the third prize was #100,000.

For the competitors in the yam weight category, the winner went home with a brand-new motorcycle and a cash sum of #50,000, the second position won a brand new Generator and a sum of #30, 000 while the third position went home with a brand-new generator and a cash sum of #30, 000. Other competitors in other categories from the various villages went home with #50,000 each.

Dr. Okpara,  an industrialist sits atop many companies as Chairman/ Managing Director.

These include Ron Logistics and Supporting Services LIMITED,  Zuriel Gold Link Pharmaceuticals Limited, and Headstone Agro Allied Ltd among others.

Chief Ingram Osigwe, a member of Obi’s cabinet is the MD of Full page inter Comm Ltd.