By Michael Ovat- Awka
It was a day of joy, celebration and thanksgiving to God for bountiful harvest during Nawfia 2026 New Yam Festival, otherwise known as Iwa ji Nawfia performed by the traditional ruler of the community, HRM Igwe Ogochukwu Daniel Obelle at his hill-top palace in Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The event that took place on Friday, September 25th, 2026, attracted top government functionaries of the State, including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, representatives from the State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Traditional Rulers, politicians, security agencies, civil society organizations and the media.
The immediate past Chief of Protocol and deputy Chief of staff to governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Chief Chinedu Nwoye, popularly known by his title ‘Glamour’ was also present during the colourful celebration.
Igwe Obelle who prayed for development, progress, and lasting peace and unity in Nawfia Kingdom and the neighbouring towns, broke the kola nut, cut the new yam and shared it across all villages that constitute the town.
He said that that the new yam festival in Nawfia is a time to appreciate God for his multiple blessings and for bountiful harvest.
The Monarch used the celebration to commend Governor C C Soludo for his extensive efforts in transforming the state’s road infrastructure including Nawfia community.
He also thanked the governor for championing collaborative governance and creating an enabling environment for local development.
Igwe Obelle emphasized that the ongoing road network expansions and dualization projects are boosting local commerce, improving regional connectivity, and drastically reducing travel times across Anambra State.
He pledged the community’s continued support to the governor to enable him actualize his vision of making Anambra State a livable , lovable and prosperous state in Nigeria by 2070.
In their unanimous remarks, the Nawfia Royal Cabinet members, stated that this year’s 2026 iwa ji is unique as Nawfia people joined hands together to ensure the success of the celebration, adding that it is a time for people of Nawfia to come together in joy, peace and unity to celebrate one another and appreciate their traditional ruler, HRM Igwe Ogochukwu Daniel Obelle.
Contributing, the President general of Nawfia Department Union, High Chief Daniel Okoye, thanked God for oneness of purpose among the people of Nawfia, saying that iwa ji is a significant event in Nawfia in particular, and called on the youths to embrace the culture and traditions of their community to have something to teach the next generation.
The event also featured different cultural dances and display of masquerades
