The Enuogu-Nkerefi Autonomous Community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State was aglow with colour, culture, and excitement on Thursday as residents marked their annual Iri Ji (New Yam) Festival — a celebration steeped in Igbo heritage and thanksgiving for harvest.
This year’s festival doubled as a platform for community leaders and traditional rulers to commend Governor Peter Mbah for his rural development initiatives, which they described as transforming long-neglected communities across Enugu State.
Governor Mbah’s Rural Projects Transform Nkerefi
The event, held at the palace of HRH Igwe Emmanuel Onukwube, the Ogu I of Enuogu Nkerefi, attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, government officials, business leaders, and indigenes from home and abroad.
“We want to commend our governor, Barr. Peter Mbah, for his commitment to rural development. The road leading to Nkerefi, which was once impassable, is now under active construction. It’s now easier to access our community without taking those long, stressful detours through Aninri or Ebonyi,” he said.
The monarch, who has ruled for 23 years, noted that Mbah’s government has not only improved roads but also given Nkerefi a voice through strategic appointments of its indigenes into key positions.
He also lauded the establishment of two Smart Green Schools and two Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres in the community, describing them as “life-changing projects that reflect a people-oriented government.”
Nkerefi, the Food Basket of Enugu
Also speaking, Igwe Luke Okorie of the Imeoha-Nkerefi Autonomous Community praised both the host community and the state government for preserving cultural values and prioritizing infrastructural growth.
He described Nkerefi — made up of Imeoha, Enuogu, Ishienu Amofu, and Ohuani Amofu communities — as the food basket of Enugu State, supplying large quantities of yam, rice, garri, and other staples to major markets.
“Governor Mbah has demonstrated uncommon love for our people. We only pray that the ongoing projects are completed soon to make the movement of goods and services easier,” he added.
Mbah’s Alignment with APC in Enugu’s Best Interest — Ejeh
Speaking on behalf of the government, Mr. Josh Ejeh, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Publications, clarified that Governor Mbah’s recent move to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not for political gain but for Enugu’s collective interest.
“The governor’s alignment with the APC is strategic. It ensures that Enugu State benefits maximally from federal projects and national decision-making. We have already seen what his leadership is delivering here in Nkerefi — smart schools, healthcare centres, roads, farm estates, and water projects,” Ejeh said.
He urged Nkerefi residents to support the Mbah administration and embrace the APC, assuring that more developmental projects were underway for the community.
A Celebration of Culture and Progress
The highlight of the Nkerefi New Yam Festival included the traditional cutting and eating of the new yam, the rhythmic Abia dance, and various cultural performances that showcased the rich heritage and unity of the Nkerefi people.
The day ended with renewed hope and collective commitment to continue supporting Governor Peter Mbah’s vision for a modern, prosperous, and inclusive Enugu State.