By Silvernews
The Ezeji Mbaise has inaugurated a planning committee for the 2026 edition of the revered Iri-Ji Mbaise Cultural Festival, in a move aimed at preserving tradition and projecting the heritage of the people on the global stage.
The committee, chaired by Dr. Kachi Nwoga, will oversee the organisation of the festival, which is billed to hold at Isi-Ovu Ndezeji Mbaise, in Eke Nguru.
Other members of the committee include Ezeji Nze Anslem Ikwu, Ezeji Ogu Anistus, Ezeji Christopher Ojilere, Ezeji Gerald Okonko, Ezeji Rock Emeronye, Ezeji Agada, Ezeji Ikeagwuonu, Ezeji Nwachiyamereze, Ezeji Udo Anokwuru and Ezeji Uwakwe.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, President-General of Ezeji Mbaise, Ezeji Chief Linus Nwajere, described the Iri-Ji Mbaise festival as an age-long cultural heritage of the Nde Mbaise, which has continued to uphold the covenant between the people and the Almighty God right from their ancestors, and safeguarded by Ezeji Mbaise.
He noted that the forthcoming festival would be driven with renewed vigour, adding that the committee has been mandated to continue the transformation in the 2026 edition, into a globally recognised cultural event.
Nwajere expressed confidence in the ability of the committee to deliver on its mandate, stressing that collaboration with relevant organisations and stakeholders across Mbaise would be key to achieving success.
Responding, the committee chairman, Dr. Kachi Nwoga, assured that his team would do their best to deliver a befitting festival that reflects the rich cultural identity of the Mbaise people, both at home and in the diaspora.
He also said that the team would begin work immediately to reach all Mbaise people all over the world as well as liaise with the civil administrations in Mbaise, Imo State and Nigeria.
