By Chukwura Ogechukwu Charles
The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, has inaugurated the Iwaji Asagba Ahaba Committee to coordinate activities for the 2026 Asaba New Yam Festival.
The inauguration, held at the Asagba’s Palace on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, marks the commencement of preparations for one of the kingdom’s most significant annual cultural celebrations.
The committee, chaired by Obi Chief Ubaka Attoh, Onihe Ahaba, comprises respected traditional chiefs, community leaders, professionals, and other eminent sons and daughters of Asaba Kingdom. It has been mandated to plan and execute a befitting celebration that reflects the cultural heritage and traditions of the kingdom while honouring the reign and contributions of the Asagba.
Speaking during the inauguration, Asagba Azinge urged members of the committee to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, unity, and a deep commitment to preserving the customs and values of Asaba Kingdom.
“This celebration must reflect the dignity, history, and values that the New Yam Festival embodies within the Kingdom,” the monarch said.
He expressed confidence in the experience and leadership qualities of the committee members, noting that they possess the capacity to organise a memorable festival worthy of the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage.
The Asagba also offered royal prayers for wisdom, strength, and harmony as the committee begins its assignment.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the Chairman, Obi Chief Ubaka Attoh, thanked the monarch for the confidence reposed in the team.
He assured the Asagba and the people of Asaba Kingdom that the committee would work diligently to deliver a successful and befitting Iwaji celebration.
“We will not let Nna Agu nor the Asaba Kingdom down in the task entrusted to us,” he pledged.
The 31-member committee has Ogbueshi Sir Chiago Awodu as Secretary and includes notable personalities such as Obi Chief Dr. Ada Biosah (Omu Ahaba), Chief Paul Oliko (Alibo Ahaba), Chief Prof. Josephine Emebiziogo Anene-Okeakwa (Ogoamaka Ahaba), Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, Dr. Mordi Ononye, Lady Patricia Oduah, Dame Uju Okogba, Dame Ezinwa Azinge, among others.
Iwaji, the Asaba New Yam Festival, is one of the kingdom’s foremost cultural events. Celebrated annually, it is a thanksgiving festival that marks the beginning of the yam harvest season while promoting unity, gratitude, cultural identity, and the renewal of communal bonds among the people of Asaba Kingdom.
