UPHOLDING OUR HERITAGE: A CALL TO PRESERVE AND PROMOTE IRI JI MBAISE FOR CULTURAL PRIDE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

By Uche Emmanuel Chinonso

Every 15th of August, the heartbeat of Mbaise land beats stronger, more proudly, and in unison as we gather to celebrate the Iri Ji Mbaise, our prestigious New Yam Festival. This annual event is far more than a date on the calendar; it is a living testament to our people’s gratitude, resilience, and unity. It is our collective thanksgiving to the gods for fruitfulness, abundance, and protection, and a ceremonial declaration that the harvest season has begun.

The Iri Ji Mbaise is more than the eating of the first yam. It is a festival that weaves together culture, spirituality, and identity. It comes alive in the vibrant masquerade dances that echo the stories of our ancestors, the melodious rhythms of the Igba and Ekwe, the traditional attires that speak of pride, and the communal feasts that remind us that we are one. This is the very soul of Mbaise on full display.

This year’s celebration, as always, drew sons and daughters from across the globe, home-comers, tourists, and friends of Mbaise , all united in witnessing a tradition that has defied the eroding waves of modernity. For this, I sincerely commend the custodians of our culture, our community leaders, and every Mbaise son and daughter who keep this flame alive year after year.

Yet, while we have done well in preserving the essence of Iri Ji Mbaise, we must do even more to position it as both a heritage pride and a tourism brand. Around the world, nations are using culture as a magnet for investment and visitors. Our festival holds untapped potential for destination branding an opportunity to place Mbaise, Imo State, and indeed Nigeria, firmly on the global tourism map.

What more can we do as a people?
• Strengthen youth engagement in the festival through education, storytelling, and hands-on cultural activities.
• Introduce cultural exhibitions, traditional craft fairs, culinary showcases, and indigenous games to enhance visitor experience.
• Document and archive the festival in both print and digital formats for historical preservation and global outreach.

And to our government local and state there is an urgent need to:
• Provide necessary infrastructure such as improved roads, security, and festival grounds to accommodate visitors.
• Establish a dedicated Cultural Tourism Promotion Board to package and market Iri Ji Mbaise internationally.
• Partner with travel agencies, airlines, hotels, and media houses to make the festival a permanent highlight on Nigeria’s annual cultural calendar.

Cultural heritage is wealth. In the Iri Ji Mbaise, we have both a sacred tradition to protect and an economic opportunity to harness. Let us, therefore, pledge not only to uphold this celebration but to elevate it to a point where the world marks August 15th on their calendars, not just as a Mbaise festival, but as an African cultural spectacle.

Mbaise bu nke anyi! Iri Ji bu nke anyi!