Idemili North & South Host New Yam Festival in China

The Idemili Brothers Association in China hosted their annual Iwa Ji / New Yam Festival Celebration on October 31, 2025, bringing together members of the Nigerian community and special dignitaries in a colorful and culturally rich event.

The ceremony, held in Nanhai District, Foshan, Guangdong Province, was a night of unity, music and tradition. It reflected the vibrant spirit of the Igbo people and their commitment to preserving their culture even while living abroad.

This year’s celebration featured a Nigerian delegation led by the Consul General of the Nigerian Consulate in Guangzhou, Ambassador George Collins Onwuekwe. The delegation joined the Idemili community in honoring this age-long festival that marks the beginning of the yam harvest season, a symbol of gratitude, peace and new beginnings for the Igbo people.

A key highlight of the night was the presence of Hon. Uche Haris Okonkwo, the Member representing Idemili North and South at the Federal House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria/China Relations. Hon. Okonkwo met with members of the Nigerian delegation and the event organizers in a closed-door meeting to discuss ways to strengthen ties between the Nigerian community in China and Nigerian government institutions, as well as support systems for Nigerians living and doing business in China.

The festival continued late into the night, featuring traditional dances, masquerade displays, cultural music, Igbo delicacies and goodwill messages celebrating unity among Idemili sons and daughters in the diaspora.

The Planning Committee for the New Yam Festival appreciated all special guests, ANCC executives, community leaders and members who attended, and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting Igbo culture, brotherhood and positive representation of Nigerians in China.

Key Personalities Present

Amb. George Collins Onwuekwe, Consul General, Nigerian Consulate, Guangzhou
Hon. Uche Haris Okonkwo, Member, House of Representatives (Idemili North & South)
Chairman, House Committee on Nigeria/China Relations
ANCC executives and leaders of the Idemili Brothers Association in China

Event Details

Date: 31-10-2025
Location: Nanhai District, Foshan, Guangdong, China
Theme: Iwa Ji / New Yam Festival Celebration