The Idemili community in China held a colourful and well-attended New Yam (Iwa Ji) Festival last night, bringing together sons and daughters of Idemili North and Idemili South to celebrate their heritage, thank God for life and harvest, and strengthen unity among indigenes living abroad.

The event, which started at 10 p.m. on 31 October 2025 and lasted till dawn, was organized by the Idemili Brothers in China and hosted in Nanhai, Foshan, Guangdong Province. It featured traditional music, cultural displays, yam dishes, and an atmosphere that reminded everyone of home.

Special Guest: Hon. Uche Marris Okeke

A major highlight of the night was the presence of Hon. Uche Marris Okeke, the Honourable Member representing Idemili North and Idemili South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Hon. Okeke currently serves as the Chairman, House Committee on Nigeria/China Relations, which made his attendance even more symbolic, given that the event was hosted by Nigerians in China.

He commended the Idemili community for keeping their culture alive even while living overseas and encouraged them to continue operating in unity, mutual support, and respect for one another.

Cultural Significance

The New Yam Festival, also known as Iwa Ji or Iri Ji, is one of the most respected Igbo cultural celebrations. It represents thanksgiving, renewal, and the successful completion of a farming cycle. Even though most members of the community now live and work in China, the festival has remained a strong point of identity and continuity for them.

By hosting it in China, the Idemili community sent a clear message that tradition can travel, and that culture is not limited by geography.

Event Highlights

• Welcome address and opening prayers by community leaders
• Recognition of Hon. Uche Marris Okeke as the Special Guest
• Cultural songs, drumming, and traditional dances
• Sharing of yam prepared in different styles to symbolize thanksgiving
• Networking among Idemili brothers, students, and professionals in China

Message from the Organizers

The Planning Committee expressed gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the event. They emphasized that the festival was not just about the yam but about keeping Idemili people in China united, supporting one another, and maintaining a visible cultural presence abroad.

The committee also noted that the attendance of Hon. Okeke showed the strong bond between Nigerians in the diaspora and their representatives back home, highlighting the potential for more cooperation between communities in China and Nigeria.

Why This Festival Matters

For many Nigerians in China, gatherings like this bring people together, reduce isolation, and strengthen business and cultural connections. It also helps the younger generation understand their roots and feel connected to their identity.

The night ended with cheers, laughter, and a renewed sense of unity among the Idemili community in China — a true reflection of the spirit of Iwa Ji.

Source: Idemili Brothers in China – New Yam Festival (Iwa Ji), 31 October 2025, Nanhai District, Foshan, China.