By Ifeoma Ojukwu – UK.
Igbo communities across the United Kingdom gathered last Saturday, 8th August 2026 in Abbey Wood, London, for the 2nd edition of the Igbo New Yam Festival – Iri Ji Ndigbo UK 2026. The event, organised by the “Igbo Council of Elders UK (ICE)”, once again reaffirmed its mission to preserve, promote, and protect Igbo cultural heritage across the United Kingdom.
The festival, which has become a unifying platform for Igbo communities, families, organisations, and cultural groups, was described as a resounding success, drawing hundreds of attendees from various parts of the UK.
OgeneNews observed that the atmosphere at the venue was filled with excitement, cultural pride, and communal warmth. Attendees expressed delight at the hospitality they received and praised the performances by the ICE Youth Network, whose cultural dances and displays were widely applauded.
One attendee, Mr. Frank Ababie, highlighted the uniqueness of the event, saying: “The event wasn’t a paid event as expected by many, but free, free entrance, free foods, and free drinks. In fact, it is something never had before in the UK.”
ICE explained that the essence of hosting the festival annually is to provide a central platform where Igbo communities can celebrate together, rather than organising separate, costly events. According to the group, individual communities often spend over £5,000 to host their own celebrations. The unified festival significantly reduces costs while strengthening cultural identity, building networks, and promoting unity.
A University Don, Prof, Sir Okechukwu Ndukwe, described the initiative as “brilliant” and urged Igbo communities to adopt a fixed date every August for the festival. He noted that a consistent date would help families and organisations plan-ahead and preserve the tradition more
The Coordinator, Hon. Ejike Ikezuagu, stated that Iri Ji Ndigbo UK, initiated in 2024, has grown stronger with each edition. He described the 2026 festival as “incredible and something never happened before since inception.”
Hon. Ejike Ikezuagu.
He acknowledged the challenges faced in 2025, attributing them to individuals who mismanaged the event. He said, “The calibre of individuals who took control of the 2025 event disrupted the plans through both their actions and inaction.” They messed up the event but stated that those individuals are no longer part of ICE, a decision he described as necessary for the organisation’s progress and to prevent the initiative from failing.
According to Hon. Ikezuagu, Iri Ji Ndigbo UK is a festival for all Ndigbo, and must never be hijacked by any select group, or individuals with hidden agendas. The festival is the collective heritage of the entire Igbo nation, not a platform for a handful of individuals pursuing personal interests, he maintained.
Hon. Ikezuagu praised the collective support from Igbo communities and extended special appreciation to Chief Sir Barr. Chibuzo Ubochi, whom he described as “a principled man of integrity and honour who speaks little, acts decisively, and believes in fairness.” He further stated that, Barr Ubochi is a man of action and veracity, who fears no intimidation and remains devoted to fairness, justice, and the dignity of every individual. Chief Sir Barr Ubochi is a man to be trusted, Ikezuagu stated.
Chief Sir Barr Chibuzo Ubochi.
He announced that ICE has agreed that subsequent editions of the festival will hold annually on the third Saturday of August, beginning 21st August 2027. He appealed to Igbo communities throughout the UK to take part in and support the 2027 celebration, requesting Ndigbo across the UK to be fully involved in the 2027 edition of the event.
The Chairman of the event, DRt. Hon. Amb. George Sunday Uzonwa (Eze Otimgbodomgbo), former SSA to Anambra State Governor on Strategy, Execution and Evaluation and Team Lead Governance, Rule of Law and Value System at the SEE Director, who performed the symbolic cutting of the yam, expressed gratitude to attendees and assured that next year’s festival would be even better. He thanked attendees and wished everyone during the end of the event a safe journey home.
The President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK, High Chief Chima Oparaugo, attended with his executives and praised ICE for its commitment to cultural preservation. He reaffirmed Ohanaeze’s support for initiatives that promote Igbo heritage and encouraged Ndigbo in the UK to embrace peace and unity.
High Chief Chima Oparaugo.
Also present was Chief Onyema Anthony Ajiduah, President Emeritus, Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK, who urged Igbo people to remain their brother’s keeper. He described the 2026 festival as “amazing” and predicted an even more impressive celebration in 2027.
The President, Imo State Union UK, High Chief Vicman Ekwueme, commended the organisers and emphasised the importance of unity among the Igbo communities. He pledged continued support for ICE’s cultural initiatives.
High Chief Vicman Ekwueme.
Another prominent figure, Chief Charles Anyanwu (Umunna Nwezuo Aku Iro Alaa Nke Mbu Na Ala Mbaise), expressed joy at the success of the event and reiterated the responsibility of Ndigbo to preserve the cultural festival handed down by their forefathers. He stated that, as a custodian of Igbo culture, he remains committed to supporting initiatives that preserve and promote Igbo cultural heritage. He thanked the organisers and extended profound gratitude to Hon. Ikezuagu, whom he described as a man deeply passionate about advancing Igbo culture and building networks for the benefit of Ndigbo.
Chief Charles Anyanwu and Chief Sir Barr Chibuzo Ubochi at the event in London.
Able God was the event MC stated that, the event was successful, and very much glad with the organisers for promoting Igbo cultural heritage.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including Chief Young Osuji, Chief Ben Nwachukwu, President, Igbo Community Chelmsford, Eze Isiobi Ndigbo, Sir Ebere Ndulaka, Vice President, Imo State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK and Mrs Oluchi Ejike Ikezuagu.
Others were, Chief Chidi Onwuzirike (C Cuba), Chief Eloka Onudu, Vice President, Enugu State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK, Chief Idika, Vice President, Abia State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK, Lady Rosy, Lady Ijeoma Ajaelu, Lady Sophia, and Chief Onyeka Ugo, (Amajionyi Nke izizi na Mbaise).
The Iri Ji Ndigbo UK 2026 has further cemented its place as one of the most significant cultural gatherings for Ndigbo in the UK. With renewed commitment from ICE and widespread support from Igbo communities, organisations, and individuals, the festival is poised to become a flagship cultural event in the UK.
Photos taken at the event.
