Anyafulu Joins Asagba, Asaba Indigenes to Celebrate 2026 Iwaji Festival

The member representing Oshimili South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, on Thursday joined the Asagba of Asaba, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chibogwu Azinge, SAN, and other prominent sons and daughters of Asaba Kingdom to celebrate the 2026 Iwaji Festival, also known as the New Yam Festival.

The colourful celebration, held at the palace of the Asagba of Asaba, brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, community leaders and indigenes of the kingdom to mark the annual cultural festival and give thanks for the blessings and harvest of the year.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Anyafulu described the Iwaji Festival as an important part of the cultural heritage and identity of the Asaba people, noting that its annual celebration provides an opportunity for the people to express gratitude to God for His faithfulness, provisions and bumper harvest.

According to her, “Iwaji is not just about the new yam; it is a celebration of our culture, our heritage and God’s faithfulness to our people. It is a time to appreciate His blessings and provisions and to look forward to another season with renewed hope.”

The lawmaker further said the festival offered the people of Asaba an opportunity to celebrate “peace, love, unity and togetherness,” stressing that these values remained essential to the continued growth and development of the kingdom.

She congratulated the Asagba of Asaba, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chibogwu Azinge, and all sons and daughters of Asaba Kingdom for witnessing another Iwaji Festival, while commending the traditional institution and the people for preserving the cultural heritage of the community.

Hon. Anyafulu prayed for sustained divine blessings upon Asaba Kingdom, asking God to continue to grant the people peace, unity, prosperity and abundant harvest.

“As we celebrate this year’s Iwaji, I pray that God will continue to bless our land, our families and our endeavours. May peace and love continue to reign in Asaba Kingdom,” she said.