By NDUKA EZEOGU, Eluama Isuikwuato

•Imposing ‘Ehi Iyi Agboaru’ masquerade steals the show

To Eluama community in Isuikwuato, Abia State, Saturday, August 30, 2025 will for a long time remain indelible in the minds of her citizens.

That was the day they gathered in celebration of this year’s new yam festival, Iri Ji Eluama 2025, under the auspices of Eluama Development Union (EDU), the umbrella body that sees to the day-to-day running of the community, and held at Eluama Civic Centre.

Various autonomous that make up the Eluama clan showcased her rich cultural displays. Men, children, women all adorned in traditional attire trooped to the venue for this year’s celebration singing, praising God for allowing them witness the occasion.

Traditional rulers of the six autonomous communities making up Eluama were not left out as they performed the traditional ‘Iwa Ji’ to the admiration of her citizens.

Perhaps, the cynosure of all eyes was the imposing ‘Ehi Iyi Agboaru’ masquerade presented by Umuokogbuo community, which clearly stole the show.

Chairman of the day, Chief, Sir Emmanuel Ndubuisi Mbaka, traced the significance of “this rich culture as a binding factor that has held Eluama together all these years.” He thanked the organisers of this year’s event for their painstaking efforts which contributed to its huge success.

Guests at the occasion included past and present leaders of the community, leaders in commerce and industry, military officers of Eluama extraction, in-laws, friends and well-wishers.