The Igbo Community of South Australia (ICSA) marked a historic milestone on Sunday, October 5, 2025, with a vibrant celebration of its 25th anniversary through the annual Iri (Ji/Iwa Ji) the New Yam Festival. Held at the Goodwood Community Centre in Adelaide, the event was the first under the leadership of President Joseph Amaefuna, and it radiated cultural pride, unity, and joy.
In a statement to NN News Media by its spokesperson Nnaemeka Kevin Umenzeakor on 17th of October 2025, stated that the festival opened with the sacred yam-cutting ritual, a traditional Igbo thanksgiving to God and the earth for a bountiful harvest. Attendees were treated to a rich showcase of Igbo heritage, including masquerade performances, women’s dances, children’s cultural displays, and a live highlife concert by Mr. Vinnie that kept the crowd dancing into the night.
A standout moment was the Traditional Igbo Wrestling Exhibition, echoing scenes from Chinụa Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, bridging literature and lived tradition. The event also featured the inauguration of the Interim Board of the Igbo Cultural School of South Australia, a visionary step toward preserving Igbo language and values for future generations. Board members include Dr. Michelle King-Okoye, Dr. Okechuku Igwe Nwachuku, Dr. Kelechi Ibegbulem, Mr. Mike Okpulor, and Mr. Nonso Agballa.
In his address, Barrister Francis Nnamdi Elekwachi, founder of ICSA, emphasized yam’s symbolic role in Igbo society representing wealth, hard work, and prosperity — and praised the community’s journey over the past 25 years. Mr. Nnaemeka Umenzeakor, ICSA’s Public Relations Officer, expressed deep gratitude to all contributors and highlighted the festival as a renewal of cultural identity and unity.
The celebration welcomed guests from across multicultural communities, including Mr. Shaquille Hibbert, President of the South Australian Caribbean Community, who lauded the event’s spirit of shared heritage. Chief Tobenna Amechi and Chief Ikechukwu Ojimba were honoured for their service, reinforcing the importance of leadership and cultural continuity.
Sponsors such as FNE Lawyers, CA Legal and Migration, Amanda’s Wears, Afrikan Continental Shop, Mandyfloxy Catering, and Zaram Global Beauty played key roles in supporting the event. The night’s entertainment peaked with electrifying sets from DJ Airboy and DJ Eazymoney, blending Afrobeat, Igbo Highlife, and Caribbean rhythms.
Ms. Eva Okpalaeke, Chairlady of the Organising Committee, was commended for her dedication. As the festival concluded, one message rang clear: the spirit of the Igbo people in South Australia remains vibrant, resilient, and united.
NN News Media had reported that the Igbo Community of South Australia would be celebrating the Iri Ji (New Yam) Festival in Adelaide, marking both the annual harvest tradition and the community’s 25th anniversary. The report highlighted the cultural significance of the event and its role in showcasing Igbo heritage in Australia.
