Stakeholders’ of Nnewi in Anambra State have stressed the need to continue to preserve culture of the people at the Afiolu festival

The historic city of Nnewi, Anambra State came to a standstill as the creme de la creme of society including traditional custodians gathered for the closing ceremony of the celebration of the famous festival.

The annual age-old festival celebrated to mark New Yam was held at the famous Nkwo Nnewi Triangle which was beautifully decorated into a vibrant celebration hub, with notable figures from various walks of life, including notable celebrities in attendance.

This year’s festival powered by Life Continental Lager Beer, which actually commenced on Wednesday and came to a glorious climax over the weekend saw the mammoth crowd and guests celebrating culture, youth empowerment, resilience, ambition, and the unstoppable drive of Ndigbo.

South-East Punch gathered that some innovations introduced into the annual yam festival by Life Beer made the 2025 Afiaolu Nnewi festival an unforgettable experience for the teeming populace, especially the youths, who witnessed the four-day occasion.

Findings showed that the festival is a cultural event celebrated by the people of Nnewi aimed at promoting cultural heritage, showcase and preserve the rich cultural traditions, customs, and history of the Nnewi people. It serves as a platform for cultural exchange, community engagement, economic empowerment and preservation of culture and traditions.

Speaking to a large gathering of community leaders, residents, guests and tourists from at the closing ceremony, HRH, Igwe Dr Kenneth Orizu 111 represented by Crowned Prince ObianefoOrizu thanked God for a very successful festival, especially for the bumper harvest experienced by farmers in the 2025 harvest season.

Orizu, who commended the people of Nnewi for sustaining the festival and leveraging it to promote peace, tourism, and agricultural productivity, said the festival’s mission is also to create a supportive environment that nurtures talent, youth empowerment and promotes agriculture in the ancient community.

He said, “Culture and tradition are fundamental to the development of human society. I commend the people of Nnewi for their dedication to preserving our heritage, which has significantly contributed to Anambra State’s tourism potential.

“The overall purpose of this festival has been achieved over the years. The young people should use this occasion to embrace agriculture as a viable profession, a shift away from farming could threaten food security.

“This event fosters community unity by bringing together the community to celebrate their shared identity, strengthen social bonds, and promote a sense of belonging. Promote economic development, attract tourists, investors, and businesses to the area, promoting economic growth and development.”

Also speaking at the occasion, the President General(PG) of Nzuko-OraNnewi, Prince Jude Osumuo appreciated all the individuals and organisations that made the event very special for Nnewi people and residents alike.

Osumuo singled out Life Beer for special recognition for championing the special innovations noticeable during the celebration.

The state governor, Prof.ChukwumaSoludo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Don Onyenji was pleasantly surprised at the turn of events at the festival, at the NkwoNnewi Triangle.

While commending Life Beer for the spectacle that the Afiaolu turned to be, the governor noted that the bold participation of the brand has elevated the cultural festival to an enviable status of a tourist attraction.

According to him, the massive attendance of people from several parts of the world can attest to his position.

In her remarks, the Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Sarah Agha, expressed joy that the people of Nnewi, represented by the royal father, High Royal Highness, Igwe KON Orizu III welcome Life Continental Lager Beer warmly, making it possible for the brand to boldly immerse itself in the people’s culture.

Agha said Life Beer boldly elevates AfiaoluNnewi with innovations, celebrating resilience, ambition, and the unstoppable drive of Ndi Igbo, and proudly demonstrated love for the culture of the people by boldly embracing the rich cultural spirit of ndiNnewi by audaciously backing the 2025 Afiaolu festival.

She said, “We thank everybody who graced the 2025 Afiaolu today. Our special thanks go to the royal fathers, ably represented by HRH Igwe KON Orizu who offered us the opportunity to participate in this festival.”

She added that the similarities in the brand proposition of Life Continental Lager Beer and the Nnewi people would always be a source of encouragement for the brand to continually identify with Ndi Igbo and ndiNnewi in particular.

Agha expressed confidence that the mutually rewarding relationship between Life Continental Lager and ndiNnewi will continue and even be bigger next year.

The event showcased art and culture, display of traditional music, dance, art and crafts, highlighting the creativity and talent of the Nnewi people.

Some of the prominent personalities who featured in the 2025 AfioluNnewi closing ceremony included; Chief Dr Cletus Ibeto(Omenkannaya) Senator Emma Nwachukwu(Onodugo), the Senator representing Anambra South senatorial zone in the Senate, the Labour Party Governorship candidate, Chief George Moghalu, Chief Godwin Agbasimelo (OgaNdiOga) Chairman, Nnewi North LGA, EchezonaAnazodo, Chief Dan Uchendu, Chief Pat Ubajiaka(Ike Nnewi) former National Publicity Secretary of People’s Democratic Party, OlisaMetuh, among others.

Some of the highlights of the event was traditional wrestling competition won by Uruagu-Nnewi, cooking competition using yam as major ingredient, cutting of the festival cake, cooking competition and huge masquerade display.

Participants also went home with mouth-watering souvenirs from the sponsor of the festival, Life Continental Lager Beer.