As Iriji Mbaise Cultural Festival 2025 approaches, organisers urge hospitality upgrades and road rehabilitation to welcome local and foreign visitors

Iriji Mbaise Cultural Festival plan is in full swing ahead of the highly anticipated annual celebration on 15 August 2025, with organisers calling on government agencies and local stakeholders to support preparations for the event in Imo State.

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Addressing journalists at the Ezuruezu Mbaise Civic Centre, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Chief Steve Onu, confirmed that this year’s festival will be held at Town School Itu in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area.

He announced that legal luminary, Barrister Louis Alozie SAN, will chair the occasion.

Chief Onu emphasised that the cultural exhibition will showcase Mbaise heritage in full splendour, affirming the festival’s standing as a national cultural event of note.

He called on the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to prioritise rehabilitation of key heritage sites in the area, including the Lagwa Monkey Colony, the Ahiara Declaration Centre, Mbari Cultural Centre in Nguru, and others, urging the deployment of tourist guides during the festivities.

Hospitality industry owners across Aboh, Ahiazu, and Ezinihitte Mbaise were reminded to clean and upgrade their hotels and eateries in readiness for the influx of guests.

Onu stated that the quality of accommodation and services offered during the festival would play a major role in promoting Mbaise as a tourist-friendly destination.

The committee also made a passionate appeal to the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to approve immediate road repairs across Mbaise.

According to Onu, improved road access is vital for smooth movement and safety during the celebrations, especially as large numbers of visitors from within and outside Nigeria are expected.

Onu believes the state government stands to benefit from a positive image boost by ensuring Mbaise is accessible and presentable during the cultural festival.

The current organising effort stems from a resolution passed in April 2025, when the Mbaise apex socio-cultural group, Ezuruezu Mbaise, led by Joe Ogbonna Anosike, inaugurated the Iriji Mbaise Cultural Festival Central Planning Committee at a governing council meeting.

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With strong community backing and national interest growing, the Iriji Mbaise Cultural Festival 2025 promises to be a significant highlight on Nigeria’s cultural calendar.