The perennial erosion menace in Isiokwu-Ihioma Autonomous Community, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, once again dominated discussions at this year's New Yam celebration, as the Traditional Ruler, His Royal Highness, Eze Sir John Nwosu, the Idinoba Ojiudo of Isiokwu-Ihioma, renewed his appeal to government for urgent intervention.
Speaking on September 1, 2026, during a Thanksgiving Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Isiokwu-Ihioma, and the subsequent Iri Ji ceremony at his Idinoba Palace, the first-class monarch lamented that the devastating erosion and flooding have continued to destroy homes, farmlands and livelihoods.
Eze Nwosu disclosed that the situation has deteriorated since the community first raised the alarm in 2025. According to him, the land has become "increasingly unreliable and hostile to yam planting."
"Our land, home for the planted yams, is vanishing before our eyes in a voracious, savage attack by flood and daily erosion," he said.
The royal father recalled that in December 2025, he convened a national press conference to draw attention to the crisis. The outcry attracted wide media coverage, yet no visible impact. He expressed disappointment that despite the publicity, no concrete intervention has come, not even from the Local Government Council.
"None of these publications have brought smiles to my people, not even the Local Government whose Chairman has been here, regardless of the much-talked-about enhanced revenue," the revered monarch stated.
Eze Nwosu further noted that due to loss of arable land to erosion, the community could not celebrate with yams harvested from their own soil, but had to purchase yams from neighbouring communities.
He added that some parts of the community are now completely cut off, with residents forced to access their homes through bushes and now co-habit with dangerous reptiles in the 21st Century.
Despite the community's plight, Eze Nwosu commended the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for the massive infrastructural transformation in Orlu zone.
The monarch, who served as Chairman/Administrator of Orlu LGA in the 1980s, said he was in a vintage position to appreciate the progress.
He also appealed to the Chairman of Orlu LGA, Hon. Mbarie, to extend democratic dividends to the people of Isiokwu-Ihioma.
Eze Nwosu explained that given the prevailing hardship, the community observed a modest celebration and thanksgiving rather than an elaborate festival.
In his homily at the Thanksgiving Mass, the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Isiokwu-Ihioma, Rev. Fr. Dr. Henry Okorie, commended Eze Nwosu and his family for their benevolence and steadfast support for the Church, particularly for single-handedly doubling the monthly stipend of the Parish Catechist. He described the gesture as true Christian leadership.
The climax of the event was the ceremonial cutting of the new yam by Eze Nwosu, supported by fellow traditional rulers, the clergy and other dignitaries, signaling the official commencement of the new yam consumption season. Eze Nwosu thanked God for protection, unity and progress despite the challenges, describing Iri Ji as a sacred tradition symbolizing thanksgiving, hard work, communal bonding and Igbo identity.
The event attracted prominent personalities and featured special renditions by church choirs, intercessory prayers, colourful masquerade displays and traditional dances by women and youth groups, before ending with merriment and prayers for greater progress.
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