The Bende Born Billionaire and President of E.C.K Foundation, Chief Dr. Emeka Charles Kalu, was ably represented by Barr. Emelike Okorie at the New Yam Festival (Iri Ji) of Leru community, Isuochi, held on September 14, 2025, at Green Field Estate, Lagos.

‎IIn a show of solidarity and support for the cultural heritage of the community, Chief Dr. Kalu donated the sum of N50,000 to the organizers of the event. He also encouraged the people of Leru to remain united, emphasizing that communal harmony is key to progress and development.

‎Significance of the New Yam Festival in Igbo Land

‎The New Yam Festival, known as Iri Ji, is an important cultural celebration among the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. It marks the end of the farming season and the beginning of a new harvest, symbolizing gratitude to God and the ancestors for a bountiful yield. The festival is characterized by traditional rites, communal feasting, dances, and the sharing of new yam, which is considered the king of crops in Igbo culture. It is a period of thanksgiving, unity, and reaffirmation of cultural identity.

‎Chief Dr. Emeka Charles Kalu: A Pillar of Philanthropy

‎Chief Dr. Emeka Charles Kalu is renowned for his philanthropic gestures, consistently working to uplift the less privileged and support community development across Abia State. Through the E.C.K Foundation, he has empowered youths with scholarships, provided startup capital for small businesses, and facilitated free medical outreaches in rural areas. His commitment to social welfare aligns with the developmental agenda of Dr. Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State, whose administration emphasizes inclusive growth and infrastructural renewal. Chief Dr. Kalu’s ongoing support for government initiatives and his dedication to humanitarian causes have made him a respected figure in the state.

‎With gestures like his recent donation at the Leru New Yam Festival, Chief Dr. Emeka Charles Kalu continues to demonstrate his unwavering commitment to cultural preservation, unity, and the socio-economic advancement of Abia State.

‎©2025 – E.C.K Foundation Media Team