The ancient town of Ukehe in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State is set to come alive on Saturday, 3rd October, 2026 as it celebrates this year's New Yam Festival.
The festival which is locally called Shujok in Ukehe dialect, is what is known as Iri-Ji in many parts of Igboland. It is a time to thank God for bountiful harvest.
Ukehe is popularly known as home of brotherliness. Till today, our people drink with one cup. That spirit of oneness is what we celebrate every Shujok.
This year's celebration is being organized by the Ukehe Progressive Agenda and according to the organizers, Shujok Ukehe 2026 will be a carnival of sort.
The event will be chaired by a renowned son of Ukehe, Ozo Chief Ifeanyi Udeaku, Ozo Nwanne Di Namba 1 of Ukehe. Chief Udeaku is a well known businessman with interests in hospitality and importation, and a great philanthropist who has contributed immensely to the growth of Ukehe.
The Royal Fathers of the Day are His Royal Highness, Igwe Emmanuel Arua, Onu-Ukehe of Agu-Ukehe Autonomous Community and His Royal Highness, Igwe Ignatius Ojili, Ifeabata of Amakofia Autonomous Community.
Spiritual Director for the day is Rev. Fr. Dr. Evaristus Emeka Isife.
The venue is the popular Nwankwo-Ukehe Market Square which has just been given a facelift by the CWO Ukehe Home and Abroad.
Activities for the day will include the traditional blessing of the new yam, cultural dances by different villages in Ukehe, women and youth groups, celebration of the biggest yam farmer in Ukehe, folklore by the elders and communal sharing of new yam.
Speaking to journalists ahead of the event, Secretary of Ukehe Progressive Agenda, Comrade Matthias Aroh (Skino) said this year's Shujok will be memorable.
He said it will be a celebration of culture, unity, peace, thanksgiving and collective progress. He added that Ukehe will use the opportunity to celebrate her rich cultural heritage, strengthen the bonds of unity and brotherhood and thank God for the new yam.
He invited all sons and daughters of Ukehe both at home and abroad as well as well wishers to come and be part of the celebration.
Date is Saturday, 3rd October, 2026. Venue is Nwankwo-Ukehe Market Square. Time is 12 noon prompt.
