In a heartwarming move aimed at making this Christmas season unforgettable for his native community, US-based philanthropist and founder of the African Film Festival in Dallas, Ihemba Kelechi Eke, also known as Ichie Ihemba, has announced an exciting series of events set to light up the festive period in his hometown.

3rd Edition of Ihemba Women Football League

The festive celebration kicks off with the 3rd Edition of the Ihemba Women Football League, which will open on December 25, 2025. The tournament, featuring teams from Owerri and Ngor Okpala in Imo State, is designed to promote women’s football, encourage young girls to engage in sports, and boost their confidence. Eke expressed that the initiative was created to help empower young women, particularly through football, a sport that has been historically underrepresented for women in many African communities.

The grand finale of the tournament will be held on January 2, 2026 in Imerienwe, where the winning team will be celebrated in a closing ceremony that promises to be full of excitement and community spirit.

7th Annual Village Arts & Film Festival (VILLAFFEST)

Following this, the 7th Edition of the Village Arts & Film Festival (VILLAFFEST) will take place from December 20-22, 2025 in Owerri, Imo State. The festival promises to be a major cultural highlight of the season, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Igbo culture through art and film.

The festival will feature an art exhibition titled “Nke Anyi” (meaning “Our Own”) with 30 talented painters telling compelling stories through their artwork, highlighting the richness of Igbo heritage. In addition to the exhibition, there will be stage performances by drama groups from around the state, who will compete for the coveted grand prize.

The festival’s highpoint will be the crowning of the new face of Villaffest, a title awarded to a local talent who will serve as the organization’s ambassador for the upcoming year. A star-studded lineup of Nollywood celebrities, including Ogechi Obilonu, Stephanie Frank, HarryB, Sir Vitalis Ndubuisi, Spiffy Mama Ugochi Okere, Royal Prince, Chinwe Owoh, Chinedu Onyeka, and more, will grace the occasion, adding glitz and glamour to the festivities.

Amafor Day Cultural Festival

The holiday events will reach their peak with the Amafor Day Celebration on December 27, 2025, a cultural festival revived by Ichie Kelechi Eke to inject new life into the ancient traditions of his community. Amafor Day aims to bring together sons and daughters of the Amafor community in Imerienwe, with expectations for participation to surpass last year’s record turnout.

The cultural festival will offer a blend of traditional performances, music, and dance, along with the vibrant display of local crafts, all of which represent the deep cultural heritage of the Amafor people.

Promoting Cultural Heritage and Community Empowerment

Through these diverse initiatives, Eke hopes to foster a greater sense of community unity, celebrate Igbo culture, and create opportunities for young women to excel. His unwavering commitment to cultural preservation, empowerment, and development is evident in the array of activities he has orchestrated for this festive season.

By connecting sports, arts, film, and cultural celebrations, Eke is making a significant impact on his hometown, ensuring that the holiday season will not only be memorable but also inspiring for generations to come.