From PCSO Adrian Waters

On Saturday 7th Sept 2024, Staffordshire’s Igbo community celebrated the Iri Ji festival. Staffordshire Police were invited to join the festivities, with PCSO WATERS representing Staffs Moorlands Police and the Police Multi Cultural Association (MCA) at the event, which was held in Stoke On Trent.

The Igbo people are an ethnic group that originate from Nigeria, with Staffordshire now being home to a vibrant and active Igbo community. The Iri Ji festival is very much like a Harvest Festival, which marks carving of the new harvest of Yam, a root vegetable. Within the Moorlands, Igbo people have gravitated towards the caring and nurturing professions, you may have met Igbo Carers and health and social care workers.