Connect with us

News

Ijaw Cultural Fiesta 2024: Beyond The Cultural Festival [PHOTOS]

Published

on

If it is because of the Awigiri/Owigiri dance, they would have joined any ongoing party in their neighbourhood to get themselves danced and entertained. If it is because of food, they would have prepared it in their houses or got it in the nearest canteen. Little wonder the foremost African writer and one of Nigerian most celebrated authors, the late Chinua Achebe in his book titled ‘Things Fall Apart’ says “A man who calls his kinsmen to a feast does not do so to save them from starving. They all have food in their own homes. When we gather together in the moonlit village ground it is not because of the moon. Every man can see it in his own compound. We come together because it is good for kinsmen to do so.”

Ijaw is an ethnic nationality with its people spread across the South-South states and Ondo State. But this government-created ‘division’ did not deter them as they came from far and near to celebrate the maiden edition of the Ijaw Culture Fiesta 2024 in Warri, Delta State, thus affirming that the Ijaw speaking people are one nation. No matter what state they are in. Organised by GbaramatuVoice International, the fiesta aimed to showcase the rich Ijaw culture and perhaps even more. Indeed, it was an avenue for the Ijaw speaking people from Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, Ondo states to showcase the rich Ijaw culture. Another unique feature of the fiesta is that emerging Ijaw artistes and Ijaw music legends came together to perform on the same stage, a testament to the common goals of the event.The Ijaw Cultural Fiesta 2024 was divided into day and night parts, with traditional dancers, traditional wrestlers among others entertaining guests during the day while Ijaw musicians including music artistes entertained dignitaries at night.

Cultural Troops from the Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari Center for Kalabari Culture Preservation, Rivers State, performing during the fiesta on Tuesday.

READ ALSO: Why We Organised Ijaw Culture Fiesta – GbaramatuVoice CEO, Abai

Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari Center for Kalabari Culture Preservation, Rivers State, was present to showcase the rich culture of Kalabari-Ijaw. Cultural troupe from Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State was not left out and they thrilled the Ijaw and other ethnic groups who attended the event. The performance by Mr. Right was nostalgic. He fished with his family in a fishing net, a typical daily routine for an Ijaw family. M.C. The Storyteller and his crew brought the Ijaw culture to the fore with their presentation of Ijaw traditional music some refer to as ‘Ijaw war songs,’ and many other groups with diverse Ijaw culture.

Advertisement

Cultural Troops from the Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari Center for Kalabari Culture Preservation, Rivers State, performing during the fiesta on Tuesday.

Speaking on the brain behind the fiesta, organiser of the event, Mr. Jacob Abai, The Publisher/Chief Executive Officer, GbaramatuVoice International, said his major concern is the promotion, preservation of the Ijaw culture and unity among the Ijaw ethnic nationality, hence the event. He added that the cultural fiesta was a deliberate effort to promote the Ijaw culture, and to ensure that the traditions, customs, and practices are passed down to future generations.

A cross section of women in the festival attire at the event in Tuesday.

READ ALSO: Canadian Province Bans New Colleges From Enrolling International Students

On the fiesta as a uniting tool, Abai said: “This fiesta is designed to foster unity within the Ijaw nation, providing a space for us to stand together, celebrate our shared identity, and strengthen our bonds. Cultural celebrations have a unique ability to bring people together. This fiesta is designed to foster unity within the Ijaw nation, providing a space for us to stand together, celebrate our shared identity, and strengthen our bonds.”

Cultural troupe displaying the Ijaw culture at the event on Tuesday.

On the fiesta as a talent show, the organisers said: “The Ijaw nation is blessed with an abundance of talent – from musicians and dancers to storytellers and artisans. The Cultural Fiesta is a platform to showcase and celebrate these talents, offering them the recognition they rightfully deserve.”

Notable Ijaw sons and daughters witness edition.

Ijaw skit maker performing at the cultural fiesta.

Ijaw music legend, Barrister S. Smooth performing at the event.

News

Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Published

on

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

Advertisement

He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

Advertisement

 

Continue Reading

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

on

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.

‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”

‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.

‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.

‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.

‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Advertisement

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”

Advertisement

 

Continue Reading

News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

on

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Advertisement

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

Advertisement

I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

Advertisement

 

Continue Reading

Trending