By Isaac Eranga
Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA), also known as Edo Indigenous Movement (EIM) says the leadership qualities of the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, is a force to be reckoned with especially as it relates to the preservation of the people’s rich cultural values.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Edo indigenous leader and President of EPIA-Chief Dr. Bishop J.O Enoyiogiere Edokpolo.
He said since the present Benin Mornach was installed as King, Igue festival has been celebrated in grand style and has gradually regained its relevance among other cultures.
“We will like to say a big congratulations to our royal majesty the Omo N’ Oba Ne Edo Uku Akpolopkolo, Oba Ewuare 11, for the celebration of igue festival. We also use this opportunity to wish all the traditional rulers in Edo state a happy season celebration; the Okagiesan of Esanland, the Otaru of Igarra , Otaru of Auchi, and others , we say on behalf of the members of EPIA/EIM worldwide, we wish you all season celebrations and we pray that your leadership will bring about better year for our people in 2021.
“Festivals are an expressive way to celebrate glorious heritage, culture and traditions. They are meant to rejoice special moments and emotions in our lives with our loved ones. They play an important role to add structure to our social lives, and connect us with our families and backgrounds.
They give us a distraction from our day to day, exhausting routine of life, and give us some inspiration to remember the important things and moments in life. Festivals were started to pass the legends, knowledge and traditions onto the next generation.
“We want to use this medium to encourage Edo indigenes to use this period of Igue to reflect on the rich cultural values of the people so as to ensure sustained growth and development.
Cultural festivals aim to act as a dynamic force behind cultural innovation and social bonding, while bringing in financial support. This is what Igue and other festivals will ursher into Edo State this festive period.
“Our language must not go into extinction but we will like to thank Edo State Government for making the teaching of Edo language compulsory in secondary schools”, the statement said.
