- As stakeholders emphasise unity in diversity
The Ministers of Aviation and Aerospace Development; Petroleum Resources (Oil), as well as Youths and Sport Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and Ayodele Olawande, were among top dignitaries that graced the grande finale of the annual Amaseikumor festival of Gbaramatu Kingdom, with call for national unity.
Members of the House of Representatives including Honourables Thomas Ereyitomi, Ben Etanabene, Julius Pondi, Fred Agbedi, and 40 others were also in the riverine Kingdom to celebrate with the people.
The climax of the week-long festival kicked off just before noon Friday, with the arrival of traditional rulers across the Niger Delta, led by the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Majesty Oboro Gbaraun, Aketekpe Agadagba at the pavilion in Oporoza, headquarters of the kingdom.
Other monarchs were the Orodje of Okpe, Orhue I; the Dein of Agbor, Keagborekuzi I; the Agadagba of Arogbo Ijaw-Ibe, Opukutu III; the Pere of Gbanraun, Gbanraun X Agadagba; the Perebof Iduwini, Ogiobo IX; the Agadagba of Tubotoru, Okirimini I; the Agadagba of Okomu, Kalasuo III ; the Agadagba of Olodiama, Alagbabunafa III; the Ebenenawei of Ogulagha, Torububuo I; the Amaokosu of Ogbe-Ijoh; the Ovie of Uvwie, Abe I; Ovie of Idjerhe, Udurhie I; Ovie of Okere-Urhobo, Owhotemu II, among others.
Addressing reporters, Chief Keyamo likened the Amaseikumor Festival to globally renowned Argungu Festival, positing that it has become a unifying platform for diverse ethnic groups in the Niger Delta.
“This is more than just a celebration. It is about identity, unity, and peace. Festivals like Amaseikumor remind us of the strength in our cultural roots. We must preserve these traditions as they foster harmony among our people,” he said.
Read Also: Why I cautioned Peter Obi from visiting Benue — Alia
At about 2pm, the long awaited Amaseikumo Masquerade accompanied by other masquerades, sauntered into the arena, with hundreds of followers, including High Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo, Egbesu Chief Priest and the Chairman of Tantita Security Services and the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, on the entourage.
Amaseikumo, an ancient riverine deity whose celebration dates back to “14AD, means good living.” The festival, it is believed, would bring peace, unity, prosperity and protection to the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom.
President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya, led other executive members and the Delta State Council of the union to the ceremony.
On his part, Comrade Yahya lauded Gbaramatu Kingdom for their commitment to cultural preservation, just as he emphasized the media’s role in promoting unity.
“Culture is the soul of any people. By celebrating who we are, we build bridges of understanding among Nigeria’s diverse population. This festival is a lesson in unity that should be replicated nationwide,” he asserted.
Also, notable Niger Delta environmentalist, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, called on Nigeria’s political leaders to take a cue from cultural gatherings such as the Amaseikumor Festival to promote peaceful coexistence rather than divisiveness.
“Our political elites must leverage events like these to foster dialogue and unity. A united Niger Delta means a peaceful Nigeria. We must work together as one people to overcome our challenges.”
President of the Ijaw National Council (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba, the leaderships of the Ijaw Youth Council, the Urhobo Progress Union and the UPU Youthwing, were among ethnic nationality groups present at the occasion.
Spiced with musical performances by ace Ijaw maestro, Jnr King Izonebi; an array of local dance troupes; and gorgeous adorned Gbaramatu communities’ women dancers, the ceremony kept spectators poised to catch every glimpse of the ceremony.
One of Nigeria’s foremost Afro-pop artiste, David Adeleke popularly known as Davido, was at the event.