Ben Dunno, Warri
The traditional ruler of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government area of Delta state, His Imperial Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II, (Aketekpe-Agadagba), has reiterated the significance of the annual Amaseikumor Festival to the peaceful co-existence of Ijaw nation and development of its communities across the country.
Speaking at the grand finale of this year’s festival held at Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom on Wednesday, the monarch said the spirit of Amaseikumor festival had become a unifying factor bringing all Ijaw sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora together for the common good of the Ijawland.
While reassuring that the yearly celebration of the Amaseikumor festival will continue to get better every year as its awareness had gone beyond the shores of Nigeria alone but assuming global acceptance, Pere Oboro-Gbaraun II, stated that the festival has turned a rallying point for the entire Ijaw race across the Niger Delta region and beyond.
He thanked all the guests traditional rulers from the various parts of the country, ably led by the Co-Chairman of Traditional Council of Nigeria, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, the ministers, Delta state governor, Senators, House of Representatives members Speaker Delta House of Assembly, Commissioners and host of others for finding to attend this year’s festival.
Meanwhile, the Federal House of Representatives of Nigeria said it has completed the process of passing a legislation giving backing and full recognition to the celebration of the rich cultural heritage that abound in the country.
Making this disclosure while addressing newsmen at the venue of the Amaseikumor Festival, a member representing the Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, Hon. Frederick Yeitiemone Agbedi, hinted that bill to restore the lost glory of our historic cultural events has reached an advances stage.
The federal lawmaker who lamented that our culture was gradually fading away, noted that it was in recognition of this fact that they decided to initiate a bill that would seek ways at restoring our cultural values as a people with rich culture we are known for globally.
He promised that the House of representatives are ready to be part of the Amaseikumor Festival from time to time while appreciating High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo for ensuring that the festival is celebrated annually.
According to him, “We are believers in the culture of Nigeria, from the North to the South, from East to the West, and as like minds of the House of Representatives, we fine it worthy to come and support our colleagues, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi and Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi, who are neighbours of this Federal Constituency to celebrate this Amaseikumor festival in Oporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom of Delta State today.
“We want to use this opportunity to speak to Nigerians across the country that our cultural heritage is dying, and it’s time for us to revive it.
“The people’s House, i.e, the House of Representatives are ready to go across the country to support them in celebrating and reviving our cultural heritage.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Ijaw Nation, Delta State government, and High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a Tompolo, for ensuring that this is yearly and yearly celebrated. We pray for him to have the blessings of God, to continue to sponsor this cultural celebration. And we promise that we will from time to time be part of this celebration.
“As members of the House of Reps, from the North and from the South, we believe that wherever our cultural heritage is celebrated, we’re going to be part of it,” he said.
House of Representatives members present at the occasion include; Hon Bassey Akiba; Hon Ajilo Umar Shehu; Hon Engr Rodney Ebikebina; Hon Fred Agbedi; Hon Cyril Godwin; Hon Umar Yusuf Yabo; Hon Zakari Duada Nyampa; Hon Terseer Ugbor; Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi and Hon. Benedict Etanabene.