x

Ododo Lifts Echane Festival Ban, Seeks Culture-security Balance

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has announced the lifting of the ban on masquerading activities during the Echane Festival in Ebiraland, stressing the need to preserve cultural heritage while ensuring public safety.

Addressing a gathering of traditional rulers and community leaders at the Ohinoyi Palace in Okene, Governor Ododo acknowledged the significance of cultural festivals to the Ebira people, but  highlighted the importance of preventing excesses that have led to disorder and violence in the past.

The Governor tasked traditional rulers with developing clear guidelines for the festival, ensuring that it reflects the Ebira people’s rich cultural heritage while maintaining peace and order. He also warned that individuals found to have incited or participated in violent acts during previous festivals would face consequences.

The Echane Festival, a cherished celebration of Ebira cultural identity, was put on hold due to concerns over its degeneration into violent clashes and disruptions. Governor Ododo emphasized that the festival’s revival must be guided by a strict adherence to traditional values and safety protocols.

The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, Muhammed Tijani Ahmed Anaje, praised Governor Ododo for engaging traditional authorities in a dialogue aimed at reviving the festival in a responsible manner. He noted that the earlier suspension was necessary due to the deviation from traditional practices and values.

With the ban lifted, the state government and traditional institutions are set to work together to ensure that the Echane Festival is celebrated in a way that honors the Ebira people’s cultural legacy while prioritizing public safety. 

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Bayelsa United to Face Shooting Stars in NPFL Season Opener

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa Former Aiteo Cup champions Bayelsa United...

E-TICKETING: Sokoto Govt Releases 30 New Mass Transit Buses

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto The Sokoto State Government has released...

Benue Digital Infrastructure Company to Enhance State’s Revenue, Create Jobs, Says GMD

By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi The Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC)...

NTTF Aspirant Targets Grassroots Revival, Better Facilities in North Central

From Abel Zwanke, Lafia Aspirant for the North Central Zonal...

Kano PCC Working to Ensure Justice and Peace – Sarina

By Jabiru Hassan The Kano State Public Complaints Commission (PCC)...

CSOs Demand Governor’s Urgent Action As Ibusa Youth Crisis Escalates

Civil society organizations identified as African Leadership Strategy &...

PDP Condemns ADC’s Verbal Attack, Reaffirms Readiness to Unseat Tinubu in 2027

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned what it...

FG Reaffirms Determination to Dismantle Kidnap-for-Ransom Economy

The Federal Government has reiterated its strong commitment to...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img