The people of Gelegelegbene, an Ijaw community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo state, on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, celebrated their annual Owu (masquerade) festival with several dignitaries present.
GbaramatuVoice gathered that the festival started with masquerades displaying with traditional songs round the community.
There were cultural dance performance from different groups and communities and also a dance competition in which some selected winners were given cash prizes and also dance competition amongst men.
Present at the event include Chief Collins Ofunama- Chairman Traditional Council of Gelegelegbene community, Lucky Eribai Eyenmi- Community Chairman, Elder Aflred Wereh, Mr David Apohi- Community Secretary, Hon Ebiye Milton and Chief Glory Omado Okenekoko, the Efedumo of Abraka kingdom, amongst others.
Speaking on the sideline of the event, the spokesman of Gelegelegbene Community, Chief Macaulay Ayiwe, stated that the Gelegele Festival was celebrated every first week of the new year. Every altar, in all faiths, made their religious solemn prayers for protection, peace and divine blessings of the land as a way of cross over to 2022 and leave behind 2021.
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“I’m as excited as everyone of you here, for us to get started and have the best of times here because this year’s festival promises to be filled with lots of fun, also, this year promises to be different.
“Going further, he appreciated and thanked the committee of this year festival and every other person who has contributed one way or the other to the success of the festival.
“It was with great joy to both young and old in the community and Olodiama kingdom of Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo state,” he added.
On his part, the Chairman of the Gelegelegbene Community, Chief Collins Ofunama, noted that this year’s festival was quite wonderful than the previous. Therefore, he encouraged everyone who find time to come from far and near to have a fun filled festival.
Also, one of the organizers of Gelegelegbene Owu (Masquerade) Festival, Hon. Oluderimon Omaghomi and also the secretary of Ijaw Youth Council, Western Zone, encouraged every girl child to stand firm in pursuit of their dreams, adding that the pageant is not just for fun but to follow their heritage.
By Chairman Ojumiri
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