Awankere festival will continue for another 500 years-Esisi

The Olare-Aja of Okere Community in Warri South Local Government, Delta State, Ogieboro E.F. Esisi says the popular Awankere Festival celebrated annually by people of Okere will continue for another 500 years, promising that the festival will “grow from strength to strength”.

Ogieboro E.F. Esisi made the declaration Saturday August 23 at the Okere Market square in Warri, Delta State during the grand finale of the 517^th edition of Awankere Festival.

He commended Chief Ayirimi Emami, MTN Nigeria, other individuals and institutions that have supported the festival over the years and expressed optimism that Awankere Festival will continue to promote the peaceful coexistence of all ethnic groups living in Okere and the City of Warri.

Public Relations Officer of Okere Community, Hon. David Eyitemi Oki who traced the history of Okere people and its festival to Benin Kingdom, noted that the festival has no ethnic limitation but one which takes place annually same period with the Osun Oshogbo Festival.

Representative of MTN, Mr. Oscar Nze in a goodwill message observed that festivals such as Awankere need to be celebrated so as to pass on the history of generations to younger ones, even as he promised that Awankere Festival will continue to enjoy the support of his company in its CSR aimed at promoting the culture and traditions of Nigerians.

Our Correspondent reports that the festival which attracted a retinue of prominent Chiefs, politicians, socio-cultural organizations and groups became a platform for aspirants eyeing various political positions in the 2015 general elections in Warri Area to galvanize support of the electorate.

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