Eleghe Festival holds in 2016, Olare-Aja of Okere reveals

The Olare-Aja (head) of Okere, arguably the oldest community in Warri Metropolis, Ogieboro E.F. Esisi says the historical Eleghe Festival of Okere which use to hold every 25 years as part of Awankere Festival will hold from February to March 2016, noting that but for some challenges the elegant Eleghe Festival would have held this year.

The Olare-Aja made the disclosure Saturday July 25 at the Okere Market Square in Warri, Delta State during the Grand Finale (last market) of the 518^th Edition of the Annual Awankere Festival otherwise known as Okere Juju.

Chief E.F. Esisi, while commending MTN Nigeria, the Ajuwaoyiboyanmi of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami and some members of the political class for lending immense support towards the staging of the Festival over the years, appealed for sustenance of the support and noted that it will go a long way in preserving the rich cultural heritage of Okere people.

AWANKERE FESTIVAL: From left is The Ogieboro of  Okere, Chief. E.F Esisi, Chief Ayirimi Emami, Chief (Mrs.) P.E.B Uku, Chief V.T Uku , Head of MTN delegation, Mr. Joseph Owoeye & others during the Grand Finale of the 518^th Edition of Awankere Festival held inWarri, Delta State, Saturday July 25, 2015 Photo: Celestine Ukah

Public Relations Officer of Okere Community, Hon. David Eyitemi Oki in a remark explained that the popular Eleghe Festival which used to hold every 25 years, reduced to every 20 years is now being held every 10 years. According to him, reduction in number of years of the Eleghe Festival is staged became necessary to preserve the memory of the festival in the minds of the younger generation.

Hon. Oki disclosed plans by Okere Community to embark on the planting of 5,000 coconut trees from 2016 as a deliberate strategy to sustain cultural materials necessary for staging of the Annual Awankere Festival.

A member of MTN Nigeria delegation at the Festival, Mr. Chidebere Samuel averred that the company is geared towards developing the people and supporting events that preserve the rich culture of the various ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Our Correspondents report that the Festival which is usually staged for 5 Market days, spanning 5 weeks was spiced up at this year’s Grand Finale with Skaters’ display, raffle draw for empowerment, traditional performances by various groups and quarters in Okere as well as elegant dance steps by Awankere Masquerades.  

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