Emami dispels  concerns regarding sustenance of Awankere Festival

Prime promoter of Itsekiri culture and tradition, Chief Ayirimi Emami, has dispelled concerns concerning celebration of the annual Awankere Festival ( Okiroro) by Okere Indigenes of Warri South Local Government Area in Delta State, assuring that many people are ready to preserve the culture.

Chief Emami, stressed that the culture takes care of itself, noting that so long as Okere exists, Awankere Festival will continue.

Fresh Angle International can report that he  made the assertion  Saturday August 8, at  his family home in Okere, Warri,  while addressing newsmen on the sidelines of the grand- finale of the 529th edition of Awankere Festival, popular called Okere juju.

Emami, who was installed the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, by the 20th Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, explained that Awankere, is a fertility festival, where prayers are offered for love and peace.

On the political dimension surrounding celebration of the festival in recent times, Chief Emami, noted :" Many of us from Okere, are into politics, we have human capital and politics is part of us.

" We welcome all political parties in Okere, our festival does not discriminate."

Another prominent Warri Chief, Mike Odeli, who spoke in the same vein, thanked persons who came from far and near to witness the celebration, describing the festival as a success.

" I want to use this opportunity to thank those, who came from far and near, in making sure that this festival, is a success.

" People are putting a lot. Chief Ayirimi Emami, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, put a lot to make sure this festival stands the test of time" Chief Odeli, declared.

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