Enjoy the charm of Edo culture in Abuja
Recently, Edo Period Cultural Concept held a cultural expo at the Continental Hotel, Abuja. The cultural event was themed “Edo Day” and was a blend of comedy, dance and live music, making the audience thoroughly entertained and relaxed in a thrilling atmosphere.
Edo Day is held every year to showcase the rich heritage of Edokko, who come out in glorious cultural costumes and other aesthetic attire, cheerfully amplifying ancestral traditions.
Organizer and convener, Mr. Joshua Osose, popularly known as Mak Josan, revealed that his passion for Edo culture inspired the gathering. Moreover, it is an exciting adventure to recreate the experiences he enjoyed in the village to the people of Abuja and revive the cultural essence of his people.
“My passion for the culture of my people has inspired this beautiful gathering today. Celebrating the culture and heritage of this city, which is rarely done, is a very important achievement. Once in a while, we gather Edo people in Abuja and this year it has a comedic vibe as we need some laughs.
“Comedy itself is good play and culture is something we all miss. We bring up entertainers, musicians and comedians from the villages and have them come to celebrate our heritage here in Abuja. Any country Everyone should value their own culture, and everyone should value their own culture. Culture has a sense of responsibility, and it goes back to where you’ve come from.”
Renowned veteran director, actor and filmmaker Dr. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, who was one of the celebrities in attendance, spoke to the Guardian about the significance of the event.
He said gatherings are natural and there is power in culture and language. He further said that Nigeria is a heterogeneous country and the need for unity in diversity is critical at this time.
“This happening is natural. There is power in language. Nigeria has about 774 local governments, over 500 different languages and over 270 ethnic groups, and at the moment, in its diversity, The need to unite is vital. Edo holds a unique status as it is the birthplace of black civilization.
“If we look at the geographical and political extent of Edo before the arrival of the British, it extended to Dahomey, today in the Republic of Benin, a significant part of the east and part of the Yoruba lands.
“Edo spread beyond just seven municipalities, but due to institutional failures of the people, Edo was kept out of the limelight. Today, all Edo people wear full cultural costumes, beads and other Wearing costumes and celebrating this beautiful culture is a step in the right direction. Through films like Invasion 1897, I have continued to celebrate the Edo nation. To further celebrate our culture. I am planning to bring Life Theater to Abuja.
“I have to praise Mac Josan and his team. They have done a great job in disseminating culture. There is a hunger for identity now, young people know where they come from and want to find their identity. We want to establish that, unlike before, people dress up wearing beads to the office. It’s commendable in terms of cultural sustainability.”
One of the dancers, Sharon Osemwegie, said excitedly that the annual event was a reminder of the need to preserve Edo culture. She added that Edokko are an integral part of Nigeria and should always be celebrated.
“Edo Day is a day that we hold dear in our hearts. It reminds us, far from home, of the need to become part of our culture. The need to protect it from extinction. “Edokko are very familiar to this country and now with musical exports like Rema and Sharipopi now the pride of this country, we deserve to be celebrated,” she said. said.
Source: guardian.ng