By Austin Ogwuda
THE umbrella body of the Ijaw nation, Ijaw National Congress, INC has called on the Federal Government, especially the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism to support and popularize the Amaseikumor festival as a means of promoting tourism as well as a major foreign exchange earner.
The call was contained in a statement titled ‘Ijaw Cultural Renaissance; The Gbaramutu Example’, signed by its National President, Professor Benjamin Okaba.
The statement reads:
“Just as Gbaramatu is rich in oil, it is also rich in culture and the investment possibilities and potentials its culture may brings is open to investors both in the public and private sectors.
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) felicitates warmly with and congratulates the Gbaramatu Kingdom on the successful celebration of the 2024 Amaseikumor annual festival. It was five (5) days of world class cultural display and theatre showcasing Ijaw civilization and tradition at its very finest.
“Cultural festivals have the power to bring people together, fostering unity, understanding, and appreciation for diversity. By celebrating cultural heritage, breaking down stereotypes, promoting social cohesion, encouraging dialogue, and boosting local economies, these festivals contribute to building a more inclusive and harmonious society.
“The 2024 Amaseikumor festival featured songs, dance and drama all through the five (5) days of commemoration. It was an acknowledgement of man as embodiment of body, soul and spirit was re-enacted in dance and song to commemorate the spiritual roots of the Gbaramatu people. It was truly an observance filled with spiritual and physical joy. The great hospitality of the Gbaramatu community was on display as invited guests came from far and near and were all thoroughly enthralled.
“The ambience all through the event”, the statement went on, “was that of peace and tranquility. Participants thoroughly enjoyed themselves. No single incidence of violence, not even simple affrays which are common in such large social gatherings. This confirms ljaws as very peaceful people; contrary to some revisionist public commentators and quasi-intellectuals who likes to label ljaws as violence people. We are not, indeed, ljaws are free spirited & peace loving people!
“The (INC), uses this period of Amaseikumor to call for cultural and spiritual reawakening of the Ijaw people to the common cause and showing ijaw wealth to the world not only in petroleum, which is a fleeting resource, but also in the arts, tradition, culture and hospitality of Ijaw people. The ljaw culture remains her strong identity. Ijaw must not forsake her unique civilization as abandonment of their arts, culture and traditions may lead to their extinction as a people.
“The INC also uses this opportunity to call on the Federal Government, especially the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism to support and popularize the Amaseikumor festival. Tourism, beside natural resources is a major foreign exchange earner around the world. Countries like Brazil, Egypt, lsreal and others survive very well on income from tourism.
“Just as Gbaramatu is rich in oil, it is also rich in culture and the investment possibilities and potentials its culture may brings is open to investors both in the public and private sectors.
“We Look forward to a greater event and stronger collaboration next year.
Long live Gbaramatu kingdom!
Long live Ijaw Nation!!
Long live Nigeria!!!
Prof. Benjamin O. Okaba,
President,
Ijaw National Congress
