BENIN CITY- In a bid to reverse some of the negative trends and near annihilation of our cherished cultural values, the Edo State government is set to use schools as a starting point.
This effort aimed at boosting and repositioning the tourism potential of the state, has culminated in the setting up of the Committee on Edo State schools cultural and Arts Festival, (EDSSCAFEST), to organize a festival in this regard.
The committee’s work which is focused on the dress code, identify, language, peer system and communication, is aimed at achieving cultural awareness and revival at the grassroots; inculcating in our youths and to celebrate our richly valued cultural heritage as a people; and promoting our common values of understanding and love for the culture of peace. It is also to provide an avenue for talent hunt among the students and showcase the rich cultural and tourism potentials of Edo State.
Dropping this hint yesterday during a courtesy call on the management of the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited, (BNCL), Publishers of The OBSERVER titles, Chairman of EDSSCAFEST, Hon. Kelly Ifeloa, said that the committee would be organizing an arts and cultural competition amongst secondary schools in the state in the various Local government areas in about eight events.
These events in the traditional category include dance, choral music, story telling in Edo indigenous languages, poetry in Edo indigenous languages, fashion parade, wrestling, drama and exhibition of creative arts and craft.
He said local government areas were expected to organize the competition at their various areas with a view to selecting the schools to represent them at the festival.
He further said all the 18 local government troupes, all the higher institutions in the state and selected schools both secondary and primary school(s) were expected to join in the cultural carnival procession on the opening day of the festival.
The Carnival procession, according to him, will take off from a point in some streets designated as Carnival routes to end at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium while all participants would be expected to dress in traditional attires, depicting various ethnic groups in the country with emphasis on Edo indigenous traditional attires.
While seeking for BNCL’s cooperation in the successful execution of the programme, he equally appealed for support in actualizing the objective of the committee.
Responding, the General Manager of BNCL, Mr. Dennis Omoregie expressed delight at the cultural re-awakening.
Represented by the Editor of the Nigerian Observer, Mr. Monday Aigbe, the GM described such cultural re-awakening as long overdue, and pledged the company’s support, especially in the area of publicity.
Other members of the committee include Mr. Festus Eribo, Mrs. U.O. Ebie, Mrs. M. Etemire, Hon. P. Ikpotokin and Mr. Isibor Iribhogbe.
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