PAGE — 16, SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 27, 2014,
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HE 11th edition of Anioma Cultural Festival ended in grand style in Asaba on Easter Monday thrilling guests and tourists with the diverse cultures the yearly festival of unity of Anioma people displayed. An unprecedented turnout of more than 6,000 participants, visitors and culture enthusiasts enjoyed the live cultural music, drama, dancing, traditional wrestling and recitations that were part of the event. Exceptional performances were rewarded. The festival commenced with prayers, thereafter the dance troupes appeared in carnival like manner, accompanied by performances from primary and secondary schools, whose participation in the festival has deepened the youth’s involvement in their culture. In its eleventh year, the Organisation For the Advancement of Anioma Culture, OFAAC, the culture umbrella body of Anioma people uses the festival to highlight the rich culture of Anioma people and Delta State in general. Over the years, the festival has continued to serve as a rallying point for cultural renaissance and the unification of Delta’s diverse population. “The Values That Unite Us” was the theme of this year ’s event. According to OFAAC President Arc. Kester Ifeadi, “Anioma is noted for its peaceful disposition with good value systems and as such people need to co-exist in love for the common good of all. Just as in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “a nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people”. Over 174 cultural troupes along with other performing arts and exhibitors from various communities in and outside Anioma displayed the best of the best of Anioma and Nigeria’s cultural heritage. Chief Festus Okubor, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Delta State, represented the governor who commended OFAAC for promoting of the cultural heritage of Anioma and Delta State. Senator Ifeanyi Okowa commended OFAAC for bringing the people together in past eleven years for the appreciation of Anioma cultural values. He said the festival has helped to rekindle interest in traditional wrestling and arts and crafts among the people. Chief Benjamin Elue, former Deputy Governor of Delta State, said that OFAAC’s commitment to preserving and promoting Anioma culture had sustained the event. President-General of Izu Anioma Brig.-Gen. Godwin Alabi-Isama (rtd) said, “What I saw here today surprised me. I am more fulfilled as I thoroughly enjoyed the festival”. The excitement peaked when the wrestlers took the centre stage. Flutists added more vibe to the occasion as they competed against each other with different tunes. Otu
Culture, Unity @ Anioma 2014 Onu Anioma of Owa Alero, won the award for the overall best performance, followed by Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku and Otu Chukwuanyi Rinma of Agbor-Obi. Other winners were African Voice from Kwale in Contemporary Dance, Asala Amaka from Agbor in the Royal Dance, Ndidikanma from Isheagu in the Occupational Dance, Ukele Dancers in the Warriors Dance and Otu Osodi from Ubulu-ubu in Egwu Oshush. Odili Primary School, Agbor came first in their category, followed by Seat of Wisdom Kwale and Ute Primary School, Ubulu-Otiti. Climax Secondary School, Ogwashi-Uku emerged first in its group, leading St. Peter’s Anglican Secondary School, Asaba and West End Secondary School, Asaba. His Royal Majesty Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien the Asagba of Asaba, was among more than 140 royal fathers and other dignitaries who graced the occasion.
*Asala Amaka Dancers from Agbor, winners in the Royal Dance category
*Agwuba Royal Dancers
*Heavenly Steppers from Kwale *Dr. Paul Warri, President Ijaw Cultural Union, Delta Chapter making a presentation
*Chief Festus Okubor, Chief of Staff to the governor Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, member representing Delta North at the National Assembly, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, Rep. Ika Constituency and Arc. Kester Ifeadi, President OFAAC
*HRM Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien the Asagba of Asaba, Gen. Godwin Alabi-Isama, (rtd) President, Izu Anioma , HRH, (Dr.) Martha Dunkwu the Omu of Anioma