Recently, the Edo-Day cultural concept held a cultural exposition at the Abuja Continental Hotel. The cultural event was themed “Edo-Day” and it was a blend of comedy, dance and live music that saw its audience well-entertained and relaxed in its thrilling ambience.

Edo-Day happens every year and it shows off the rich heritage of the Edo people who came out clad in radiate cultural attire and other aesthetic apparel that gaily amplifies their ancestral heritage.

The host and convener, Mr. Joshua Osose, popularly known as Mc Jothan, revealed that his passion for the Edo culture informed the gathering. Adding that in reviving the cultural essence of his people replicating experiences enjoyed in the village to his people in Abuja is an exciting adventure.

“My passion for the culture of my people inspired this beautiful gathering today. Celebrating the culture and heritage in the city which is rarely done is a very significant feat. Once a year, we bring Edo people in Abuja together, though this year’s edition has a feel of comedy in it because at some point you still need to laugh.

“Comedy in itself is a good game and culture is something that all of us miss, we bring up entertainers, musicians and comedians from the village to come and celebrate our heritage here in Abuja. Every nation should value their culture, everyone should value their culture. Culture has a sense of responsibility in it, it takes back to the journey of your background.”

The renowned veteran director, actor and filmmaker, Dr. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, one of the prominent figures in attendance spoke to the Guardian about the significance of the event.

He said the gathering is natural and that there is power in culture and language. He further stated that Nigeria is heterogeneous and the need for unity in diversity is crucial at this moment.

“This event is natural. There is power in language. In Nigeria, we have about 774 local governments, over 500 different languages and over 270 ethnic nationalities, the need for unity in diversity is critical at this moment. Edo stands unique because it is the cradle of black civilization.

“If you look at the geographical and political spread of Edo, before the coming of the British, it spreads as far as Dahomey, in today’s Benin Republic, a substantial part of the East and some part of Yoruba land.

“Edo spread beyond just seven local governments but institutional failure on the part of the people has prevented it from reaching that limelight. It is a step in the right direction that everybody from Edo extraction today, dressed in our full cultural attire, beads and other apparel to celebrate this beautiful culture. Through my movies like Invasion 1897, I have continued to celebrate Edo state. I will be bringing a life theatre to Abuja to further celebrate our culture.

“I must commend Mc Jothan and his team, they are doing great in propagating the culture. There is a craving for identity right now, young people want to know where they are from and to identify. People dress wearing beads to offices unlike before. It is commendable for cultural sustainability.”

In excitement, one of the dancers, Sharon Osemwegie, stated that the yearly event is a huge reminder of the need to preserve Edo culture. She added that Edo people are an integral part of Nigeria and should always be celebrated.

“Edo-day is a day we hold dearly in our hearts. It reminds us who are far from home of the need to be part of our culture. The need to preserve it from extinction. Edo people are very integral to this country, we currently have musical exports like Rema, and Shalipopi currently making the country proud, we deserve to be celebrated”, she said.