Hon. Esosa Iyawe, member representing Oredo Federal Constituency of Edo State at the House of Representatives, has felicitated with Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, on the successful Ugie Ewere Festival Ceremony, held earlier this month.
Ugie and Ewere festivals, which are perhaps the most colourful and crowd- pulling festivals in Benin, are combination of various festivals. They are reminiscent of the past events in Benin history. Each of the events is connected with past Obas, around whom Benin customs and traditions are woven. The Ugie festival is celebrated annually by every reigning Oba and all Benin citizens at home and abroad, to mark the end of the Bini year and to usher in a new one with renewed hope for peace and prosperity.
The festive nature and kindness of weather in December makes the month the choice of all, for such an important and felicitations occasion, hence the shifting of time to December.
During Ugie, the Binis turn out in their best attire and the whole city is practically caught in a craze for felicitations. Men and women dance and sing in pious glorification of the gods that protected them throughout the outgoing year. The ostentations display of the flamboyant Benin chiefs and the uniqueness of their traditional dress are something quite reminiscent of the power and glory that was Benin. Cows, goats, fowls and other beasts are prodigiously slaughtered to propitiate the spirits of the departed Obas and the various gods of the people.
Iyawe, an astute lawmaker representing his vibrant constituents at the Green Chamber, congratulated the Benin monarch, when he paid homage to him at his palace in Benin during the ceremony.
Iyawe promised to support the protection of the golden and cherished cultural and traditional identity of the Benin Kingdom. He said the Ugie/Ewere which signifies the bringing of peace to each households and part of the Ugie festival and preservation of the Benin heritage is key, and must be supported by all.
Iyawe has introduced transformational, impactful and empowerment programmes in his constituency, since he took oath of office in June, targeted at repositioning the youths for unprecedented career opportunities and gainful engagements.
Among the initiatives is the first edition of the Engr Esosa Iyawe Football Tournament and Talent Hunt”, which took place in Benin City, the state capital. FIFA-licensed agent, Drew Uyi, graced the final of the competition. According to Iyawe, the aim of the football tournament is to provide the array of young and talented footballers in his constituency unparalleled window that will connect them to their dream of playing professional football abroad.
Iyawe recently on the floor of the house moved a motion of national importance, bordering on the valuation of all public assets across the country. He lamented that some of the public infrastructure are in complete decrepit conditions.
