FG confers most outstanding traditional ruler award on Benin monarch

Federal Government, through the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), has awarded the ‘Most Outstanding Traditional Ruler on Arts and Culture in Nigeria’ award to the Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II.

The award will be formally conferred on the royal father in December at the 45th anniversary of the Second Festival of Black Arts and Culture (FESTAC).

Iguobaro Osaigbovo, Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin, in a statement, yesterday, said the Director-General of CBAAC, Oluwabunmi Ayobami Amao, said this when she paid a courtesy visit to the Benin monarch.

Amao explained that CBAAC is a Federal Government’s agency and the sole custodian of all materials and cultural collections used during FESTAC hosted in Lagos, Nigeria in 1977.

The Director-General said the agency had carefully followed the very beautiful track record of Oba Ewuare II, whose impact is not only felt in Nigeria, but internationally in upholding the values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom over the years.

Amao said: “In recognition of the Benin traditional institution and as the birthplace of the emblem of FESTAC, 77, we are here to seek your Majesty’s support and prayers for the overall success of the programme.”

Responding, the monarch commended the Federal Government for the recognition and pledged his support to the Centre, promising to continue to build on the legacies of his forebears.