The Executive Chairman of Adavi local government of Kogi state, Hon. Joseph Omuya Salami, on Friday convened a security meeting with the security agencies, traditional rulers, ward heads, cultural heritage leaders, masquerade custodians and community chairmen in the area.
The security meeting which held at the council hall of the local government, according to the council chairman, was to plan and ensure peaceful celebration of the upcoming Okehi, Ekuechi and the newly introduced Asema traditional festivals.
The security meeting rolled out guidelines that will guarantee peace and ensure security of lives and properties during the festivals
“It was part of my campaign promises to take security issues seriously because it is one of those things I have learned from my leader, His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello, and as such, my administration shall continue to prioritize the security of lives and property of the people,” he assured the stakeholders.
Outlining rules that must be adhered to during the festivals, Salami warned against violations.
“Masked masquerade custodians (Eku echichi) meant for Echeane that do not belong in this end of year traditional festivals are henceforth banned from appearing in Okehi and Ekuechi periods because of their molestation of people at night of the particular day.
“All masquerade custodians, their club members and individuals are to arrive their display venue not later than 7pm to avoid wrath of the government if found wanting,” he said.
The leadership of the local government cautioned all masquerade custodians to avoid vulgar songs that have long caused hatred between their members, and promised special monitoring of their activities by the government on the very night of that day as a means of assessing their level of compliance.
The council placed total ban of knock-out shooting on the day of the festivities.
Salami instructed the Central Community Chairman to mandate all the other 158 component Adavi communities’ branch Chairmen to carry out the public announcements in their various communities.
The stakeholders, in their various contributions, unanimously agreed with the chairman on all guidelines and promised utmost compliance with all the directives.
This type of meeting is not first of its kind but one of its kind as it characterised the leadership of Hon. Joseph omuya Salami. He is known for holding meetings with relevant stakeholders in festive periods with New Year inclusive, and this proactive measure has so far helped in taming festivity excesses.
