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House of Assembly aspirant, Matthew James Avabee has decried the little attention accorded Ebira cultural heritage.
In a statement sent to Kogireports, Matthew, popularly known as Mr. Spreading, enjoined stakeholders to have a rethink on traditional and cultural heritage of Ebira land.
Matthew, an aspirant for Okehi State House of Assembly seat celebrates with the people of Okehi constituency on the celebration of Eche-Ane festival.
“Since time memorial we easily celebrate with Christians on their Christmas and Easter seasons and with Muslims on their Sallah and Maulud period but we find it difficult to identify with our people during any of our cultural activities such as Eku-Echi, Ebe, Echi-Iyahana and many other traditional festivals.
“Eche-Ane is an annual masquerade festival celebrated in rotation from one district to the other in Ebira land, usually between April–June.
“History has it that it was only during the period of this festival that betrothed ladies were given away in marriage to their suitors. That is why the festival was named ‘Eche-ane’ (women festival).
“Eche-Ane is basically characterised by the outing of masquerades (Eku) with their long canes, to entertain and also receive gifts from guests. This special season exemplifies the art of socialization and helps to encourage cultural preservation.
“I want to humbly assert, that if we must evolve a remarkable era of peace and unity in our land then we must not joke with our traditional and cultural heritage.
“Apart from this, I am highly convinced that if we can promote this rich and beautiful culture and cultural possession of ours, it has the capacity to bounce back as an economic advantage to us, this and many we will try to push and enhance as a team when you accord us with your mandate to be your voice at Kogi state house of assembly.
“This period could have been an opportunity for us to advertise our traditional clothes and other cultural varieties to boost our economic strength as a people. Nothing stop us from projecting our local beads, stools, and other related traditional items for national and international recognition,” he said.
He appealed to all stakeholders to ensure that peace and harmony is strengthened and that all efforts be made to ensure that the entertainment aspect of this cultural display is not taken away.
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