The Uk’Omu Igala Organization, an umbrella group for all socio-cultural groups in Kogi East Senatorial District, has commended Governor Yahaya Bello for the recent de-proscription of five cultural festivals.
Bello had last month announced the lifting of the ban placed on the celebration of Ocho, Egwu, Ogbadu, Ogaganyi and Iyalo festivals in Igala land.
The religious-cum-cultural festivals were banned in the 1950s for political reasons by the erstwhile government of Northern Nigeria.
A statement issued Wednesday by the National Leader of Uk’Omu Igala Organization, Major-General Patrick Akpa, said the action would revive cultural activities in Igala land and create economic benefits for the tourism sector in Kogi State.
“These festivals were an integral part of the Igala culture, tradition and religion and were an embodiment of the social values, beliefs and ethics of our ancestors,” he said.
He said the proscription of the festivals caused problems because cultural festivals “are the means of transmitting social values, beliefs, religions and customs from generation to generation.”
The association congratulated the Attah Igala, Agabaidu Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni II for initiating the process for the de-proscription of the cultural festivals.
Credit: Daily Trust
