Esi : Ogbona Community Celebrates New Yam festival in a Grand Style
By Elias Inaede,
Ogbona ( Etsako Central)
As part of efforts to prevent their cultural heritage from going into extinction, Ogbona Community in Etsako Central local government, has held the 2020 ESI (New Yam festival ) celebration in a grand Style.
Expectedly, it was a ceremony that attracted the traditional Rulers,the high and mighty to the community to rejoice with them over a bountiful harvest in the last farming season .
It was also, an avenue for the people to showcase their rich cultural values to their visitors who came from far and near to witness the historic ceremony.Historic in the sense that, the festival showed the cooperation and unity that exist among the people.
In his opening speech, the traditional Ruler of Ogbona Community, His Royal Highness, Willy Idode, while declaring the ceremony open, said , the essence of the festival was to show appreciation to God for a bountiful harvest in the last farming season.
HRH Idode, urged the people of the community to promote things that unite the people rather dwelling than on capable of causing division in the community.
HRH Idode, who doubles as the Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona, further asserted, that there was need for the people of the to live in peace and unity to attain sustainable growth and development.
According to the Sub Clan Head, Esi (new yam festival) is celebrated as a sign of thanksgiving to the creator for His provision and protection over the people .
Also speaking, the Egboise of Ogbona, Chief Vincent Otsoi, said the festival was all embracing and all encompassing.
He said, the festival was a ceremony that cannot be bruised aside as a result of it’s importance to the unity of the community.
He further maintained, that, the ceremony brings reunion among friends, Age groups, social cultural organizations and relatives among others.
Various traditional dances added colour to the occasion.
In attendance, were the Okphe Ukpi of Ivhiunone Sub Clan, HRH (Engr.) Emmanuel Ogah, Onokhaole the 2nd, Colonel Francis Otsemobor Igbanor (Rtd), Chief Jacob Aletagbor Okhipo, Mr.Godfrey Imoagene, among others.
Highlights of the Ogbona 2020 EsI day was offering of prayers for peace in the land and presentation of tubers of yams and melon by the various men and women Age Groups in the community to Cater for humanity.
