By Ambrose Ologide, Warri
All eight members of an ancient traditional female dance troupe in Ekpan have been awarded scholarship up to university level.
The award was given by an anonymous guest who was thrilled by the performance of the young female dancers that stole the show on the occasion of the visit of HRM, Dr Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso JP, OON, Abe 1, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom to the area as part of ongoing activities marking the 15th coronation anniversary of the monarch.
The event featured Uvwie music sensational Weco as he dished out his hit track of ‘ Iroro ‘ ( wisdom ) to the pleasure of HRM Abe 1 , his entourage and other guests.
However the ancient Igbe R ‘ rimeren (:dance of young girls ) stole the show as some of the young female dancers entertained with their breasts exposed (as was done in the olden days) to the applause and satisfaction of all.
This prompted an anonymous guest to give a scholarship award to university level to each of the 8 female dancers that entertained with their breasts exposed.
The Unuevworo ( traditional mouth piece ) of Etche R ‘ Ekpan ( traditional administrative unit ) Uvwie Local Government Area, High Chief Peters Iffie while speaking with newsmen shortly after the event, lauded HRM Dr Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso JP OON Abe 1 the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom for his visit to the area.
” We are very happy about his visit. The warm reception we accorded him was an indication of our acceptance , appreciation and love for him ”
” Nothing can be too much to show our love and appreciation for him.
” We are indeed proud to have him as our royal father. ” iffie added.
Similarly , another distinguished indigene of the traditional administrative unit, Chief Edmond Ofudje urged the people of Ekpan to imbibed the spirits forgiveness and love as exemplified by the Uvwie monarch.
Ofudje who bears the title of Erere ( gain ) of Uvwie Kingdom also hailed Abe 1 for the achievements recorded since his emergence 15 years ago.
The duo prayed for more years , good health and prosperity for the the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom.
The Uvwie monarch had earlier in his brief remarks, urged the people of Ekpan to embrace peace and love in the interest of meaningful development of the area.
High point of the event was the presentation of photocopier machine to the visiting traditional ruler by High Chief Peters Iffie.