Scene from the carnival
By Kingsley Abavo, Benin
Oza Community in Orhiomwon Local Government Area of Edo state was agog with socio-economic activities at their peak as the maiden Oza Carnival held between Monday, December 27 and Thursday 30, 2021.
During the three-Day Carnival, the rich culture, artistic and natural endowments of Oza people were showcased.
The Carnival began with different groups coming out with colourful cultural attires and bands in a rally as football competions; singing and beauty competitions and music featured.
Chairman, organising committee of the Carnival, Kingsley Ogbebor a.k.a S.K.O. spoke on the gains achieved while fielding questions from Journalists.
He asserts, the set goals of Oza carnival were successfully achieved as all streets in the community now enjoy solar powered lights at night courtesy Hon. Aisowieren, just as many houses were urgently built while others were renovated during this period.
Continuing, Ogbebor said the Carnival has prompted many well to do Oza indigenes on the need to erecting their own buildings in the community, before the 2022 edition.
While highlighting other gains, he revealed that about four various companies’ representatives witnessed the Carnival and were convinced about the commercial viability and vibrancy of Oza community and its environs.
Consequently, they have promised to establish branches of their companies in Oza before the next Carnival.
“Seriously speaking, the list of successes recorded by Oza Carnival are endless, even though there is room for improvement for the next edition which will hold in 2022. Oza Carnival is here to stay and it is now an annual event.”
The Carnival attracted over 30,000 visitors, including Oza sons and daughters from home and abroad amongst whom were investors.
Among the visitors and high personalities were: Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha, members of the State House of Assembly including the deputy speaker, Hon. Roland Asoro, Hon. Nosayaba Okunbor, amongst others graced the occasion.
RT. Hon Patrick Asowieren, member representing Orhionmwon and Uhunmwonde in the National Assembly was on ground throughout the Carnival. He described the event as very successful beyond expectation.
A former governor of Edo State, Prof Oseriemen Osunbor and Frontline politician, Barr Ken Imansuangbon were also physically present, and with them was a former Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Hon. Isaiah Osifo.
This is as over 15 Professors from various Universities were in attendance.
Among them are Prof E.O.S. Iyamu, Dean of Education, UNIBEN, Prof Austine Osagiede, H.O.D, Dept of Mathematics UNIBEN, Prof Ewere, Dept of Law, UNIBEN, Prof Egharevba of Faculty of Education, UNIBEN, Prof (Mrs.) Otasowie Gladys Igene, Dept of Agriculture, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Dr Chris Isokpunwu, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja and many others.
The 2021 award winning SUPOL Joe Igbinazaka Ugowe, who is the coordinator of IGP Intelligence Response Team, South West Zone was on ground with his team of crack intelligent officers to add colour to the Carnival
Earlier, initiator of the Carnival, Deacon Festus Osagie Osaigbovo, Director General, Edo State Liason Office Abuja, had at a Press Conference held at the Protea Hotels in Benin City, stated that the maiden Oza Carnival was designed to showcase the cultural heritage and dexterity of Oza people.
Deacon Osaigbovo said it was time for Oza people to blow their trumpet which no one else could do for them, calling on all indigenes home and abroad to be part of the event to showcase their rich cultural heritage, and “as we foster the unity of the people with a view to pulling resources together for the sustainable development of the area.”
He pointed out that Oza parades some of the best musical artistes and other professionals in Edo State, hence the need to harness the potentials as well as to impact on their next generation to ensure sustainability.
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