….as Otono Idodo, Abonega, Bolivia, Akiotu honoured as Ambassasors
A Constitutional Lawyer and Human Rights Activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), has lauded the Au-Ukhua Carnival for promoting unity among communities and villages in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, as well as boosting agriculture and other economic development.
Ozekhome gave the commendation at the 24th Edition of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) sanctioned Au-Ukhua carnival held on Dec. 26, at Iviukhua Community in Agenebode, Edo State.
The constitutional lawyer, who received the award of Ambassador of Au-Ukhua Carnival, called on the organisers of the carnival to take it to the next level by involving communities from the entire Edo North.
He said this will not only ensure sustenance of the cultural heritage of Afenmai Land which is similar in many ways, but also ensure the evolvement of the rich agriculture and other economic and productive resources inherent in the entire Edo North which would be of benefit to Agenebode, Edo North and Nigeria.
In his welcome remarks, the President General of Iviukhua Community Worldwide, Dr Kennedy Izuagbe, disclosed that the celebration of the carnival had brought about “improved structures of empowerment, as well as improved structures of economic development for Iviukhua people.
“That is what Au-Ukhua stands for, to bring all sons and daughters, our families together, to ensure unity, oneness and continuous development of both human, materials and agricultural as well as cultural resources of our communities.
“This year witnessed the addition of a Trade Fair and Raffle Draw to the Carnival resulting in an increase in the number of participants and tourists increasing beyond projections,” he said.
Dr Izuagbe further noted that the carnival had since its gracious endorsement by NTDA in 2023, been a major source of attraction to not just the communities but the entire Edo North (Afenmai Land) and beyond.
He said the award winning carnival had over the years improved in all spheres, including the geometrical growth of tourists from all over the world.
“As an Ambassador of this nationally recognised carnival, Au-Ukhua Carnival celebration has made Iviukhua Community a center of attraction in Weppa Wanno Land, the hub of undiluted cultural displays in Etsako East Local Government Area, Afenmai Land and the biggest tourist destination in Edo State,” he added.
Interestingly, dignitaries and participants at the rich cultural carnival came from all parts of Edo State, other parts of the country and the Diaspora.A Toyota Sienna Salon Car was carted home by winner of the Raffle draw while Itosimhe Michael Agwayambe emerged, Miss Au-Ukhua Carnival 2024.
She was crowned by Queen Akpejiori Rachael Onoshioagbe.
Dr Usman Tony Ododo, the Otono of Eppa Clan, Chief Mike Ozekhome, High Chief Abu Agbonoga, High Chief Tony Akiotu, among others, were honoured with the awards of Ambassadors of the carnival.
Iviukhua sons and daughters, elders and family members from all parts of the country including Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Ibadan, Zaria Benin among others conducted a cultural match past at the colourful event while several traditional masquerade groups, other dance groups, including a group from Cameroon participated in the carnival. END
