IGBANKE (Ika Weekly) – As various communities that make up lgbanke in Orhionmwon Local Government Area in Edo state are now celebrating their new yam festivals, an indigene of the area, Mr. Agholor Joseph has called for unity and the spirit of oneness among the people.
Making the call in a statement at the weekend, Mr. Agholor described the annual festivals as unifying factors and vehicles for cultural rejuvenation
Mr. Agholor appealed to the traditional rulers and chiefs in the area to chart a common front whereby Egwe or new yam festival is celebrated on the same date in all towns and villages that make up lgbanke ethnic nationality.
Mr. Agholo who is also a vice principal of Ozanisi Secondary School said the idea of celebrating festival on different months and dates by different towns and villages does not portray the people as united entity and called for a change, adding that if all the enogies (traditional rulers) in Igbanke come together and organize Egwu or new yam festival in the nine towns that make up Igbanke on a fixed date, the much-needed unity among the people would have been achieved.
Calling for the organization of festival of arts and culture in Igbanke, Mr. Agholor appealed to the Energies to carry their subjects along as they plan for the development of the and enhancement of the people’s cultural heritage
Mr. Agholor decried the neglect of Igbanke area by the successive governments of Edo state, adding that the area has no good roads, modern markets, constant water and electricity supply and above all, employment opportunities for indigenes of Igbanke
He called on the police in the area to find an end to the rampant harassment and robbery incidents by armed bandits along Ekpon/Igbanke railway bridge, resulting in loss of lives and property, pointing out that market women and farmers are now afraid to pass through the bridge for fear of attacks by armed robbers.
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