Arrangements are revving to a feverish pitch as the people of Igarra prepare for the grand celebration of the Aba Festival, a 6-yearly age grade event of the indigenous people of Igarra in Akoko Edo Local government area of Edo State
The 39th Aba festival which comes up on August 18, 2023, is a part of Irepa festival marking the elevation of the Opoze Age group to the Igarra Elders Council. The beating of the Aba drum at a particular location at Ugbobo Quarter on the Aba festival day marks the elevation of the Opoze age group to the Azebani council. Similarly, other age groups move up the ladder by a rung. The Eziakuta-Opoporiku family is the custodian of the Aba drum and it is only members of the family that can play the drum.
However, in recent years and with the impact of modernization, the festival has metamorphosed into big carnival-like event drawing visitors from within and outside Nigeria. It is a rallying event bringing Igarra indigenes and friends together.
Based on the importance of the event in bringing people from far and near to Igarra, the Ezi International Association USA decided to use the opportunity to bring together different people, government and the private sector to discuss Igarra heritage and culture under a social and relaxed atmosphere.
The Ezi International Association, USA, is a United States based organization established to promote Igarra culture, heritage and service to the community. Within the 4 years of its existence, the association has contributed immensely to warding off issues that posed existential threats to Igarra such as by providing patrol logistics and special equipment to security agents and vigilantes in Igarra area.
To showcase Ezi International Association USA’s contribution to Igarra development, members of the association are organizing a colloquium/dinner on August 17, 2023 with guests from all over the world. Highlight of the event which is also expected to be witnessed by top government functionaries at State and Federal levels will be the premiere of a documentary on the Aba festival
The Management and Staff of Akoko Edo Community Publishing Limited, publishers of Akoko Edo Community Online Newspaper, sends hearty congratulations to His Royal Highness Oba Emmanuel Adeche Saiki, JP, Otaru of Igarra and the entire good people of Igarra, on the forthcoming grand event.
