By Dada Ahmed in Kotonkarfe.
The three branches of the Egbira Nation- Ebira, Egbura and Etuno/Igara- have resolved to adopt one name,”Egbira”, in their nomenclature,in ensuring the actualisation of their unification.
The National President of the Ohiku Egbira Descendants Union,(OEDU),retired Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Christ Alli, made the disclosure on Saturday during the second edition of Ohiku World Ohiku Day Convention at the Palace of the Ohimege-Igu of Kotonkarfe in Kotonkarfe Local Governnent Area of Kogi State.
According to him, the unification of the name also became necessary “because the Egbira Nation was fast dispersing, moving in different directions, operating as totally different entities and totally oblivious of the fact that we are one entity, speaking the same language.”
He recalled that since the demise of the famous Kawararafa Kingdom, which existed between 13th and 18th century, most of its original constituent groups had remained essentially one significant entity, except for the Egbira stock.
“For instance,our other Kawararafa brothers each have dialectical differences within each group but for obvious inherent advantages of unity, each bear one generic name,”he added.
The National President of the union noted that apart from the advantages of greater ethnic, socio-cultural and Political relevance,the forgoing strategy would accord the people concerned greater respect,locally and nationally among other advantages.
Alli, described OEDU as non-partisan,socio-cultural body, dedicated, solely, to unifying the Egbira people and promoting activities that would enhance their wellbeing and overall developmnt, world wide.
He further said that the unification of name would put pay,contrary tendencies among the Egbiras which not had helped them as a nation but instead diminished their strength and status, vis a vis other ethnic groups.
Governor Yahaha Bello,who was represented by the Commissioner For Local Governnent and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Abdulsalam Ozigi at the occasion, expressed delight over the unity prevailing among the three branches of the Egbira Nation and called for of its sustanance.
He promised his continued support for the realisation of the aims and objectives of the union, with a view to enhancing the unity among them as well as boost their commonwealth and identity.
Our Correspondent reports that Governor Bello was recognised for his impact that made the state claim the status of the most peaceful of its kind in the country and making the Egbira Nation proud,for aspiring to occupy the presidency of Nigeria in 2023.
The Vice Chancellor,Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, Prof. Marietu Tenuche and other prominent Egbira descendants were also recognized for their contribution to the developmnt of Egbira Nation.
The online publication reports that the audience was thrilled by the various Egbira cultural groups with the rich culture and tradition of the people.
The Egbira people from Igara in Edo state as well as those from Toto in Nasarawa and Plateau states also graced the colourful occasion.
The Ohimege-Igu Igu of Kotonkarfe,HRM, Alhaji Abdulrazak Gambo Sani Isa Koto and other traditional rulers as well as prominent Citizens of Egbira Nation attended the occasion.
