By Dada Ahmed.
Credit: Google.
For most of December 2024, the vibrant spirit of the Ekuechi Festival swept across Egbiraland in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria, as the people of Egbira Opete extraction celebrated their most revered cultural event.
This festival, a cornerstone of Egbira heritage, unfolded with a profound sense of peace, unity, and joy, underscoring its significance as one of Nigeria’s most captivating cultural showcases.
Cultural enthusiasts, within and beyond the shoes of the state that watched the 2024 edition of the festival were marveled by the jubilant crowds, adorned in colorful traditional attire, filled the air with the sounds of drumming, singing, and laughter. From dawn till dusk, the Ekuechi Festival radiated cultural pride, reverence for ancestry, and an unbreakable sense of community.
In essence, the core of Ekuechi symbolizes more than just festivity. Experience shows that it is a deep expression of ancestral respect, spiritual renewal, and social cohesion.
An overview picture of the 2024 festival captured the celebrants engage in traditional dances, and masquerade performances that carry centuries-old traditions all in tranquility.
However, the festival’s profound ability to unify people has sparked discussions among cultural enthusiasts and tourists alike about elevating its status to a national cultural event.
As Ekuechi continues to foster tranquility and togetherness, many voices are advocating for the festival to receive the recognition it truly deserves on a national scale.
Cultural express optimism argue that this move would not only preserve the rich traditions of the Egbira people but also boost Kogi State’s and Nigeria’s tourism sector as well as showcase the country’s cultural diversity to the world.
They call for action between Kogi State Government and the Federal Government in leading efforts to officially designate Ekuechi as a national festival. Advocacy campaigns can present Ekuechi as a shining example of Nigeria’s cultural richness, while legislative support can ensure funding, logistics, and annual observance.
The vision of these experts find relevance in the potentiality of Ekuechi Festival’s immense potential capable of attracting local and international tourists, citing mesmerizing masquerades, vibrant music, and intricate dances which they describe as a spectacle that deserves a global audience.
Therefore, investing in tourist-friendly infrastructure—hotels, transportation, and festival venues—could make Kogi State a prime cultural destination while highlighting Ekuechi in national events like the National Arts and Cultural Festival would also amplify its reach.
The role of journalists, particularly those covering culture and tourism sector cannot be overemphasized in using modern media platforms at their disposal to play a pivotal role in elevating Ekuechi’s profile. Media experts argue that extensive coverage on national television, radio, and digital platforms can bring the festival into national limelight and beyond the shores of Nigeria.
In the same vein,documentaries and live broadcasts can capture the festival’s essence, while social media campaigns can engage the younger generation, encouraging participation and fostering pride in cultural heritage.
More so,partnerships with institutions like the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the National Museum can formalize Ekuechi as an integral part of Nigeria’s cultural legacy. Schools and universities can integrate the festival’s history and values into their curriculums, ensuring that the current and future generations understand and celebrate the significance of the ekuechi festival.
Furthermore,it has been suggested that cultural exchange programmes can bring Ekuechi to other parts of Nigeria, thereby promoting inter-ethnic unity and mutual appreciation. Artists, musicians, and cultural influencers can amplify its appeal, ensuring that the festival resonates with both traditionalists and contemporary audiences.
It is apt to say that with its blend of spirituality, community, and artistry, Ekuechi embodies the beauty of Nigeria’s cultural diversity.
Experts in the tourism sector believe that by adopting strategic initiatives such as legislation, media promotion, tourism development, and educational integration,the Ekuechi Festival could transcend regional boundaries and emerge as a symbol of national pride.
The Egbiras do not mince words that the beat of the drums in Egbiraland echo across Nigeria.
In the same token,they hope that with vision and collaboration of the stakeholders in the effort to elevate the status Ekuechi festival to national status could shine the festival as a cultural beacon, celebrating the Egbira heritage while uniting Nigerians in a shared love for their country’s rich traditions.
By adopting these strategies, the Ekuechi Festival could gain the national recognition it deserves, becoming a vibrant celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity.
Ekuechi festival is a ritualistic enactment of myth, legend and traditional social events meant to mark the end of the year and usher in a new one.
The Ebira people of Kogi State in Nigeria celebrate it annually. It begins from late November, runs through December and ends in early January, according to Google.
Ahmed publishes The Reporters.
