By Correspondent in Okene.
Credit;TikTok.
Okene Local Government Bans Unnecessary Masquerade Outings and Enforces Vehicle Regulations…
The Chairman, Okene Local Government, Hon. Ahmed Nuhu Enesi, has banned unnecessary masquerade outings across the local government area.
He also declared that all vehicles without number plates and those with tinted windows are prohibited from plying the roads in the area.
This is contained in a statement signed in Okene by Abdulkareem Abdulwahab,Head of Media to the local government,and a copy available to The Reporters on Sunday.
The chairman’s aide said that the ban and declaration of vehicle registration were announced by his principal when he hosted a high-level security meeting at the Local Government Secretariat to address pressing security concerns within the area.
Abdulwahab said:”During the meeting, Honourable Ahmed Nuhu Enesi announced an immediate ban on unnecessary masquerade outings across the local government area.
“He emphasized that any masquerade procession must obtain proper authorization, citing the need to maintain public order and security.
“Masquerades found operating without permission will face legal action.
“Additionally, the Chairman declared that all vehicles without number plates and those with tinted windows are prohibited from plying the roads.
“He stressed that violators would be dealt with in accordance with the law, as part of efforts to curb criminal activities and enhance public safety.”
According to him,the security meeting was attended by heads of security agencies, government officials, and other key stakeholders, reflecting the collective commitment to fostering a safer and more secure environment for residents.
He quoted the Chairman as urging all citizens to cooperate with these directives to ensure peace and stability across Okene.
Some members of the Egbira community in Lokoja praised the Okene Local Government Council for its bold decision and called for its swift and effective implementation.
They urged other local government areas within the central senatorial district to follow Okene’s lead, emphasizing that the ban would put an end to the indiscriminate masquerade outings in Egbiraland.
Masquerades hold a central role in the cultural festivals of Egbiraland, serving as vibrant expressions of tradition and spirituality. These masked performances are deeply rooted in ancestral reverence, as they symbolize the presence of the spirits of forebears returning to bless, guide, and protect the community. Masquerades often embody various deities or spiritual forces, acting as a bridge between the physical and metaphysical worlds. Their performances during festivals reinforce the spiritual essence of the events, ensuring that the community remains connected to its cultural and religious heritage.
Beyond their spiritual significance, masquerades contribute to the preservation and transmission of Egbira traditions. Each masquerade has unique dances, songs, and costumes that tell stories of the people’s history, values, and collective identity. These performances serve as a living library, passing down knowledge from one generation to another. They also foster unity and shared pride among Egbira people, as the preparation and celebration of these events require communal effort and cooperation.
Economically and socially, masquerades enhance the appeal of cultural festivals by drawing crowds from within and beyond Egbiraland. Tourists and visitors often attend these festivals to witness the colorful and captivating displays, bringing in revenue and boosting local businesses. In addition,the masquerades create a festive atmosphere that fosters social bonding, entertainment, and cultural exchange.
This blend of tradition, artistry, and communal participation underscores the importance of masquerades in elevating the value of cultural festivals in Egbiraland.
However in recent time, there has a deviation from the norms of outing of these spiritual forces in terms of their unnecessary outings,a development that has elicited eyebrow among the people with a clarion call on the necessary instructions to correct the anomaly.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
