By Dada Ahmed.
(C) Google.
Egbira dancers show casing the rich culture of Egbiraland.
The people of Egbira Opete extraction in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria, kicked off a vibrant two-day celebration of Ekuechi starting on Saturday, December 14,2024 on a peaceful note.The legendary festival signifies an event that stands as one of the most important cultural festivals in Egbiraland.
The streets of Okene and surrounding communities, including Okengwe, Obehira, Upogoro, and Arigo, Utuahi up to Ageva were alive with excitement as jubilant celebrants ushered in the festival with enthusiasm and grace.
Our correspondent that covered the colourful festival reports from Obehira and it’s environs, that the festival witnessed firsthand and seamless flow of the festivities. The air was filled with the harmonious chants of peaceful songs, and the rhythmic steps of dancers following the night masquerades which painted a mesmerizing picture of tradition and unity.
It is a festival that attracts the attention of Egbira Opete,home and abroad.
Besides its exciting nature,Ekuechi is not just a festival; it is the heart of the Egbira people’s spiritual and cultural calendar, marking the end of the Ebira traditional year. More importantly,it is a time for reflection, honoring ancestors, and celebrating community bonds.
One of the most intriguing parts of Ekuechi is the highly anticipated Unehe, a night filled with musical competition where singers battle it out until dawn.
The soul-stirring performances are a contest of skill, with voices rising above one another in a competition for recognition and admiration.
What is unique about Unehe is that, unlike the Ekuechi, where men dominate, women are allowed to join in the fun, creating a rare, inclusive moment of unity.
Record shows that, rooted in deep Egbira traditions, Ekuechi generally honors the belief that the spirits of ancestors—known as Eku—return during this festival to guide their descendants.
The Eku masquerades, dressed in elaborate costumes, perform captivating dances and rituals, mostly in the night, embodying these spirits and sharing moral lessons and messages of unity.
As night falls, the festival comes alive with rhythmic drumming, chanting, and singing, telling stories of history, humor, and the values that have shaped the Egbira community for generations.
Beyond its spiritual significance, Ekuechi serves as a platform for conflict resolution and fostering social harmony. It is a pleasant time for families to reunite, resolve lingering disputes, and express gratitude for the blessings of the past year.
In a world increasingly shaped by modern influences, the Ekuechi Festival remains a bedrock of Ebira identity, preserving the rich traditions, values, and culture that have sustained the people of Central Senatorial district of Kogi State for centuries.
The festival is more than just a celebration—it is a living, breathing testament to the enduring spirit of the Egbira people.
In a nutshell, it is apt to remark that Ekuechi Festival is an enduring and significant cultural event for the Egbira people in Kogi State, Nigeria.
It’s annual celebration is an eloquent testimony to the fact,that the festival is not only an important tradition but also one that has stood the test of time, preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of the Egbira community, especially in Kogi and Nigeria at large.
The vibrant and colorful festival, brimming with excitement and serenity, drew to a close on Monday morning of December 16, 2024. For the participants and those who watch on the media space, across the globe, the 2024 Ekuechi represents a grand occasion that left everyone buzzing with satisfaction, depicting a testament to its success and significance.
As celebrants basked in the joyous aftermath, they gave heartfelt thanks to God for the privilege of witnessing such a revered socio-cultural gathering.
For Egbiraland, it wasn’t just an event—it was a timeless celebration of unity, tradition, and enduring pride.
It has been suggested in some circles that this great festival could be elevated to a national level with serious commitment from both the public and private sectors, given its significant impact on tourism and the economy, as well as its potential to attract foreign tourists and investors to Kogi State for enhanced social and economic development of the state as well.
Ahmed, an indigene of Egbiraland,publishes The Reporters.
ahmeddada008@gmail.com
