ECHIJA: OUR CULTURAL RESURRECTION AND REJUVENATION
By adakole Elijah
In the not-too-distant past, a certain inconsequential and obtuse religio-cultural nihilist saw fit to denigrate my person, as well as that of my erudite brother, Lordsman Ogbole, for our unwavering commitment to the promotion and celebration of the venerable ECHIJA Cultural Festival in our beloved homeland. As I pondered the motivations underlying his vitriolic diatribe, I arrived at the painful realization that he was, in fact, an unbridled and uneducated religio-cultural bigot, whose myopic worldview was characterized by an ingrained disdain for our rich cultural heritage and traditions.
For individuals of his ilk, the very notion of culturalism and African traditionalism is anathema, a reprehensible affront to their narrow and intolerant religio-cultural perspectives. However, I must emphasize that the ECHIJA Cultural Festival is, in no way, a worship group or a religio-cultural organization. It possesses no temple, nor does it have a prayer square. Rather, it is an inclusive and eclectic celebration, open to individuals of all religio-cultural backgrounds, including free thinkers and skeptics.
The primary objective of the ECHIJA Cultural Festival is to reinvent and revitalize our cultural practices, which have been inexorably eroded by the vicissitudes of time. It is our fervent desire that our children and future generations may have the opportunity to behold and appreciate the richness and diversity of our cultural heritage.
In furtherance of this noble objective, we encouraged the various neighborhoods in Otukpo to participate in the festival by showcasing their unique masquerades and cultural artifacts. This joyous celebration was preceded by a convivial picnic at Ewulo College, where individuals from diverse backgrounds converged to relax and unwind, thereby alleviating the stresses associated with the Yuletide season. The picnic also provided a welcome opportunity for old friends to reunite and rekindle their friendships.
As is evident, the ECHIJA Cultural Festival has emerged as the most preeminent and widely celebrated festival in Otukpo during the Yuletide season, attracting participants and spectators from all walks of life, irrespective of their tribal, religio-cultural, or political affiliations.
The genesis of the ECHIJA Cultural Festival can be attributed to the visionary leadership of Chief Amedu Iklaga, who conscientiously brought together a coterie of like-minded individuals, including Chief Ediga Akpa, Peter Ocheikwu, Lordsman Ogbole, Fred Ogli Adogo, and myself, to form the nucleus of the festival’s organizing committee.
In the near future, we intend to embark upon a comprehensive documentation of the historical etymology of the various masquerades and cultural artifacts showcased during the festival. This laudable initiative will enable our children and future generations to acquire a deeper understanding and appreciation of our cultural heritage, thereby ensuring its continued relevance and viability in the face of an increasingly globalized world.
Two years ago, we had the privilege of hosting the erudite Professor Yakubu Ochefu and other distinguished scholars, who delivered enlightening lectures on the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and traditions. Professor Ochefu’s keynote address, in particular, provided a profound insight into the imperative need to revive and celebrate our cultural practices, which are rapidly disappearing into the vortex of oblivion.
During this year’s procession, I had the pleasure of participating briefly, before relinquishing the stage to my offspring, who soldiered on with remarkable aplomb, as I was still recuperating from the exhausting activities attendant upon my recent conferment with the distinguished Chieftaincy title of Eje K’Otukpo. The festival was, indeed, a resounding success, and I extend my sincerest accolades to Team ECHIJA for their tireless efforts in ensuring the festival’s continued success and relevance.
