Edo: Ugie Oba festival to get international boost

The Ugie Oba festival, the annual thanksgiving ritual of the people of Benin is set to attract Edo people in the diaspora and the international community, beginning from next year, the state government has assured.The Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, gave the assurance during the congregation of different cultural troupes from the 18 local government areas of the state that put up various performances at the palace of the Oba of Benin as part of the activities marking the Ugie Oba festival.Governor Oshiomhole, represented by his deputy, Dr Pius Odubu, said 'Come next year, the Adams Oshiomhole-led administration will build on what happened today to attract Edos in the diaspora and the entire international community to the annual Ugie Oba festival.'He told the audience that the performances they saw were just a tip of the iceberg taking into consideration what was being planned for next year.Speaking, the Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Mr Aenena Jemitola, said the state government would continuously key into the Ugie Oba festival.High point of the occasion was the award of cash prizes to Etsako East cultural troupe, Uhunmwonde cultural troupe and Egor cultural troupe for clinching first, second and third position respectively.The Benin traditional ruler, Omo N'Oba Erediauwa, expressed gratitude to the state government and all other stakeholders that made the event a success.
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