By joshua Owan Day: Hundreds Gather To Celebrate Honour, Integrity, Culture
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
It was a colourful gathering of culture and community spirit as Owan sons and daughters at the weekend converged on Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongidda-Ora in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State for the 2026 Owan Day Celebration.
The event, organised by Owan Conscience, a popular socio-economic and cultural group in Edo brought together the Clergy led by Bishop Augustine Ohilebo of the Anglican Diocese of Sabongidda-Ora, traditional rulers and chiefs led by the Odion Ulule of Uokha, His Royal Highness, Kingsley Eseiche.
The event also attracted eminent sons and daughters of Owan including the immediate past speaker, Edo State House of Assembly and member representing Owan West Constituency, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, renowned scholar, Prof Bright Aisiku, Retired Federal Permanent Secretary, Dr Ernest Umakhihe who was the keynote speaker, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial candidate for Edo North, Mrs Maria Oisamoje, NDC House of Representatives Candidate for Owan Federal Constituency, Prof. Grant Erhuanga, PDP Candidate for Owan East Constituency , Hon. Moses Ohilebo Izobo and political bigwigs.
Others were Captains of industry, students and youth bodies, women and men groups and other stakeholders united by a common heritage and the aspiration for a more united and progressive Owan nation.
Beyond the celebration, the event provided a platform to showcase the cultural wealth, intellectual resources and economic potentials of the Owan people.
From captivating cultural dances by different troupes to school match past and cultural performances, the celebration offered a vivid display of the traditions and values that define the Owan identity.
Exhibitions of traditional herbs, solid minerals, indigenous cuisine, literature and other cultural artefacts further highlighted the need to preserve them for future generations.
Welcoming participants, the Chairman of Owan Conscience, Richard Ofen-Imu (Esq) highlighted the significance of the celebration, emphasising its role in fostering unity, promoting cultural preservation and strengthening the bonds among Owan people at home and in the diaspora. He also pointed out the objectives and achievements of Owan Conscience.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Owan Day Planning Committee and former Commissioner of Health, Dr Wilson Imogan, underscored the importance of the initiative while addressing what he described as misconceptions about the activities and objectives of Owan Conscience, stressing the body’s commitment to the collective advancement of Owan.
For the Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Bright Aisiku, the celebration was a commendable initiative capable of strengthening the ties that bind the people together. He praised Owan Conscience for providing the platform and called on Owan sons and daughters to embrace unity as a foundation for sustainable development.
The keynote address took the conversation beyond cultural celebration to the responsibility of leadership and community development.The keynote Speaker, Dr Ernest Umakhihe in a Paper tittled “Strengthening Community Institutions For Development” called for greater collaboration among traditional institutions, stressing that the progress of Owan depends on their ability to work together in the interest of the people.
He also emphasised the need for selflessness, urging individuals to place the collective good above personal interests.
According to Umakhihe, “Government alone cannot develop our communities. Lasting and meaningful development only happens when our community institutions are strong, united and purposeful. If we must move Owan forward, we must return to that spirit of unity. Let us allow credible and selfless leaders to emerge, not based on party affiliations, but on integrity, capacity and love for Owan.
“Am pained that the Owan Nation cannot point to an institution of higher learning. This is a big vacuum that must be filled soonest.
Continuing, the former Edo State gubernatorial aspirant said, “Owan has always been known for hardwork, honesty and unity. Let us strengthen our institutions. Let them speak for us and let them protect what is ours and we will reclaim that glory”, Umakhihe posited.
The atmosphere subsequently came alive with more cultural performances as participants celebrated the diversity of Owan traditions.
Guests were taken on on an inspection tour of the exhibition stands, where they examined the various displays reflecting the community’s cultural and natural resources.
Thereafter, goodwill messages from prominent Owan sons and daughters added to the significance of the occasion. Among those who conveyed goodwill was the Bishop of Sabongidda-Ora Diocese, the Reverend Augustine Ohilebo.
Trophies and certificates of participation were given to the ten secondary schools that were invited. The keynote speaker, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe gave 50,000 to each of the ten schools while his friend, Dr. Omorede Odigie also made a personal donation to each of the ten schools.
For many attendees, the celebration was more than a social gathering. It was an opportunity to appreciate their shared identity and reflect on the future they hope to build together.
In an interview , some participants expressed delight and satisfaction with the initiative, commending Owan Conscience for creating a platform that brings the people together and promotes their cultural heritage.
For Owan Conscience, the challenge now is to sustain the momentum, build on the successes of the celebration and translate the spirit of togetherness into practical steps towards a stronger and more prosperous Owan community.
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