joshuaAu-Ukhua Carnival, boosting agriculture, economic activities among communities, clans in Etsako East, should cover all LGAs in Edo North- Ozekhome SAN
…As Prominent Indigenous of Agenebode bag Ambassadors of Carnival
Constitutional Lawyer and Human Rights Activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN, has lauded the Au-Ukhua Carnival which held at Iviukhua, Edo State on boxing day noting that the carnival which brings together people from all walks of life, has foisted Unity and togetherness among communities and villages in Etsako East LGA and boosted agriculture/economic development.
Ozekhome who spoke at the 24th Edition of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) sanctioned Au-Ukhua carnival held at Iviukhua Community in Agenebode, Edo State, when he received the award of Ambassador of Au-Ukhua Carnival, called on the organizers of the acclaimed carnival to take it to the next level by involving communities from the entire Edo North.
He said this will not only ensure sustenance of the cultural heritage of Afenmai Land which is similar in many ways but also ensure the evolvement of the rich agriculture and other economic and productive resources inherent in the entire Edo North which would be of benefit to Agenebode, Edo North and Nigeria.
Interestingly, dignitaries and participants at the rich cultural carnival came from all parts of Edo State, other parts of the country and the Diaspora with Dr. Usman Tony Ododo,, the Otono of Eppa Clan, Chief Mike Ozekhome, High Chief Abu Agbonoga, High Chief Tony Akiotu, among others, bagging the awards of Ambassadors of the carnival.
President General of Iviukhua Community Worldwide, MSHC (Dr) Kennedy Izuagbe in his welcome address disclosed that the celebration of the carnival has brought about “improved structures of empowerment, as well as improved structures of economic development for Iviukhua people”.
“That is what Au-Ukhua stands for, to bring all sons and daughters, our families together, to ensure unity, oneness and continuous development of both human, materials and agricultural as well as cultural resources of our communities.
“This year witnessed the addition of a Trade Fair and Raffle Draw to the Carnival resulting in an increase in the number of participants and tourists increasing beyond projections.
A Toyota Sienna Salon Car was carted home by winner of the Raffle draw while Itosimhe Michael Agwayambe emerged, Miss Au-Ukhua Carnival 2024. She was crowned by Queen Akpejiori Rachael Onoshioagbe
Dr. Izuagbe further noted that, “With the gracious endorsement of the Carnival by the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) last year, “The Carnival has been a major source of attraction to not just our Community but the entire Edo North (Afenmai Land) and beyond.
“The award winning Carnival has over the years improved in all spheres, including the geometrical growth of tourists from all over the world.
He emphasized that “As an Ambassador of this nationally recognized Carnival, Au-Ukhua Carnival celebration has made Iviukhua Community a center of attraction in Weppa Wanno Land, the hub of undiluted cultural displays in Etsako East Local Government Area, Afenmai Land and the biggest tourist destination in Edo State.
Iviukhua sons and daughters, elders and family members from all parts of the country including Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Ibadan, Zaria Benin among others conducted a cultural match past at the colourful event while several traditional masquerade groups, other dance groups, including a group from Cameroon participated in the carnival
