NANFeatures/Vol.11/No.109/2017 (July 21)
Ogidi–Ela Day: Showcasing Nigeria’s culture, tourism beyond the community
Jones Bamidele, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Since its inception six years ago, participants at the celebration of Ogidi-Ela Day in Kogi, usually observed in every June, observe that the celebrations have improved tremendously by presenting a unique mix of culture and traditions of Nigerians to the world.
According to them, the famed Ogidi Day has elicited the interests of most Nigerians and other nationalities who always attend the celebration to savour the uniqueness of Nigerian culture and the possibility of exploiting their potential.
Oba Rabiu Sule, the traditional ruler of Ogidi, yearly receives participants during the celebration in his palace with the preceding arrival of participants from various communities, both far and near Nigeria, adorned with rich costumes.
Also, artists and artistes are always present as participants agree that their presence, that of masqueraders and hunters, will enliven the socio-cultural contents of the celebration.
The celebration starts with a royal procession reeling out from the oba’s palace in pomp and pageantry with the wives of the oba.
The procession is recognised by gun salutes after which the invited guests can sit in their respective locations.
Then, the National Anthem will be sung followed by the community anthem, calling on the indigene to be hardworking, honest, humble and loyal, because time and tide waits for no man.
Oral tradition states that the founding father of Ogidi Kingdom migrated from Ile-Ife to settle in the present day community; and the community has its roots in Ile-Ife, Osun, as belonging to a descendant of Oduduwa.
With this belief, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan, the Ojaja III, sent a representative — the Alayemore of Ido-Osun, Oba Aderemi Adedapo — who delivered the message and blessing of the monarch to the community during the latest edition of the day in June.
The main celebration usually features performance from various dance groups while title chiefs and groups will pay homage to the oba.
With an impressive number of participants that attended the last edition of the celebration, observers note that Ogidi-Ela Day might be soon recognised by United Nations Organisation for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) because of its influence on larger society in terms of promotion of culture and tourism.
In the celebration were Olaga dance group from Ogidi with the native aso oke of different beautiful colours.
Similarly, Ondo State Cultural Troupe made a presentation in the same manner, displaying the mastery of their cultural performance.
In all the presentations, Nigerian culture and traditions were elaborate; women wore wrappers produced with local fabrics with various unique air styles that caught the attention of, even non-Nigerians.
The Swange dance group came from Benue, displaying the Tiv traditional zebra-colour costume while Edo Cultural Troupe added beauty to the occasion, making an impressive impact on the participants’ belief about the Bini culture and traditions.
The all-female Aduni and Neferetiti group are not new in Ogidi Day festival. The simplicity of their costume, the rendering of the lyrics and rhythm of their dance steps, made the group outstanding this time around.
Also, the Efik dancers took the show by surprise with the dancers’ body language indicating that the Efik dance would always be in vogue.
Naomi Liu, a friend of Ogidi from South Korea could not hide her feeling about this any longer after all; “I am very impressed with the display of culture and art at Ogidi Day festival. There a lot for one to see and enjoy here. I promise to come back,’’ she said.
Not only Naomi, Indonesian Sunarti Jegeg, a body therapist in Lagos, said “I like the display of a very rich culture in this village. I hope by next year, I will come back again for the celebration.’’
Amaka Chukwurah, Ambassador for Peace, said “am so excited to be here today. This is my first time of coming to this festival; and I want to come again’’.
In his case, Oscar Yao Doe, President of Eurostar Global Limousine Group based in Ghana got the title of Agbeluro of Ogidi land, promising to aid educational development of the community.
Observers, therefore, noted that the Ogidi Day’s celebration has the potential to bring socio-economic development to the community because of its popularity involving the attendance of some diplomats, business executives, politicians and government functionaries, among others.
Mr Kayode Eniolorunda, National President of Ogidi Development Union, said the donations made last year by a foreign partner were being used to reactivate existing boreholes in the community.
He noted that Ogidi Day celebration was evolving, observing that mountain climbing was added to the programme of events in the last edition.
“Many youths and enthusiastic adults participated in the mountain climbing and the exercise afforded them an adventure before the proper celebration,’’ he said.
Highlights of the event included the celebration of new yam in which roast yam and sauce with skewed meat were served to participants.
Ogidi Day has a secretariat headed by Mr Tunde Ipimisho, a veteran journalist and the secretariat is aimed at developing the celebration to an enviable standard.
Also, one of Nigeria’s most important artists, Nike Okundaye, a native of Ogidi, has played decisive roles in the introduction and observance of the day.
All in all, concerned citizens note that if Nigeria is diversifying its economy with emphasis on agriculture and tourism, developing Ogidi Day celebration for attracting tourists may not be out of place after all.
They, nonetheless, plead with public spirited individuals and corporation organisations to partner with the community to develop Ogidi-Ela Day to a level it can bring development and create employments for Nigerians.(NANFeatures)
**If used, please credit the writer as well as News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)