The Oza Carnival, held recently in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State, recorded impressive turn-out with over 30 thousand visitors comprising both indigenes and non-indigenes alike.
The rich culture and artistic endowments of Oza people was on display from Monday, December 27 through 30th as the indigenes launched the first Oza Carnival.
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, was represented by the chief of staff, Hon Osaigbovo Iyoha, members of the state of house of assembly including the deputy speaker, Hon Roland Asoro, Hon Nosayaba Okunbor, amongst others.
RT. Hon Patrick Asowieren, member representing Orhionmwon and Uhunmwonde in the National Assembly was on ground throughout the carnival described as most successful event which was beyond human comprehension and explanation.
A former governor of Edo State, Prof Oseremen Osunbor and Barr Ken Imansuangbon were also physically present at the carnival. With them was a former chief of staff to Edo State Governor, Hon Isaiah Osifo was also there in flesh and blood.
Over 15 Professors from various universities were also at the great event. Among them are Prof E.O.S. Iyamu, Dean of Education UNIBEN, Prof Austine Osagiede, HOD, Dept of Mathematics UNIBEN, Prof Ewere, Dept of Law, UNIBEN, Prof Egharevba of Faculty of Education, UNIBEN, Prof (Mrs.) Otasowie Gladys Igene, Dept of Agriculture, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma. Dr Chris Isokpunwu, Federal Ministry of Health Abuja.
The 2021 award winning SUPOL Joe Igbinazaka Ugowe, the coordinator of IGP Intelligence Response Team, South West Zone was on ground with his team of crack intelligent officers to add colour to the carnival.
The initiator of the Oza Carnival, Deacon Festus Osagie Osaigbovo, Director General, Edo State Liason Office Abuja, had at a Press Conference held at the Protea Hotels in Benin City, stated that the maiden Oza Carnival will feature Dancing, Singing, Football competitions along side display of farm produce and agribusiness training for the people.
Deacon Osaigbovo said it was time for Oza people to blow their trumpet which no one else would do for them, calling on all Oza indigenes home and abroad to be part of the carnival to showcase their rich cultural heritage.
He noted that Oza parades some of the best musical artists and other professionals in Edo State and insisted that they are duty bound to impact on their next generation to ensure sustainability.
The goals of Oza carnival were successfully achieved as all streets in Oza now enjoy solar powered lights at night and many houses were urgently built or renovated during this period.
Many well to do Oza indigenes had promised to erect their own buildings in the community before the 2022 carnival.
About four companies after witnessing the commercial viability nd vibrancy the carnival attracted to Oza in 2021, have promised to establish branches of their companies in Oza before the next carnival.
Seriously speaking, the list of the successes recorded by Oza carnival are endless but there’s huge room for improvement for the next carnival.
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