October 9, 2022

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has given his royal blessings to the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) for the commemoration of the 45th anniversary of FESTAC 77.

The commemoration of the festival held in 1977, has been slated for Dec. 5 to Dec. 11 in Abuja, by CBAAC, the organiser.

Ms. Oluwabunmi Amao, Director-General, CBAAC, stated this in a statement on Saturday.

Oba Ewuare during CBAAC’s visit to his palace on Thursday assured of his support for the festival.

He said that though the timing for the commemoration ceremony had coincided with the celebration of the popular Igueh Festival in Benin.

He, however, promised to send a good representative.

The traditional ruler said that he would consult with his chiefs on how best to further support the centre toward the success of the event.

He noted that he was a direct descendant of the great queen mother Idia as he further expressed his commitment to the preservation and promotion of the rich cultural heritage of the people of Benin, particularly the Benin language.

The Oba who was a diplomat, narrated to the admiration of his visitors how he promoted African cultural heritage at different fora in Europe, America and all the places he visited during his service years.

Earlier, Amao appreciated the oba for the warm reception accorded her and her team.

She said that the visit was in recognition of the role of traditional institution in cultural preservation, promotion and propagation as well as to solicit the support of the traditional institution in Nigeria.

According to her, the participation of the traditional institutions was key as they are the custodians of the African culture and ensuring that they play active role at FESTAC 77 at 45 anniversary.

Amao said in recognition of the significant role of the Benin traditional institution, and as the birthplace of the emblem of FESTAC 77, she came with her team to pay homage to the kingdom.

She said the visit was also to seek the traditional leader’s support for the overall success of the commemoration of the festival.

The director-general appealed to the oba to reach out to other traditional rulers in the country to be part of the event.

She said CBAAC would be pleased to have the Benin traditional troupe perform at the festival, as well as the Guild of Bronze Casters to exhibit their good works.

According to her, the event will witness attendance of the various diplomatic missions and their communities in Nigeria as part of their cultural bilateral relations with the country.

She noted that the festival would feature events like cultural parade; arts, crafts, antiquities exhibitions; performances in dance, poetry and music; food fair; fashion show and exhibition; colloquium; award and cultural variety night.

Amao informed the oba of his nomination by CBAAC for an award as the “Most Outstanding Traditional Ruler” for promoting arts and culture, which would be conferred on him at the festival award night. (NAN)