ECHIJA CULTURAL FESTIVAL
THE YOUNG VISIONARY MAN BEHIND ''ECHIJA CULTURAL FESTIVAL'' IN OTUKPO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE
AMEDU IKLAGA
Amedu Iklaga is an Idoma born fine artist who hails from Otukpoicho in Otukpo LGA of Benue state. He has been into active art work and marketing for over a decade through his art studio "DA VINCI'S ABODE", in the Nigerian capital city of Abuja. Amedu Iklaga is the initiator and convener of the famous ECHIJA CARNIVAL, a social cultural festival dedicated to the celebration of Idoma cultural heritage. The annual event which holds every December has become the rallying point of all holiday makers in Otukpo and Idoma land as a whole. Apart from the entertainment platform presented by Echija, it has become the launching pad for many upcoming and intending artists, as well as a marketing front for various SMEs. Gradually, it has metamorphosed into a melting pot where businesses converge, not just for the locals but Echija is carving new frontiers for partnership, sponsorship and brand marketing which seeks to open up new channels of trade and investments. As it is today, Echija is beyond a mere celebration of culture, masquerades and dance troupes. Amedu Iklaga is gradually positioning the festival to become a major player in the global tourism industry which has its attendant opportunities in the hospitality and related industries. Echija is completely non-political and has no affiliations whatsoever to any interest in religion. It provides other affiliate platforms for showcasing the rich agricultural prowess of the Idoma nation. This side attraction captioned OGEJI FARMING COMPETITION is a fertile investment ground for agro-allied business.The STREET PAINTING AND DEMONSTRATION CLASSES which are preparatory to the main event has greatly added to the aestheticaesthetics of Otukpo and can be regarded as the artistic voice of Echija. Collectively, these will in no little way boost Internally Generated Revenue(IGR) and increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP).Simply put, Amedu Iklaga, through Echija Cultural Festival, has opened up Otukpo for business!
Ech’Ija Cultural Festival
What is Echi’Ija?
In direct translation from Idoma to English, Ech’Ija means, “The Day of Play”. This is not that far-fetched from what this movement is about.
Ech’Ija Cultural Festival is a coming together of Idoma people (and other tribes living within the land) to celebrate our common heritage in Idomaland through our masquerades (traditional and urban), dance, plays and all form of entertainment that we have evolved and created over the decades.
There are other cultural fiestas in our land but Ech’Ija is unique because of its inclusiveness of all the other tribes that live and share our commonwealth with us in our land. In 2019, we saw masquerades and dance performances by our people and from other cultures and this will continue this year as well.
Why Ech’Ija?
Ech’Ija is a child of multiple meetings, designs and conceptions that began since 2005. It was finally unleashed to a glorious reception in Otukpo in 2019 and the rest is history.
Ech’Ija cultural festival is an opportunity for all Idoma people and those living within our land to celebrate our cultural heritage, our commonwealth as people who have drank the “enyi’ and ate the “ona” of the land. Ech’Ija began as an Otukpo fiesta but quickly metamorphosed to an Idoma cultural festival due its appeal, uniqueness and originality.
How To Participate in Ech’Ija
Ech’Ija is open to all Idoma Sons and Daughters around the world, for it is a celebration of our oneness and unity, it is also opened to all the people who live and enjoy the beauty of the people and the socio-cultural life of Idomaland.
Therefore, participation is basically being available, joining the processions and activities with a merry heart. You can make it a merrier Ech’Ija for yourself and loved ones by buying the branded Ech’Ija T-shirts and various costumes that are available to all our people.
If you are an Artisan and you want to display your artwork during the exhibition on the 27th December Picnic, you reach Da Vinci on his number to register.
Ech’Ija This Year …
Ech’Ija in 2020 is full of activities for everyone and it goes beyond a day! Ech’Ija 2020 starts on the 27th of December 2020 with the Old-School Picnic and culminates by 28th December 2020 with the Carnival Procession.
Some of the activities slated for the December 27th Ech’Ija Picnic are;
GAMES
Suwe
Ten-Ten (Ogah)
Geren-Geren (Bicycle/Motorcycle Wheel Ridding)
Olo (Snail Shell Games)
Ball-U
Counter/Table top Games (Crown cocks)
Iche
Cashew Nuts
Tug of War
Kite... etc.
FOOD N DRINKS
Traditional Delicacies
Okoho
Ijangada
Ikpoho (Okro Soup)
Pounded yam
Ibeh (Amala)
Roasted yam with red oil
Okpehe Rice
Palmwine
Brukutu
Enyi (Gruel)
Enyi Okwola (Hot Gruel)...
Exhibition of works by Idoma artisans
Some of the activities slated for the December 27th Ech’Ija Picnic are;
- Gatherings of different groups and masquerades at the Otada/Upu Road Junction close to Otukpo Stadium
- Take off of procession from Och’Idoma’s Palace via various routes
- Celebration and dance performances at the Och’Idoma’s Palace
- Royal Welcome/Charge
- Opening Speech
- Awards Ceremonies
- More Celebrations
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