Esan professionals around the world will converge on Igueben, Edo state for this year’s 11th Economic Empowerment Workshop with the aim of creating a cultural map and using it to drive tourism and socio- economic development of Esanland.
The theme of this year’s workshop is: “Esan Cultural Values and Practices” and it is designed to document and professionally portray the rich cultural heritage of Esanland.
The Chairman, Culture and Tourism Committee of Esan professionals in Lagos, Dr Ona Ekhomu disclosed that the two-day event would feature a documentary on Esan cultural values and practices which was put together from a comprehensive research on Esan Cultural heritage by the former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Prof Matthew Omo-Ojugo.
The documentary presents deep insights into traditional rulership, cultural places, festivals, dance and preservation of the mother tongue – Esan language.
The Esan annual program will also feature cultural dances, a presentation of a lecture by Dr. Joseph Ahianba, an Associate Professor from the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma titled: “The interplay of Architecture and Culture in Tourism Development of Esanland”
Other highlights will include the presentation of awards to cultural icons of Esanland including Dr. Christopher Okojie and a famed musician Umuobuare.
The President of the Association of Esan professionals, Rt. Hon Matthew Egbadon added that the Onogie of Igueben will serve as the host Royal Father as well as all the traditional rulers in Esanland as Royal Fathers of the day.
This year’s workshop is expected to educate Esan people in particular and the world in general about Esan cultural values and practices; develop Esan economy through fashion and beauty; preserve elements of Esan culture for future generations as well as deepen Esan culture through reflective and scientific research.
The Association of Esan professionals 11th annual events will take place at Idumeka Hall, and Eguare Primary School, Igueben respectively between 30 – 31 October, 2015