No fewer than 500,000 persons are expected to participate at the 39th edition of the Irepa/Aba Drum Festival scheduled for Aug. 18.
Otaru of Igarra, Emmanuel Adeche Saiki 11, at a news conference in Igarra, Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo, yesterday, said the festival is celebrated every seven years of lunar calendar and six years of gregorian calendar to foster peace, love, harmony, preservation of the cultural heritage of the people and to nurture the values they uphold.
“It brings me immense joy to witness our united celebration of this day filled with peace, love and happiness as we collectively uphold our shared strength and cultural heritage.
“I am aware of the meticulous preparations that have gone into making the day extraordinary and memorable for each individuals. The revered custodians of Aba drum, an integral part of Irepa/Aba rituals, hold a sacred place I tapestry of the drum festival’s legacy.
“The 39th edition of the Irepa/Aba festival is a grand culmination of tradition and cultural observances deeply rooted in the history of Igarra people.”
The traditional ruler congratulated the Opozes (Opa Osiewundo) who are graduating to Opirepa (council of elders) and urged them to continue to thrive in good health and serve the community with dedication.
“I hope that we shall persist in coexisting harmoniously and forging ahead as a united community destined for greater accomplishments and the elevation of our values and heritage for the generation to come,” he said.
Mr. Daniel Ojo, elder of the Onubeji Household of Igarra said the Eziakuta Opoporiku family and custodian of the Aba drum festival, said the beating of Aba drum is a pivotal moment of the Irepa festival activities, adding that the celebration upholds a sacred legacy of the Igarra Kingdom.