By Francis Onoiribholo - Bureau Chief Benin
The much-celebrated Oba Erediauwa’s annual festival (Ugieoba) came to a climax on Sunday in Benin City, with a special thanksgiving service at the Holy Arousa Cathedral in Benin City.
The well attended thanksgiving service presided over by Ohenosa Harrison Okao attracted many dignitaries including top palace functionaries and chiefs.
Ohen-Osa Harrison Okao prayed for the wellbeing of the revered monarch and urged all and sundry to redouble their loyalty to the Oba whom he referred to as a supreme king of Kings, just as he also prayed for peace in Edo State and the nation in general.
This year’s edition of the Oba’s annual festival was very colourful and attracted a lot of dignitaries to the Oba’s palace, just as fun seekers helped themselves to subsidized assorted drinks and lots more on display at the palace.
Also, Prince Omoregbe Erediauwa, the Chief Executive Officer of HEX Entertainment, organizer of the Ugie Carnival entertainment guru, introduced a comic dimension to the festival with his added packages: Ugie Beauty Pageant, musical concert, art exhibition, stage drama and lots more.
Meanwhile, the Oba, as part of the just concluded annual festival’s activities, gave an award of excellence to six distinguished indigenes of Edo State, under the banner of Oba Erediauwa Excellence Award.
The awardees were given the honour in recognition of their meaningful contributions to humanity.
They include Chief Oyuki Obaseki, Ohe of Benin Kingdom, who was honoured for his lofty contributions to sports development.
Dr. Don Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki was given the Oba’s award based on his contributions to the entertainment industry.
Rev. Christiana Bamidele George (nee Ogbemudia), first daughter of the former Governor of defunct Midwest and Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, was also given an award for her contributions to humanity.
Mrs. Adesuwa Oyenakwe (nee Osunde), a retired broadcaster per excellence also bagged the Oba’s award of excellence.
Mr. Eddy Lawani, a journalist and an entertainment sage equally received Oba’s award, just as Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, the one Nollywood Director, also bagged the Oba’s excellence award.
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