By Daniel Gumm

WARRI—THE 30th  edition of Eleghe Royal Festival staged by Okere community, arguably the oldest community in Warri metropolis, Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, was on  April 22 rounded off with a rich cultural display.

The grand finale, which held at the popular Okere Market Square in the heart of Warri, with the theme: Sustaining our rich cultural heritage in Warri Metropolis since 1497, was graced by dignitaries such as the member representing Warri federal constituency at the National Assembly, Mr Daniel Reyenieju, Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Earnest Ogweze, as well as prominent chiefs of Warri Kingdom, including Chief Yaya Pessu.

Addressing a large gathering of Okere indigenes and guests, the Olare-Aja (head) of Okere, Ogieboro  Esisi, explained that the Eleghe Royal Festival, which was usually enacted every 20 years, was reduced to every 10 years, with this year’s edition being the first of the new decade arrangement, so as to allow younger generations of the community keep abreast with the historic culture.

Speaking in the same vein, Public Relations Officer of Okere community, David Oki, noted that to complement the Eleghe Royal Festival, there will also be the grand finale of the 519th edition of Okiroro Awankere Fertility Festival billed for April 30, at Okere, in Warri.