HUNDREDS of Ijaw from different communities in Delta and Bayelsa states converged at Ofougbene community, Delta State to celebrate the annual Ama-Ikiye festival amidst masquerade dances and traditional wrestling competition.

Shedding light on the festival, the immediate past chairman of Ofougbene community, Chief David Ekpotimi, explained that the festival, which is as old as the community, is cultural and devoid of spiritual attachment and aimed at fostering the unity of the Ijaw, particularly those from Burutu, Forcados, Yeye, Ekeremo, Beribe-Gbene, Preboye, Apala Gbene and Tongbene communities.

He said: “This year’s festival witnessed other highlights introduced to spice up the event. Some of them include traditional wrestling competition and the cultural dance steps of the Benikpkobiokpo masquerade, Tenyanbebe masquerade, Moto masquerade, Ama-Ikiye masquerade and a host of others.”