By Jimitota Onoyume

A cultural Journalist, ‎Mr Asiayei Enaibo, has poured out his heart of gratitude to Egbesu for the blessings.

The statement made available to newsmen in Warri, Delta state reads : “‎Dear God and Honoured Ancestors, Egbesu,
‎Libations have been poured upon Mother Earth where our feet tread.
‎ Your protective armoury has not failed us; your wealth has made our soil fruitful.

‎”You ended slavery, and your victory is what has gathered us — our numbers — before the Sacred Ark of Egbesu.
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“Enaibo kneels, with drink in hand, to seek the kingdom of your wealth and protection.
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“‎Agadagba said, “Look upon the earth and pray with our mother’s name — the womb where we dwelt for nine months.” ‎Then the father concluded the prayer before Egbesu and before men.
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“‎ I stand in the heart of my town to pray. ‎I stand also at the edge of the river, barefoot upon its bank —
‎ in humility, in truth, and in surrender — ‎ to pray for my soul.

‎”Cleanse me with your pure garment of grace, favour, and divine wisdom,
‎ that I may watch over myself.
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“‎ I lift my voice for myself —‎ that I may not die an untimely death, ‎ that my days will be guided with purpose and responsibility.
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“‎ With all our flaws and the human entanglements of impurity, ‎Egbesu Torumobramo.
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‎ “Grant me the strength to stand firm in life, ‎ andd to build a future that becomes a radiant shelter,
‎ a nurturing universe — for my children. ‎O Egbesu, guide me continually, that my children shall not be left as orphans, nor wander the streets without direction or care.
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“‎ Have mercy upon my yalayala wanderings in life. ‎ Let not my sins cut short my days, ‎ and close the eyes of my enemies — those who smile with me in pretence.
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“‎ Watch over me, sustain me, ‎ and let me live to see them grow at my feet, ‎ to rise in wisdom, and to become leaders of tomorrow
‎ before death ever comes to my doorstep.
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“‎O Egbesu of my heart, ‎O Woyin of my awakening and understanding, ‎ I give thanks for Your presence.
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“‎I am a Journalist — open doors for me. ‎Grant me grace. ‎Bless those who have blessed me, ‎and let those who seek my downfall stumble and smile in Etele.
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“‎Bless all men and women gathered here. ‎Bless the kings. Bless GbaramatuVoice that amplifies my voice. ‎Let my voice awaken the earth, the sun, the moon, and the sky ‎to reward my labour.
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“‎I have come to redeem my vows, ‎and to pledge again for those things I intend to achieve.
‎Egbesu, do not let them mock me, saying, ‎–What have his Gods provided for him?
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“‎With three kegs of local gin I come, in a salute of gratitude. ‎From last year until now, you have never failed this mighty crowd.
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“‎Guide all my colleagues. ‎Our faces are different, and so are our religious prayers.
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“‎Let Your glory be made manifest in my life, ‎now and always.

“Amaseikumor!
‎Iseeei!”