WARRI—THE Olare-Aja of Okere community in Warri South Local Government, Delta State, Ogieboro E. Esisi, has said that the popular Awankere festival celebrated annually by the people of Okere will continue for another 500 years, promising that the festival will “grow from strength to strength.”

Esisi at the grand finale of the 517th edition of Awankere festival in Okere Market Square, Warri, commended Chief Ayirimi Emami, MTN Nigeria, other individuals and institutions that supported the festival over the years and expressed optimism that the event will continue to promote peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups living in Okere and Warri.

Public Relations Officer of Okere Community, Mr David Oki, who traced the history of Okere people and its festival to Benin Kingdom, noted that the festival has no ethnic limitation but one which takes place annually same period with the Osun Oshogbo festival.
Representative of MTN, Mr. Oscar Nze in a goodwill message observed that festivals such as Awankere needed to be celebrated, so as to pass on the history of generations to younger ones. He promised that Awankere festival will continue to enjoy the support of his company.