Eze Gbakagbaka Urges Cultural Festival as Anchors of Unity In Rivers State

The Eze Oha III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji Eze Woji XII, Chairman Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, King Leslie Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, has urged communities in Rivers State to leverage on cultural events as powerful instruments to foster unity, peace, and civic engagement.

The Royal Call was made at Igbu Upata Wrestling Festival, Edeoha, Ahoada East Local Government Area at the weekend.

In a key address, KING Eke, framed the wrestling fiesta not merely as entertainment but as a cultural platform.

“Cultural festivals serve as unifying fields where diverse clans meet under shared identity—using them, we can rebuild trust and harmony across our land,” he said.

Standing alongside the host monarch, Nye Udu Ele Upata–Ulowetu II, and an assembly of Ekpeye chiefs, Eze Gbakagbaka asserted that when traditional institutions collaborate, festivals transcend ceremonial rites saying, they become social glue that fortifies communal bonds.

According to him, the host Monarch’s alignment with the vision has so far proven his determination to hold the cultural inheritance of the people.

The Evo apex KING further urged disarmament among youths and added that peace should be followed at all times.

“This mirrored my long-held advocacy for nonviolence and cultural diplomacy. We can’t shy away from it, thus the need to uphold it”, he said.

He also underlined the role of festivals in youth engagement and hinted that it was incumbent them to think on how to preserve it for the upcoming generations.

“When young people embrace their heritage, they find purpose and distancing themselves from violence and antisocial behaviour.” Similar sentiments emerge nationwide—Nasarawa representatives and Edo monarchs have also championed cultural festivals as peacebuilding measures”, he said.

Highlighting another layer of the event, the monarch noted that cultural events stimulate local economies by attracting artisans, traders, and tourists.

He hinted on how recent studies have shown that festivals, such as Unyeada fishing festivals – generate income, sustain local crafts, and create seasonal jobs.

However, he has called on fellow traditional rulers to harness festivals as collaborative platforms to resolve disputes and build inter-ethnic understanding.

Meanwhile, the Eze Woji, who also is the President of Association of Christian Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (AOCTRON), urged the government to support festivals with infrastructure and funding to ensure sustainability and broader participation.

 “Legislative backing has already begun in regions like Delta State, where authorities are pushing to institutionalize cultural events as pillars of national unity”, he said. By framing cultural festivals as vehicles for unity, peace, youth development, and economic growth, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, positions tradition at the centre of social progress. His message offers a roadmap for Rivers State—integrating culture, governance, and communal harmony.