Gbaramatu Begins Annual Amaseikumor Festival with Cultural Rites

Gbaramatu Begins Annual Amaseikumor Festival with Cultural Rites

By Ekpegha T

The Gbaramatu Kingdom has commenced its annual Amaseikumor Festival, a seven-day cultural and spiritual celebration designed to promote unity, peace and communal prosperity among the Ijaw people. The festival, deeply rooted in tradition, is one of the most significant cultural events in the kingdom. “Amaseikumor,” which means “may no evil befall the community” in the local Ijaw dialect, symbolises a collective prayer for protection, progress and harmony within the land.

The celebration officially began with a kingdom-wide environmental sanitation exercise, as youths, women and community leaders participated in cleaning streets, waterfronts and public spaces. This was followed by a free medical outreach that provided basic health checks, consultation and medication to residents, particularly the elderly and vulnerable. The opening day also featured a colourful masquerade procession, accompanied by traditional drumming, chanting and dance performances that drew large crowds from neighbouring communities.

Throughout the seven-day festival, a series of cultural activities will take place, including traditional dance displays, cultural music performances, boat regattas, wrestling contests, art exhibitions and storytelling sessions highlighting the history of the Gbaramatu people. Various quarters and age-grade groups are expected to showcase their unique traditions, attire and performances, reflecting the diversity within the kingdom. Youth organisations and women groups will also present cultural displays aimed at preserving indigenous values and passing them to younger generations.

The Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Majesty Oboro-Gbaraun II, described the Amaseikumor Festival as a vital platform for strengthening unity among Ijaw communities. He noted that the celebration brings together sons and daughters of Gbaramatu from across Nigeria and the diaspora, creating opportunities for reconciliation, cultural revival and discussions on community development. He added that the festival also promotes peaceful coexistence and reinforces shared identity among the people.

A key highlight of the festival is the traditional cleansing ceremony, during which spiritual rites are performed to seek protection, blessings and prosperity for the kingdom. The ritual, conducted by traditional priests and custodians of culture, is believed to ward off evil, promote peace and ensure a fruitful year for the people. Community members participate in prayers, symbolic offerings and processions considered essential to the spiritual well-being of the land.

Dignitaries, government officials, traditional rulers from neighbouring kingdoms, tourists and culture enthusiasts are expected to attend various events during the week-long celebration. The influx of visitors is anticipated to boost economic activities, with increased patronage for local traders, fishermen, transport operators, artisans and hospitality providers.

Stakeholders in the kingdom emphasised that the Amaseikumor Festival has evolved into a major unifying event for the Ijaw nation. According to them, the celebration not only preserves cultural heritage but also serves as a platform for strengthening bonds among Ijaw sons and daughters at home and abroad. They added that the festival plays a significant role in promoting peace, cultural pride and economic growth in Gbaramatu Kingdom.