The Ebira people in Kogi State have commenced the celebration of Echeane festival, one of the traditional festivals in the Central Senatorial District of the state.
Echeane is an annual masquerade festival celebrated in rotation from one district to the other in Ebira Land, usually between April–June.
According to history, it was only during the period of the festival that betrothed ladies were given away in marriage to their suitors, hence the major reason why the festival was named ‘Eche-ane’ (women festival).
The 2023 edition festival has commenced today in Okene Local Government Area of the state, and would last for nine days, before moving to the other parts of the Senatorial district in a rotational order.
Echeane is characterised by the outing of masquerades (Eku) with their long canes, to entertain and also receive gifts from guests.
Thus, the Chairman of Okene Local Government, Abdulrazaq Muhammad had conveyed stakeholders meeting to strategize on the peaceful celebration of the festival.
He assured the people that government would ensure adequate security for the festival, provided participants under the supervision of cultural union will abide by all rules and regulations stipulated in their letter of permission.
Part of the rules agreed at the meeting, are that, “masquerades shall not disrupt or causes any form of disturbance to business and religious premises; and shall allow free flow of traffic on high ways.
“Prohibit masquerades from beating women, school children and motorcycle riders while two satisfactory guarantors must be provided by each of the masquerades as pre-condition for permission.”
However, the Chairman threatened suspension of the celebration if at anytime, the peace and security of the council is threatened.
He wished participants, residents and visitors a peaceful celebration.
