Lifestyle
London Meets Port Harcourt: Ikwerre Festival Brings Nigerian Culture To The UK
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A Taste Of Port Harcourt In London: Ikwerre Festival Brings Nigerian Heritage To Britain
BY OBINNA EBOGIDI
The 2024 Ikwerre Annual Cultural Festival was a resounding success, bringing together members of the Ikwerre community in the UK for a vibrant celebration of their rich heritage. Held on Saturday, August 24th, at Danson Park in Bexleyheath, the event was a testament to the enduring spirit of the Ikwerre people.
They came in their best traditional outfits, showcasing the vibrant colors and intricate designs of Ikwerre attire. The festival provided a unique opportunity for Ikwerre individuals residing in the UK to connect with their roots and experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of their ancestral homeland.
The royal father of the day was HRH, Eze. Ezebunwo Geofrey Adele, the Paramount Ruler/Nyenwe Ali Rumuomasi, who added his majestic presence to the festivities.
For Winston Ogbonda, the festival was a nostalgic experience, saying: “I joined my friends, brothers, and sisters to celebrate the IKWERRE CULTURAL HERITAGE yesterday (August 24) at the 2nd IKWERRE FESTIVAL in London, 2024. Nostalgic for me as I haven’t seen this rich display in the last 15-20 years. The highlight was Egelege, Native Soup (Miniwiri), reconnecting with friends and making new connections.”
The event was a kaleidoscope of color, music, and dance, with attendees donning their finest traditional attire. Ikwerre children born and raised in the UK were able to experience firsthand the customs and traditions of their kinsmen back home. Some even took to the stage to speak the Ikwerre language, earning admiration from the guests.
The festival featured an array of traditional dances, including the thrilling egelege, a traditional wrestling bout that showcased the strength and agility of the Ikwerre people. The scenery was superb, with plenty of delicious food and drink to go around.
Read also : Ikeji Festival: Mirroring The Past, Present And The Future Of Igbo Cultural Heritage
One of the highlights of the festival was the ecstatic performance by Chimburuoma Chi, who wowed the crowd with her energetic and captivating stage presence. Her performance added to the electric atmosphere of the event, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. The memories of this year’s festival will linger in the hearts of participants for a long time, serving as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The event was a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of the Ikwerre people.
Diaspora Watch is proud to bring you the details of this momentous occasion, celebrating the vibrant culture of the Ikwerre people in the UK
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Diaspora
Lady Gladys Afam:A Shining Star in the Diaspora Community
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On behalf of Diaspora Watch and Excel Magazine International, we proudly celebrate Lady Gladys Afam, a distinguished executive of Excel DMV and Excel Global Media Group USA, on her special day!
May this birthday mark the beginning of an extraordinary year filled with unbridled joy, untamed adventures, and unforgettable memories. May your life be a testament to the power of laughter, love, and wonder.
As a remarkable teacher, master of ceremony, and inspiration to many, we salute your tireless dedication, passion, and impact. Your selflessness and commitment to empowering others have made a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.
Lifestyle
#MaryOla: A Unique Celebration of Love Beyond Borders
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The marraige ceremony between Olanrewaju and Mary happened between February 7 and 8, 2025 at Kwankwashe in Suleja axis of Niger State. The event which witnessed the presence of many dignitaries also saw in presence different cultural groups that came to join in the celebrations of love.
The traditional wedding event kicked off the celebrations on February 7th, with both families present. The event had songs, dancing and showcase of love. The couples dorned their Edo and Yoruba at-tires. While the bride Mary Omonokhua is from Edo State, Olanrewaju Oyedeji hails from Osun state. There were sharing of tradtional food, drinks and merriment across quarters.
The reception on February 8, had present former Minister of Communications, Barrister Ade-bayo Shittu, Africa Editor at the Centre for Collaborative Investigative Journalism, Ajibola Aamzat, Abuja Bureau Chief of The Cable Newspaper, Yekeen Akinwale, representative of the Voice of Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Gidado Shuaib among other personalities .
There were personalities from the SCC Construction company, multimedia organizations among others. The wedding ceremony also saw presence of journalists from British Broadcasting Corporation, AFP, Premium Times, Dataphyte, Code for Africa, Punch Newspaper, Intercontinental News247 among other notable media platforms.
The Northern Operations Bureau Chief of the Excel Magazine International, Alabidun Abdul-Rahman, was also on ground at the occasion. Other personalities included the head of corporate Affairs at the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kwara State, Bolaji Aladie .The program also had presence of religious leaders, women groups, socio-cultural associations among others.
Speaking at the occasion, the groom, Olanrewaju Oyedeji, noted that his wife is a special gift from God. “She is my dream come true, love of my youth and my everyday crush. She gives me peace of mind and I am very happy today”.
Speaking also, the bride Mary Omonokhua eulogized her husband. “He is a caring man, hardworking and my heart desire, today is a special day for me”, she noted. At the event, the both families who were well represented expressed gladness at the success of the wedding event.
Different groups offered prayers for the couples, while gifts were also offered. Olanrewaju Oyedeji is an accountant while Mary Omonokhua is also an accountant. “This is a true celebration of love, you can feel it all round, the joy is in the atmosphere and everywhere is electric” an attendee at the wedding noted.
#MaryOla2025 showed that love can be from across tribes and still be beautiful to behold.
Lifestyle
EXCEL International African Market
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Stock your pantry with the authentic taste of Africa!
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Our wholesale and retail services ensure that you get the freshest ingredients, delivered right to your doorstep anywhere in the United States.
Whether you are cooking for one or catering to a crowd, we have got the essentials for your favorite African dishes.
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