• Itsekiri NextGen Project: 2023 Session 36 Report
• Topic: Itsekiri Culture and Tradition
• Date: October 21, 2023
• Volunteers Present: 5
• Total Number of Attendees: 93
• Timings: 09:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Venue: Former Caravan 4, Aja-Pessu (Pessu Town), Warri
• Resource Person: Itsekiri NextGen Team

Summary:

The focus of the 36th session was on the rich culture and tradition of the Itsekiri people. Embracing their heritage, the participants learned about essential norms, etiquette, and greetings in the Itsekiri language.

Session Delivery:

Participants arrived adorned in diverse traditional attires, reflecting the cultural diversity within the community. The session began with the coordinator leading an opening prayer, followed by the lively sounds of “Ara Olorire” playing on the sound system, accompanied by enthusiastic singing from everyone.

Emmanuel Egbe extended a warm welcome, appreciating those who came dressed in traditional attire. He briefly recapped the previous ICT session, emphasizing the importance of preserving culture and tradition as an integral part of individual identity.

Uwala Tedeye took the stage to delve into basic etiquettes, using a dramatization to highlight the importance of respect for elders. The role-play showcased the significance of standing to offer a seat to an elderly person, reinforcing the message of kindness and respect.

Participants were engaged in learning some common Itsekiri words and greetings:

• Please: Mobe
• Thank you: Modokpe
• Sorry: Ma bino
• Good morning: Ere owuro
• Good afternoon: Ere oson
• Good evening: Ere ale
• Good night: Odejuma
• Welcome: Erubo
• See you next time: Ojo ugba miren

These greetings, accompanied by a show of respect with bended knees, further instilled the values of decency and courtesy within the Itsekiri culture.

A demonstration on serving drinks to elders with grace and precision followed. Participants learned the proper way to present a cup and a bottle of water, avoiding any contact between the hand and the rim of the cup to maintain hygiene.

Jolomi Tedeye added an element of cultural dance, teaching participants the initiation steps and body movements of an Itsekiri dance. They were also educated on the art of greeting elders using ‘Akpujas’ (appellations), including the respectful act of kneeling while addressing an elder.

A mock scenario of traditional greetings involving “Weyinmi” and “Tosan” as elders, and participants respectfully offering greetings and Akpujas, added a practical dimension to the cultural lesson.

Explaining the role of “Oma-Uda” (young men carrying swords) by Ogiame further enriched the participants’ understanding of Itsekiri customs.

The session concluded with an engaging, interesting, and educational demonstration of Itsekiri traditional dance.

Volunteers:

• Debi Amadedon
• Emmanuel Egbe
• Jolomi Tedeye
• Ugbeye Roselyn Bemigho
• Emmanuel Fregene

Other Key Activities During the Session:

Itsekiri traditional dance