Date: 16th of July 2025

Volunteers Present:  4

Total Number of Attendees: 64

Timings:9:00am – 1:00pm

Venue: Former Caravan 4, Aja-Pessu (Pessu Town), Warri

Main Topic/Activity:   Cultural activities 

Resource Person: Itsekiri NextGen Team

Summary

It was a session where drummers were invited to teach the children how to beat the drum and dance the Itsekiri dance steps. 

Session Delivery

The session was a vibrant celebration of Itsekiri culture, with participants enthusiastically arriving dressed in their traditional wrappers. The coordinator and volunteers assisted with tying the wrappers, while the drummers added to the festive atmosphere. The session began with an opening prayer and the singing of the Itsekiri anthem.

The participants were then arranged in three lines to learn about the different drums, their names, and functions. The drummers expertly guided them, and the participants showed impressive recall, with some needing gentle corrections. Three female participants were selected as lead singers, and the group sang along to traditional Itsekiri songs, led by the singers. 

The dance segment was equally engaging, with Jolomi Tedeye expertly teaching the participants traditional dance steps. The participants danced in groups of three, moving to the rhythm of the drums. Later, three male participants showcased their skills, impressing the drummers with their performance.

A highlight of the session was when three female participants performed an Itsekiri anthem, dancing for a king. The king’s appreciation for their performance was evident as he awarded the best dancer with his hat and beads.

The session concluded with a grand finale, featuring the drummers’ energetic beats and the young girls’ melodious singing. The participants danced back to their seats, creating a memorable display of Itsekiri culture. This event showcased the richness of Itsekiri traditions and the enthusiasm of the younger generation in preserving their cultural heritage.

VOLUNTEERS 

• Toju Ogharandukun
• Omatsola Okpeayanghan 
• Jolomi Tedeye 
• Odatuwa Oritsetimeyin Clinton