An art exhibition and food festival showcasing the rich cultural and culinary heritage of the Benin Kingdom have featured prominently in activities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of Oba Ewuare II in Edo State. The celebration, which began on October 4 and is scheduled to run until November 21, brought together artists, food entrepreneurs, craftsmen and visitors at the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre.
Chairman of the anniversary committee and former Edo Deputy Governor, Lucky Imasuen, described the milestone as an opportunity to celebrate the kingdom’s heritage and achievements during the monarch’s 10 years on the throne. Imasuen said the reign had witnessed peace, security and economic growth, while commending organisers of skills acquisition programmes supported by the Iyamu Agwabasimi Movement Worldwide.
Chief Executive Officer of Seventies Grill Kitchen, Joy Osaremen, said the food exhibition was designed to promote authentic Edo cuisine and preserve traditional cooking methods. She showcased indigenous soups, including Umanko, Cutting Soup, Umone and Oyuwo, also known as bitterleaf soup, traditionally served with pounded yam. She encouraged residents to embrace local dishes as part of preserving the kingdom’s culinary identity.
Curators Omorogbe Osakpolor and Babatunde Adeyanju said the art exhibition featured works by Benin artists and craftsmen, including photography, sculpture and painting, in honour of the monarch’s anniversary. Other displays showcased tailoring, welding, shoemaking, makeup and beauty services, hairdressing and confectionery.
Organisers said further activities, including musical performances, football matches, traditional wrestling and the official opening of the festival hall, would take place during the celebrations.
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