…sign 3-years festival sponsorship pact

Nigeria’s indigenous telecommunications company Globacom has signed a deal to sponsor the popular Anioma Festival in Delta State. The sponsorship contract which is for three years was signed on Tuesday in Asaba.

The President of the organisation for the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC), Mr. Keister Ifeadi, said Globacom was selected because of the company’s ability to take the festival to a higher level and give it its rightful place among prominent festivals in the country.

He stated that Globacom’s involvement in the festival would help in deepening cultural allegiance in the clan.

Ifeadi, who was represented by his vice, Mr. Paddy Ugboh, added that beyond reawakening the consciousness of the Anioma people, “the coming on board of Globacom will further cement allegiance, encourage reciprocity and keep the beautiful flame of our culture in synergy with Nigeria’s cultural heritage for the unity, peace and development of our dear nation”.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank the management of Globacom Limited for this new relationship with the people of Anioma. I believe that in no distant time, the name Globacom will go down in history as having contributed immensely to the growth and development of culture, tourism and community development in Delta State and the country as a whole”, he added.

Giving his royal blessing to the sponsorship, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien, said that he had no doubt that Globacom would add great value to the festival just as the Omu of Anioma, Her Royal Highness, Matha Dunkwu, pointed out that the entire “beautiful people of Anioma will now believe that Globacom is complete by coming to identify with our cultural heritage, the Anioma Festival”.

In his remarks at the occasion, Globacom’s State Manager, Delta State, Aaron Johnson, said that the signing of the MOU was the beginning of an enduring partnership with the people of Anioma. “Since culture reflects the essence of a people, showcasing their ways of life, preferences and taboos, be rest assured of our resolve to take Anioma Festival to the next level by making it among the best festivals celebrated not only in Nigeria, but in the entire black race,” he stated.

Johnson assured the people that the company would bring its wealth of experience to positively project the festival and celebrate the unique selling propositions of the Anioma people, as it had done in other festivals such as Ojude Oba, Ofala and Lisabi festivals.

Traditional rulers from the nine local government areas making up the Anioma clan such as the Obi of Onich-Ugbo, Obi of Ejeme Aniagor, Obi of Ubulu-Okiti, Obi of Utegbeje, Obi of Ute-Okpu and the Omu of Anioma were present at the ceremony.

The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi Prof. Chike Edozien signing the Memorandum of Understanding for the sponsorship of Anioma Festival between Globacom and the Anioma people in Asaba. On his right is the Delta State Sales Manager, Globacom, Mr. Aaron Johnson while Mr. Paddy Ugboh, Vice President, Organisation for the Advancement of Anioma Culture (left).