December 17 is a date Esan Family Ottawa will not forget in a hurry. The socio-cultural organization brought together diverse Nigerian cultural groups in a well-attended End of Year Party. The occasion was held at the elegant Trybe-Spaces on Bank Street, Ottawa.
Attendees decked in colorful attires that reflected Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. Bini, Igbo, Yoruba, Nupe, Hausa, Owan, Etsako, Urhobo, Isoko, Ibibio, and Ijaw were some of the tribes represented at the occasion. Both old and young, including children.
The children displayed Esan traditional dresses, performed cultural dance, and recited the history of the Esan people.
The food was delicious. Esan Family presented a variety of delicacies including famous Black Soup. Others are Egusi and Ogbono soups. There were also pepper soup, fried rice, and white rice among others. People enjoyed the meal as music filled the hall.
Music was provided by DJ Nosa Edobor. Austen Ehiguese and Tobi Emmanuel excited the crowd as they handled the MC role in a masterful manner.
Elder Francis Ukposidolo, chairman of Esan Family Ottawa was ecstatic. He expressed satisfaction at the success of the event and showered praises on the planning committee led by Elder Felix Eseiye.
Goodwill messages
Congratulatory messages have continued to pour in from guests. “I really enjoyed the diversity, the array of culture in fashion, food, and music”, said Madam Basira Bashorun, President of the Isokan Yoruba Community Ottawa. Basira noted that the Esan Family “brought together a diverse crowd for an entertaining night.”
“We are really blessed to have the freedom and opportunity to display, express, and uphold our cultural heritage here in Canada. Engaging our children in your program was beautiful and encouraging,” she said.
Basira
For Yomi and Kelly Pratt, the occasion was a blast of entertainment. “We wish the entire Esan Family Ottawa best wishes for 2023 and the years ahead,” they said.
Akatarian gathered that Esan Family Ottawa comprises Esan sons and daughters including their wives and husbands. The organization is registered as a nonprofit organization in the province of Ontario.