No fewer than 3000 guests are looking forward to attend the 10th edition of ‘Edo Festival and Awards’ billed for September 17 and 19 in the United Kingdom.

The fiesta offers Nigerians the opportunity to either take a break from their busy schedule or declare a vacation period from work to partake in the event in honour of Nigerians who have contributed to the service of humanity and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Edo people.

A countdown to the event, the Director/CEO, J.J Barry Conglomerate who spoke through his representative, Mr. Osaro Osagie said at the weekend in Benin City, Edo State Capital, assured that the Ceremony would be bigger and better than the past editions.

He disclosed this during a courtesy call on the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Sir Roland Osakwe in Benin-City on Thursday.

Osagie accompanied by an Awardee from the 2019 edition, Goodluck Onuigbe better known as Moflex, said plans for the event were already in advanced stage.

“This is a single event that would bring together more than three to four thousand Edo indigenes in the UK and all cultures in the State.
Expected to grace the event, are representative of Edo State Government, and the Palace of Benin.

“That entertainment and culture are somewhat inseparable. Hence, five musicians from Nigeria, and five in the UK will be performing at the event. We have the voting and non voting categories. Whoever emerges in the voting category, organizers of the event will aid them to ease procurement of their documents”, he said.

According to him, the Award category include the ‘Best Senator, and House of Representatives member, Edo State, ‘Best Edo man of the Year; this one he emphasised is a big one with a website opened for people to vote for their choice; and many others.

“We want to reward excellence culture in the Edo people
Outlined, are; Investment Summit for day one where potential investors in the diaspora will meet people in Government, and other relevant authorities to know what, where and when to invest in Edo.

Also to get assurances that Edo is safe for investment.
Day two will be for Awards’ and music performance, and the third day; the gala night.
All programs designated for separate venues for convenience and fulfilment.

Responding, Chairman, NUJ, Edo State Council Sir Roland Osakue, commended the organizers for their efforts in the promotion of Edo State and her culture.

He expressed dissatisfaction that the media have been ignored in all arrangements by the organizers.

“The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ken Odeh has been Organizing this Award event of such big magnitude without involving the media. It is not fair!

“I want to appeal therefore, that in this year’s edition, at least two members of the media from Edo State should be incorporated for the obvious reasons”, according to him.