'Celebrating Edo @ 30' Indigenes in diaspora seek strengthened heritage through positive narratives (Photos)

As activities rev up for Edo State, a state with one of the largest cities in Nigeria, to mark 30years of existence, the sons and daughters of the great state living outside the shores of the country are seeking to promote its heritage through positive narratives.

A group, Edo Club of Australia Inc, through its Edo State Diaspora Working Group, is organising an event to celebrate three decades of existence and shared the programme of events with Freelanews.

Among activities lined up for the event, which include media launch, commissioning of over 30 projects, tournaments to mention few, by Edo State government back at home, Edo State Diaspora Working Group has organised essay and art competition exclusively for its indigenes in the country to spice up the celebration.

According to a release made available to our correspondent, the club reiterated the uniqueness tribe in diaspora.

“We invite you to join us as we push the positive narrative of Edo State about our past, present and future, propagating our Legacies, hope and possibilities in solidarity,” it read.

The state was created on August 27, 1991 when military President General Ibrahim Babangida divided Bendel State into two, Edo and Delta states and August 27, 2021 makes it 30 years since its existence.

The Australia-based indigenes boast of diverse, huge, strong, vibrant and beautiful culture.

“Edo State Diaspora is rich with cultural legacies, made up of achievers despite challenges, who are fueled by hope with endless possibilities in solidarity.

“Join us as we work with our home state in the build-up of activities to the events celebrating Edo State at 30 and beyond! We start now, building up to 20th and ending on 29th August, 2021 and of course, beyond,” it stated.

Edo State is one of the 36 states of Nigeria, located in the southern region of the country. As of 2006 National population census, the state was ranked as the 24th populated state in Nigeria. The state’s capital and city, Benin City, is the fourth largest city in Nigeria, and the centre of the country’s rubber industry. Created in 1991 from the former Bendel State, Edo State borders Kogi State to the northeast, Anambra State to the east, Delta State to the southeast, and Ondo State to the west.

The modern borders of Edo State encompass regions that were formerly the site of various empires and kingdoms. Formed in the 11th century AD, the Benin Empire. The ancient city of Edo, the site of modern-day Benin City, was home to some of the earthworks in the world. In 1897, the British Empire conducted a punitive expedition of the region, destroying most of the ancient city of Edo and incorporating the territory into what would become the Southern Nigeria Protectorate.