Research Documentation Of Esan Heritage, Underway

 Research Documentation Of Esan Heritage, Underway As “Esan Khide” Dev’t Foundation Inaugurates BoT

By: Oriaifoh Godwins

The Esan Khide Development Foundation, a Centre where conscious and holistic study of the History, Traditions, Customs and Norms of Esan people as well as documentations of same for the purpose of fostering the development of Esanland and her people, on Saturday, 15th July 2023, held her inaugural lecture as the Board of Trustees, BoT, of the Foundation was also inaugurated.

In his welcome address, the Responsibility Officer, who is also the Founder of the Centre, Professor Matthew Izibili, who briefly shared the Vision, Mission and the objective of Esan Khide Development Foundation, with all present at the event, thanked everyone for being part of the historic event, saying; ‘…it is our desire to see that we make a deliberate effort in the preservation of our rich culture as exemplified in our values, ethics, norms and all other associated practices for the overall good of Esan nation…’

Continuing, Professor Izibili said; ‘…we will not take for granted the existence of some cultural practices that calls for a careful review…’

Professor Izibili who thanked all present, and everyone far and near that have in one way or the other contributed to the success story of the Foundation thus far, added that; ‘…in my humble plea, as the name of the Foundation connotes, “Esan Khide”, with your support, this project will not fall, or fail, by the grace of God’.

In his goodwill message at the event, Professor Omo-Ojugo, who commended the vision of the founder, said; ‘…any language that is not spoken by people, will become extinct in no time; saying, the preservation and practice of Esan culture and tradition, is the primary focus of Esan Khide Foundation, in terms of reviving all Esan norms, practices and traditions.

Professor C.O Aluede, who delivered the inaugural lecture, highlighted several Esan traditional practices that bordered on Health Care, Spirituality, Dietary, Matrimony, Technology, Architecture etc…many of which have been lost today as a result of the fact that, those that practiced them, couldn’t transmit same to their offspring.

Professor Aluede who used Esan poetic illustrations to explain several medical solutions to certain Health challenges, added that; ‘…several historical sites that would have today become tourist attractions, have either been deliberately destroyed for the construction of new edifices or has been abandoned… a number of our cultural encyclopedia in human forms the likes of Otono and Omobuare are gone to the world beyond, and the rich historical contents deposited in them, are lost…’

‘Esan Arts and Crafts that were in our school curriculum in those days, that could have led to Esan craftsmanship, in the production of textiles, broom, calabash, etc have been monetized today, just as a number of our local delicacies have also gone into extinction…’

As a way of solving the problem, and preserving Esan culture, tradition, practices and norms, Professor Aluede suggested progressive traditionalism, Human Resources application, whereby Esan professionals in diverse fields will now begin to look inwards (Esanland) and creatively begin to relate happenings in Esanland to their professions. 

The event of the inauguration of Esan Khide Foundation also coincided with the Birthday anniversary of the Founder, Professor Matthew Izibili, as members of the BoT surprised him with a special Birthday cake.