When Seki came on Stage

It was glitz and fun on Saturday, March 26, as the best of Nigerian culture fused with the rich cultural heritage of Okirika light up the stage, when the Heritage Bank sponsored Seki Dance drama was staged before a selected audience.

The dance, an official entry to the 10th anniversary of the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta Georgia, is a collaborative rhythmic agreement of dance patterns of five different masquerade groups of the Okirika stock of Rivers State.

According to the Minister of Information and Culture Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who was special guest of honour, Seki is a good source of entertainment, education and information, adding that Nigeria is united as a nation by the different cultures, therefore, Nigerians must celebrate the diversity by reinforcing the things that unite its people. He commended the bank for the initiative

The Managing Director/CEO, Heritage Bank Plc, Ifie Sekibo, explained that the bank as part of its corporate social responsibility and sustainability seeks a balance between tradition and innovation. Therefore, it always, responds positively to the rich African tradition through various art forms as a way of promoting cultural diplomacy.

He said, “The name Heritage Bank was born out of a desire to project an essence that fosters a generational mind-set, and is reflected in the unique physical and ideological atmosphere that defines our business.”

For the director of the drama, Yibo Koko, culture is the totality of way of life evolved by a people in their attempt to meet the challenges of living in their environment, and Seki remains a traditional representation and dramatic imitation of the belief system of the Okirika people.

While actress, Kate Henshaw, was the compere of the show, former Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Richard Mofe-Damijo and others Nollywood stars were on parade.