Job Atolagbe, the traditional ruler of Shao in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara
Why we do mass wedding in Shao – Monarch
Job Atolagbe, the traditional ruler of Shao in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara, says the community’s age-old mass wedding tradition is to promote unity and inclusiveness among indigenes.
According to the traditional ruler, the Awon mass wedding model provides an annual rallying point for indigenes.
Atolagbe, who is the Ohoro of Shao, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Atolagbe appealed to all tiers of government and Non-Governmental Organisations to support and promote the Awon wedding festival.
He added that brides that had acquired skills should be empowered with necessary tools to be self-employed.
Also speaking with NAN, a community leader, Dr Wole Oke, described the festival as an annual unifying event devoid of religious persuasions.
“As far back as 1975, the government of Kwara had showed interest in the event and had always sent representatives to grace the occasion.
“Some of our sons and daughters also return to the community to celebrate the event,” he said.(NAN)
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