By: Aherhoke Okioma
President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Dr Doubra Collins Okotete, has called for the establishment of a museum and cultural festival in honour of late Ijaw music legend, King Robert Ebizimor, to preserve and promote his enduring contributions to Ijaw culture.
Okotete made the call in Yenagoa, in a statement marking the annual remembrance of the musician, describing Ebizimor as one of the greatest cultural ambassadors of the Ijaw nation.
He praised the music icon for dedicating his life to preserving and promoting the history, philosophy, identity and cultural heritage of the Izon people through his songs.
The IYC president said King Ebizimor, who was also known as the Numupere I of Izonland, left a legacy of music that continues to inspire generations through its wisdom, cultural values, moral teachings and messages of social consciousness.
Okotete urged Ijaw indigenes, traditional institutions, political leaders, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to support the creation of a King Robert Ebizimor Museum and Cultural Heritage Centre.
He said the proposed centre will serve as a repository for the musician’s philosophical works, musical archives, manuscripts, cultural artefacts and other valuable materials connected to his contributions to Ijaw history and identity.
The IYC president noted that such initiative will not only preserve Ebizimor’s legacy, but also promote cultural education, tourism and economic development in the Niger Delta region.
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Drawing a comparison with the preservation of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s legacy through the New Afrika Shrine and Felabration, Dr Okotete said Ebizimor’s works equally deserved institutional recognition to enable future generations to appreciate the depth and significance of his music.
“As custodians of the Izon heritage, we have a collective responsibility to preserve the legacy of King Robert Ebizimor beyond annual remembrance ceremonies,” he said.
He advocated the establishment of a world-class cultural festival in honour of the late musician and appealed to cultural organisations, development partners, government agencies and private investors to support efforts aimed at projecting Ebizimor’s legacy globally.
Okotete also called on Ijaw people to remain committed to promoting their cultural heritage and ensuring that the contributions of the late music legend continue to occupy a prominent place in the history and identity of the Ijaw nation.
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