20 October 2026
The Priests Assembly Peace and Social Justice Initiative (PPJ) warmly congratulates the good people of Ekpan and the entire Uvwie Kingdom as they prepare for the Owhorame Festival scheduled for tomorrow, 21 October 2026.
Cultural festivals are important expressions of identity, history and community pride. They should unite people, strengthen social bonds and provide a safe space in which residents and visitors can celebrate together. No festival should become an occasion for harassment, intimidation, unwanted touching, robbery or the humiliation of women and girls.
PPJ’s recent research across communities in Delta State found that women and girls—particularly young women and visitors—may face heightened risks of sexual harassment, unwanted touching and other forms of abuse during some cultural festivals. Nearly half of the respondents reported that certain festival practices could expose women and girls to harm. At the same time, every respondent agreed with the principle that culture should protect, not harm, women and girls.
PPJ therefore welcomes reports that the Uvwie Security Surveillance, the Nigeria Police Force and other observers will be present to maintain order and protect festival participants. This is a commendable and responsible step. It reflects the true spirit of community leadership: anticipating risks and putting measures in place to safeguard everyone.
We encourage the traditional leadership, festival organisers and security personnel to ensure:
• visible security presence at the festival venue, the Ekpan bridge and other identified risk points;
• safe passage for women, girls, children, visitors and other members of the public;
• zero tolerance for sexual harassment, unwanted touching, intimidation, robbery and assault;
• clear and accessible channels for reporting misconduct;
• prompt intervention when any person is threatened or harassed; and
• appropriate action against anyone who attempts to use culture or celebration as a cover for criminal conduct.
While well-meaning public warnings may encourage women and girls to remain alert, the responsibility for preventing harassment must not be placed on potential victims. Women and girls have the right to move freely and participate in community life without fear. The primary responsibility rests with festival organisers, community leaders, security personnel and every participant to maintain a safe environment.
The true test of the festival will not only be the beauty of its cultural displays, but also the conduct of participants and the protection provided to women, girls and visitors. Uvwie Kingdom will write its name in gold by demonstrating that cultural celebration and the protection of human dignity can—and must—go together.
PPJ wishes the people of Ekpan and the entire Uvwie Kingdom a peaceful, joyful and incident-free celebration.
Long live Uvwie Kingdom.
Culture should protect, not harm.
Happy celebrations.
Signed
Dr Ejiro Joyce Otive-Igbuzor
Executive Director
Priests Assembly Peace and Social Justice Initiative
Email: info@priestsassemby.org