Richard Mofe-Damijo is hosting the Aladja Cultural Renaissance for Peace, a three-day cultural festival in his hometown of Aladja, Delta State, from December 19 to 21, 2025.
The event will showcase traditional performances including Udje dance, Igbe Emete, Mamako, Eko Ako, Irhe Eghwo, and Gogolodi, alongside cultural displays celebrating the heritage of Aladja and surrounding communities.
Speaking about the festival, RMD emphasized the importance of preserving culture amid economic challenges. “In today’s world, with all the hardship that our people are experiencing, culture is the first victim. Culture as we know it, which is our languages, our way of life, our fashion, our tradition,” he said.
He stressed that innovation must be rooted in cultural identity. “If culture is not at the forefront of innovation, of the quest for better living, then at the end of the day, we will be the biggest losers.”
The festival aims to serve as an annual reminder of what binds communities together. “Without a people’s way of life, then we are all lost. So that’s part of why this is happening now,” RMD said, pointing out that advanced societies like England and New York maintain their cultural institutions despite challenges, while Nigeria lacks institutionalized support for the arts and culture.
The three-day program includes processions through Udu communities, cultural performances at Ewrirhe Primary School Field, and concludes with thanksgiving, novelty football matches, and an after-party featuring comedians and performances by invited actors and actresses.
“Maybe if we kindle our culture, that will keep reminding us and people will keep looking at it as a way of life and integrate it in their quest for a better life,” RMD added.