IT was 16th edition of the Auchi day tagged “celebration of Allah Most” as both the audience, the Islamic choral groups, the traditional troupes comprising of Isiko (Hunters’ dance) and Alido folklore troupes waited patiently for the lectures to finish their presentations.

Despite the large crowd, Alhaji Abdul Lateef AbdulKareem’s speech entitled “Programming a community for eternal purity, progress and prosperity” found a rhythm with the large audience as they listened with rapt attention. The lecture drew quotations from the Holy Qur’an to the delight of the participants.

Among distinguished personalities that graced the occasion were Edo State Governor, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh, the Otaru of Auchi; Omo ‘N’ Oba ‘N”Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin as the paramount royal father of the day.

The address of the Chairman of the occasion, H.R.H Major-Gen (Dr) Muhammedu Sani (Sami Gomo 11) the Emir of Zuru and delivered by his representative, Alhaji Mohammed Sanchi, the District Head of Sanchi Zuru equally sent sober feelings into the veins of members of the crowd: “there is hardly any aspect of Nigeria’s existence that is not under threat today as nothing seems to work in the country. Not even the country’s unity and peace are spared”

There was also an inspiring poem on the Arafat Mosque rendered by Princess Tohirat Haliru Momoh, it was climaxed with the wrestling bout between Iyekhei and Akpekpe villages. Abdulrazaq of Akpekpe village won the contest.

Musical renditions by various Islamic choral groups as well as presentation of hunters’ dance, Isiko with staccato strokes from the pots drum and the dancers’ dexterous dance-steps lifted the package to the delight of all and sundry.