Iruekpen Celebrates 2026 New Year Festival in Grand Style as Edo Commissioner, Sir Dr Lucky Eseigbe, Hosts Community and Dignitaries

Iruekpen Celebrates 2026 New Year Festival in Grand Style as Edo Commissioner, Sir Dr Lucky Eseigbe, Hosts Community and Dignitaries

Iruekpen, Esan West Local Government Area, Edo State – January 2, 2026

The ancient town of Iruekpen came alive on Friday as Sir (Dr.) Lucky Eseigbe, Edo State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, hosted the 2026 edition of the Iruekpen Annual New Year Festival at his residence, drawing a wide array of dignitaries and community stakeholders from across Edo Central.

The annual festival, traditionally celebrated every January 2, is a unifying cultural event that brings together sons and daughters of Iruekpen to give thanks, renew communal bonds, and set a positive tone for the year ahead. This year’s celebration was marked by elegance, warmth, and a strong sense of community solidarity.

Among the notable guests were Rt. Hon. Chief Joe Edionwele, former Member of the National House of Representatives; Ambassador Julius Stanley Aluebhosele, popularly known as the Oba of Youths, a renowned business mogul, humanitarian, and grassroots mobilizer; and Hon. Endurance E. Abumere, Edo State House of Assembly hopeful for Esan West Constituency. Also in attendance were top government functionaries, traditional rulers, youth leaders, women leaders, and representatives of various community groups.

In his address, Sir (Dr.) Eseigbe expressed profound gratitude to all who came to celebrate with him and the people of Iruekpen, describing the festival as a symbol of unity, peace, and shared progress.

“I am deeply honored by the presence of our leaders, elders, youths, and friends who have come from far and near to celebrate this New Year with us,” he said. “This gathering reflects the strength of our unity as a people and our collective commitment to the development of Iruekpen and Edo State at large.”

The Commissioner reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to community service, inclusive development, and policies that promote orderly urban growth and improved quality of life for residents.

“As we step into a new year, I remain resolute in my dedication to serving our people with integrity, promoting sustainable development, and fostering unity across communities,” Eseigbe added. “Together, we can build a future defined by progress, peace, and opportunity for all.”

The celebration was held in grand style, with guests treated to an abundance of local and continental delicacies, assorted drinks, and vibrant cultural music. Traditional dances and contemporary performances kept the atmosphere lively, as attendees danced and exchanged New Year goodwill in an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie.

Community leaders praised the Commissioner for consistently supporting cultural heritage and using the festival as a platform to strengthen ties between government and the grassroots. Many described the event as a true reflection of Iruekpen’s values of hospitality, togetherness, and respect for tradition.

As the festivities drew to a close, participants expressed optimism for the year ahead, noting that the Iruekpen Annual New Year Festival continues to serve as a beacon of unity and a rallying point for collective development in Esan land and beyond.

Urbanscoopmedia reporting For Eseigbe Solidarity Movement Editorial Desk