By Osaigbovo Iguobaro Benin
Praise singers who featured on Tuesday at the 81st Birthday anniversary of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion have decried low patronage.
The Birthday Ceremony of the Octogenarian which attracted personalities from religious backgrounds, politics, business and enthusiasts, was held at the palatial garden residence of the octogenarian on Okada Avenue, Government Reservation Area in Benin City.
The itinerant traders and photographers popularly called paparazzi who mounted strategic locations put their skills to test to get the attention of visitors and poiticians in front of the venue.
A praise singer simply identified himself as Mr. Collins who was armed with a Trumpet, blamed the situation on “economic hardship in this Country”.
Others of his ilk, jumped from life rafts to beat security checkpoints mounted at the main entrance of the venue to get the attention of VIP’s for handouts.
A photographer who declined sharing his details with our Correspondent due to privacy and safety concerns, said: “Many of these politicians who have come to felicitate with the Esama this year, are not givers unlike the experience we had last year.
“We are just praying for somebody to bless us before the end of the day, so that we can have something to take home”, he lamented.
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