Edo People Relive Age-old Traditional Naming Ceremony In Boston

By Alltimepost.com.

Two prominent families of Mr. Frank Ekhator and Retired Major Leonard Ativie recently in Boston welcomed a new grandchild to the world in a formal naming ceremony at the home of the veteran Nigerian Amy officer.

Their children and parents of the baby, Alfred and Ebegue Ativie were on hand to receive guests who attended the occasion and shared in their joy. Both families have their ancestral roots in Edo State of Nigeria.

The baby was named Carter Iyoriovbe Osayorme Ativie at the occasion which was attended by friends and relatives who were filled with joy at the introduction of another member of a generation of Nigerians, born in America. Carter was born on October 14, 2014.

Photo shows from left, Mr. and Mrs. Ekhator, the baby's parents, Mr. Alfred and Mrs. Ebegue Ativie with their baby, Carter and Retired Major L. and Mrs. Cecilia Ativie (Seniors). — Photo shows from left, Mr. and Mrs. Ekhator, the baby’s parents, Mr. Alfred and Mrs. Ebegue Ativie with their baby, Carter and Retired Major L. and Mrs. Cecilia Ativie (Seniors).

There is something unique about the two families. Frank Ekhator is a human rights activist and businessman, but as powerful and prominent as he is, he is still a rookie in the realm of grandfathering – Carter is his first grandchild.

In retrospect, a highly elated and joyous Ekhator in a telephone call to Alltimepost.com after the baby’s birth on October 14 said: “I am now a grandpa! I am now a grandpa! I am now a grandpa.”

On the other hand, Retired Major Ativie is a veteran grandfather as the birth of Carter marked the 12th in the number of his grandchildren.

As important as naming ceremony in the Nigerian culture, it is something no one wants to sacrifice on the altar of western civilization and religion.

Picture shows from left, Mrs. Dala Girolamo, new grandpa and grandma, Mr. Frank and Mrs. Bridget Ekhator, with their grandson, Carter and the young mother, Mrs. Ebegue After The Naming Ceremony — Picture shows from left, Mrs. Dala Girolamo, new grandpa and grandma, Mr. Frank and Mrs. Bridget Ekhator, with their grandson, Carter and the young mother, Mrs. Ebegue after the naming ceremony

And so both families did what they had to do to preserve this enviable ancient tradition as a people in the Diaspora – a tradition being handed down from generation to generation.

The youngsters, regardless of whether they were born in the United States or not who witnessed the very colorful ceremony know full well that it is their responsibility to pass it on.