The Egerebite & Bibite Ceremony of my wife Mrs Vivian Shedrack Fubara and my sister Mrs Dorcas Ikwegbu held at Fubarakworo Polo, Opobo Town, Rivers State, Nigeria on Dec 31st 2016 & Jan 1, 2017



Background:

Nigeria is made up of four major tribes namely - Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo and Ijaw. The Ijaws dominate the Southern part of Nigeria & in this tribe they have multiple ethnic groups and the prominent group are the Ibani people (Bonny & Opobo) as its known to Westerners.

One of the traditional ceremonies recognized in Bonny and Opobo for women is the IRIA ceremony, which symbolizes a "coming of age" time for young girls and is used to launch them into society and proclaim adulthood. Further on in her life her husband may perform the second stage of the ceremony for her called BIBITE.

Traditionally an Ibani girl is not allowed to dress in the traditional attire of two wrapper cloths unless she has performed the ceremony and those who do are met with a penalty or fine.

The IRIA and BIBITE ceremonies include all three functions of art- ritual, integrative and display of cultural values or aspects unique to that culture.
These ceremonies have proved to be positive aspects of Ibani Culture that impacts discipline on young teenage girls and also promotes the dignity of womanhood. The young girls look forward to when they will promote these ceremonies with dignity and respect as it is the pride of every Ibani woman either by birth or marriage.

After the Ceremony the IRIABO is now expected tie the two wrap skirt of Popo, Ikaki and Damask for at least 3 months to 1 year before tying more colorful brighter George Wrappers.

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