Like the eight other provinces of Gabon, Ogooué-Maritime opened, on Monday August 14, 2023, in Port-Gentil, the national festival of independence, thus following in the footsteps of the Estuary which inaugurated, in Libreville, the same event on August 11. It will stretch until August 17, the anniversary of Gabon's independence.

Speaking at the official opening of the festival at the Pierre Louis Agondjo Okawé municipal fair, O'dy-Ariane Mounga, acting director of the provincial directorate of Culture and the Arts, in charge of civic education, set the scene: “By gathering here, we affirm our commitment to live in harmony with each other, to resolve our differences peacefully and to work together for a better future. Fraternity and unity are bonds that support our origins, our beliefs and our convictions. By celebrating our independence, we strengthen those bonds that make us one family.”

Games of all kinds and for all generations (Ludo, scrabble, trampoline, etc.), cultural events, music, humour, sport (football, basketball, handball), exhibitions and sales of works of art, culinary travel, literary stand, etc. everything has been done to, in the words of the acting director, “share precious moments and create unforgettable memories”. For her, "the Independence Festival marks the beginning of a tradition that symbolizes our unity as a nation".

And to conclude: "Through these days of celebration, we renew our commitment to peace, brotherhood, unity, conviviality which are the foundation of our society".

On Thursday, August 17, after the traditional parade, the Pierre Louis Agondjo Okawé fair will host a mega concert during which local artists of all musical tendencies will showcase their talents.

Photo: a socio-cultural group performing

Fidèle AFANOU EDEMBE

Port-Gentil/Gabon