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…Celebrates her 10th anniversary in style…
Ukorebi Esien | 20th Dec. 2023
CALABAR – Ediyie Obio Canaan (EOC), a sociocultural group as called on prominent Sons and Daughters of Calabar to see to the rival of the City’s cultural heritage, while taking significant stride to breath new life into traditions that are at risk of extinction.
The group led by Chief Mrs. Henrietta Edem living in far away United Kingdom, made the call during its 10th year anniversary celebration recently held in Calabar with the theme: Honoring Heritage and embracing culture.
Chief Effiom, informed that Ediyie Obio Canaan was founded 10 years ago on social media with the main aim of injecting the interest in Efik Language culture, food culture, environmental culture, dance, and color culture into the psychic of the younger generation to avoid extinction of the Efik basic cultural values.
She added that EOC as it is fondly called over these 10 years has been at the forefront in the promotion of the culture as well as carrying out other humanitarian services such as sponsoring educational needs of the less privileged Efik Children and meeting welfare needs of members.
She therefore, called on members to be diligent, focused, courageous, and effective in spreading Efik values everywhere both at home and in the diaspora.
Otuekong Holyns Hogan who presented a Key note address on Efik Culture and Language: A Heritage for Eternity used the platform to correct some of the abnormals discovered in the speaking, presentation and display of the Efik culture by present day youths.
The Chairman of the occasion, Ndabo, High Chief, Hon. (Dr) Effefiong Nta Eke enjoined members and visitors present to learn, cath fun and spread the good news of Ediyie Obio Canaan. Further describing the event as epochal, Eke said, “This is the gathering of Efik clusters with Efut and Abakpa. It is one thing to conceive an idea but another to sustain it. This idea came about 10 or 11 years ago and today we are celebrating the cluster that unites all of us. We must commend our mother for birthing this idea. Kudos to all who have contributed to the success of this association”.
Otuekong Sir Frank Edet in his remarks thanked God for the enablement for the success of the event. He extended similar thanks to the people for honouring the occasion.
He prayed for unity among the Efiks, Efut, and Abakpa people as this has been in the lack.
He singled out Prof Henrietta Edem for commendation as she has championed the course of this unity in the diaspora and there was the need to bring this back home.
“This Thanksgiving calls for a united front in all quarters and to help the people, the youth, and others to see to the growth and development of the Ediyie Obio Canaan Association”
He further pledges to be an integral part of the association to promote the unity of Efik, Efut, and Abakpa
One of the focal points of this cultural revival is the organization of traditional festivals that showcase the vibrant dances, music, and rituals inherent the Efik’s heritage. These events not only serve as a platform for cultural expression but also attract a diverse audience, fostering a sense of community pride and unity.
Chief Mrs heleen Obo, a lover of culture expressed satisfaction at the way the group is eager to preserve history while suggesting the formation of a movie industry in calabar called Callywood solely for the preservation of the culture through art
Ms Grace Effiom, daughter of the leader of the group averred that she has over the years watched her mother grow EOC from a Facebook community to becoming a group of dedicated and committed minds ready and willing to preserve history and defend the culture.
The event featured giving of awards to deserving sons and daughters of Calabar, presentation of a portrait painting to the Obong of Calabar, Cultural display by various cultural groups known as Nka who showcased the efik culture in their dances and displays.