By Kelvin Obambon
Rt. Hon. Orok Duke has disclosed that Tinkoriko, a sociocultural group known for its annual parade, gave birth to the popular Calabar Carnival.
Duke who is the founder of Tinkoriko made the disclosure in Calabar on Monday during the group’s parade that takes place every 1st of January.
Speaking in an interview with journalists on how Tinkoriko has faired in its 30 years of existence, Hon. Orok Duke said that “When we started we used to circulate around Egerton. It started as Tinkoriko Mission Hill, that’s ward 4 and 5. Then we expanded through Mayne Avenue because Gershom Bassey was there and he was a leader of some sort.
“So when transiting we used to touch Fenton with Essien Ayi there, and then through Edgerly then Mayne Avenue, but the route became too long. Of course Tinkoriko gave birth to the carnival. When Donald Duke resumed in 1999 he called me and said we should make it a state affair, but I told him we will not leave Tinkoriko.
“I sponsored the bill for the creation of the Carnival Commission. I told him it could be expanded to include 1st of January. But over the years they used to stop on 31st of December. This is the first year that they have made the carnival run for 32 days to include Tinkoriko. Tinkoriko is now drawing the curtain of the 2023 carnival and it’s not going to stop.
“For now we are part of the Calabar Carnival calendar. We are thankful for that in our 30th year. Of course the governor has always been our grand patron for like 15 years now.”
He said that over the years, Tinkoriko parades have forged a bond of unity among youths from diverse social backgrounds, thus accounting for the peace and tranquility witnessed in the capital city, especially during the festive period.
“We are still using the platform to canvass against certain social ills and also using it to serve as a platform for the youths to ventilate their feelings.
“Tinkoriko is a provision of a platform for people who fly different colours to ventilate. The different colours here means whatever social standing you are. The simplicity of Tinkoriko is such that you don’t get initiated. You don’t wear costumes. It’s just your pair of canvass shoes, your jean trousers and then we give you t-shirts.
“Let me tell you – I use this as an example. If a young man plays Tinkoriko and sees another young man it will be difficult for you to go on a hit and kill that man the next day. We need more platforms for us to be meeting ourselves. Haven’t you seen the reduction of crime rate during the 32 days carnival?”
Also speaking, the President of Tinkoriko, Prof. Emmanuel Eyo, listed some of the achievements of the group to include the award of scholarship to registered members, outreaches to orphanages, the less privileged and vulnerable members of the society.
“Outside entertainment of our people and indigenes of Cross River State, we have been awarding scholarships to registered members. And before we display today we had gone to motherless baby homes to give them what we have. We are non religious. So we do not need to go and give money to the church. We give to the less privileged. Those who are vulnerable. To those who do not have,” he said.
Over 5,000 youths took part in the 30th Tinkoriko parade, making it arguably the second largest Calabar festival procession after the Carnival.