By Kelvin Obambon
Excitement and cheers rained the air surrounding the entire 11-11 Roundabout, Calabar on New Year Day as Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu made a surprise and symbolic appearance at the 31st edition of Tinkoriko annual parade.
The governor who was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar,
Special Adviser Governor’s Office, Mr Edem Bassey, the Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mr Edem Darlington and other top administration officials, infused enthusiasm into the Tinkoriko procession with the crowd cheering and chanting “Season of Sweetness”, a slogan that resonates among loyalists and supporters of the current administration.
Addressing the mammoth crowd predominantly made up of youths, Governor Otu promised to prioritize youth employment by creating opportunities for young people to enable them generate sustainable wealth for the overall development of the state.
He commended Tinkoriko for consistently bringing youths together under a peaceful atmosphere since its founding 31 years ago. He said with the level of joy Tinkoriko gives participants, the platform should be supported and use to promote peace and brotherly love in the society.
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According to Governor Otu, “For you to sustain this beautiful cultural value for 31 years now is not a minor feat. Most of the calls I get regarding how to be a part of Tinkoriko is usually from those residing outside of this country. That goes to show that Tinkoriko has gone global. It also goes to show how much our people outside have become increasingly interested in the value you represent, which includes speaking out against all manners of social vices.”
He also promised that Tinkoriko would feature prominently in the next Carnival Calendar so as to strengthen its global appeal.
Earlier, the founder and patron of Tinkoriko, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, expressed joy over the presence of the state governor at the event, emphasizing that the group’s core values are non-violent approach to issues and the promotion of peaceful co-existence among youths.
“For the past 31 years, we have been doing this every 1st January of a new year. Our core values are majorly to promote peaceful co-existence among citizens, preach against various social vices in the state as well as promote our beautiful cultural heritage,” Duke said.
He also used the opportunity to appeal to individuals, groups, corporate organizations and the government to support the sociocultural group by way of financing the purchase and printings on t-shirts worn by participants annually.
On his part, the president of Tinkoriko, Prof. Emmanuel Eyo, disclosed that apart from bringing youths together to forge a bond of unity, the group is actively involve in charity.
“Every year, the fund we realize we use it to sponsor our indigent members and non-members in the universities and secondary schools. We have been doing this for the past 25 years,” he said.
The annual Tinkoriko procession usually takes off at Efut by Egerton and passes through major streets like Hawkins, Nelson Mandela, Target, Mary Slessor, Barracks road, 11-11 Roundabout and then back to Efut street.
