Paradise News

Tag: Tinkoriko

  • Participants excited as C’River Governor makes surprise appearance at Tinkoriko 2025

    Participants excited as C’River Governor makes surprise appearance at Tinkoriko 2025

     

    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.

    Read Also: We Will Prioritize Job Creation For Our Teeming Youths – Gov Otu

    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.

  • We Will Prioritize Job Creation For Our Teeming Youths – Gov Otu

    We Will Prioritize Job Creation For Our Teeming Youths – Gov Otu

    Cross River State governor, Bassey Edet Otu has promised to prioritize youth employment by creating opportunities for young people in the state to gain employment and enable them generate sustainable wealth for the overall development of the state.

    The governor made the remarks while addressing a socio-cultural youth organization, the Tinkoriko group during a cultural parade in Calabar. The cultural display, marked every 1st  January of a new year and now in its 31st year, aims to promote the rich heritage of the Efik culture.

    Led by a former deputy speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Orok Otu Duke and other prominent members of the society majorly from Calabar south and other local government areas within the southern part of the state.

    According to the governor, “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 voices.

    Read Also: Tinkoriko @31: Gov Otu Commends Sociocultural Group For Uniting Youths

    “We are working hard to fix our infrastructure like roads and others. Importantly, we are trying our best to ensure that we create jobs for our teeming unemployed youths. I can assure you that in no distant time, we will have enough jobs for everyone, so that you can all be useful and productive.

    “We are returning back to the good old days and by the time we will be meeting like this next year, I assure you that things would have changed greatly for the better,” he concluded.

    Speaking earlier, leader of the group, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, expressed joy over the presence of the state governor at the event, emphasizing that the group’s core values include non-violent approach to issues as well as promoting peaceful co-existence amongst citizens.

    “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 amongst citizens, preach against various social voices in the state as well as promote our beautiful cultural heritage.”

    The procession which took off at Efut street in Calabar South, saw the group marched through major streets like Egerton, Nelson Mandela, Target, Mary Slessor, Barracks road, the Millennium Park where they were addressed by the governor and back to Efut street.

    The annual cultural event was witnessed by other top government officials, including the chief of staff to the governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Special Adviser governor’s office, Mr. Edem Bassey, the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Edem Darlington, Special Assistant, New Media, Mr. Andrea Ekeng, among others.

  • Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage: Addressing Recent Allegations and Defending Our Cultural Legacy

    Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage: Addressing Recent Allegations and Defending Our Cultural Legacy

    The leadership of Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage has noted the allegations and discussions surrounding an incident that allegedly occurred on Target Road in Calabar on 1st January 2025. While we empathize with any individual who has experienced hardship, it is imperative to address the baseless accusations against our movement and clarify our position as an organization dedicated to cultural preservation, not violence or criminality.

    Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage exists to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Cross River state. Our values are rooted in discipline, unity, and the celebration of tradition. It is unfortunate that isolated acts of indiscipline, which we have no control over, are being used to tarnish the image of an organization that has worked tirelessly to foster cultural pride.

    Queensley Offiong-Etim Bassey’s spurious and malicious accusations are unsubstantiated and riddled with inconsistencies. For example, she fails to provide evidence that the individuals involved in the alleged incident are bona fide members of Tinkoriko. It is worth noting that the streets are public, and unauthorized persons often exploit our parades for ulterior motives.

    It is troubling to see that individuals like Queensley, a bitter and malicious and a PDP woman Leader,have publicly faced criticism for substandard services in the past, are attempting to shift attention by fabricating stories. One must not forget the infamous incident on Easter Sunday, 2022, where a dead gecko was found in her afang soup. And incessant occasions were cockroaches and a flies were discovered inher Ekpang nkukwo and Fisherman soup from her “mama-put” establishment.

    Read Also: Tinkoriko @31: Gov Otu Commends Sociocultural Group For Uniting Youths

    We encourage constructive dialogue rather than the spread of falsehood and abject bestiality, that harm our collective heritage.

    We, therefore, appeal to members of the public to refrain from baseless accusations and instead partner with Tinkoriko (32 years:1993-2025) is no mean feat.

    As an organization, Tinkoriko is committed to upholding its legacy as a peaceful and socio-cultural movement.

    Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage is a beacon of unity and cultural expression in Cross River State. We will not allow malicious narratives to distract us from our mission of preserving and celebrating our heritage. Let us all strive for truth, dialogue, and collective responsibility as we continue to showcase the beauty of our culture to the world.

    Signed,
    Prof. Emmanuel Eyo Esq.
    President
    Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage
    Wednesday 1st January 2025

  • Tinkoriko @31: Gov Otu Commends Sociocultural Group For Uniting Youths

    Tinkoriko @31: Gov Otu Commends Sociocultural Group For Uniting Youths

     

    Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has commended Tinkoriko, a sociocultural group for prioritizing unity and cohesion among youths from different backgrounds.

    The governor made the commendation on Tuesday 31 December, 2024 when he received a delegation from the group led by the founder and patron, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke on a courtesy visit at his residence in Calabar, the state capital.

    He praised the unwavering commitment of Tinkoriko towards building a strong bond of brotherhood among members who are predominantly youths from various sociopolitical and cultural leanings, emphasizing that groups such as Tinkoriko should be encouraged and leverage upon to promote peace and social harmony in the society.

    Read Also: Anticipate Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage 2025 – fostering social harmony among youths

    Governor Otu promised that his administration would provide the needed support to the group to enable it hold its parade even on Easter.

    Earlier, founder of Tinkoriko, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke and the President, Prof. Emmanuel Eyo, informed the governor that Tinkoriko which was founded in 1993, is a sociocultural group and platform that fosters harmony among youths from diverse political, social, economic and cultural orientations. The group, according to its leaders, holds its annual parade on January 1st every year that draws a large number of youths. They said that Tinkoriko speaks strongly against violence, cultism, drug abuse, kidnappings, human trafficking and other forms of societal vices.

    They said funding has been the major challenge facing the group and therefore appealed to the governor for support.

    Highlight of the event was the presentation of Tinkoriko branded t-shirts to the governor and his wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu.

  • Anticipate Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage 2025 – fostering social harmony among youths

    Anticipate Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage 2025 – fostering social harmony among youths

     

    Founded in 1993 by Chief Orok Duke, Tinkoriko – a sociocultural group, is a platform that fosters harmony among youths from diverse political, social, economic and cultural orientation. The group, with large membership, stands strongly against violence, cultism, drug abuse, kidnappings, human trafficking and other forms of societal vices.

    As the relevance of the group in the sociocultural milieu crescendo, Tinkoriko Calabar Heritage was officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2018, with Prof. Emmanuel Eyo assuming the presidency of the group, while Chief Orok Duke hold sway as the Patron and Leader of Tinkoriko.

    The group has had a profound impact on its members over the years. Beyond entertainment, Tinkoriko, according to the President, Prof. Emmanuel Eyo, has been awarding scholarships to registered members. “We also contribute to the well-being of the less privileged and vulnerable individuals, visiting motherless baby homes to provide support.”

    The inclusion of Tinkoriko in the Carnival Calabar calendar, further underscores its relevance in contemporary society. Tinkoriko parade is arguably the second largest street procession in Cross River after the Carnival Calabar. The sociocultural group holds its annual parade on January 1st, which usually kicks off at Efut Street and passes through Hawkins, Chamley, Target, Mary Slessor, Marian Road, Barracks Road, 11-11 Round About, Calabar Road and finally terminates at the Watt Market Round About.

    Read Also: Woman accused of fatally stabbing 85-year-old husband in senior living home

    Rooted in traditional practices, Tinkoriko serves as a medium for conflict resolution and community engagement through artistic expressions such as music and dance. Tinkoriko emphasizes the importance of communication and shared experiences, allowing young people to connect with their heritage while addressing contemporary issues.

    By promoting cultural awareness and inter-group relations, Tinkoriko encourages collaboration among diverse youth groups, fostering understanding and reducing tensions. Its activities often involve traditional symbols and narratives that resonate with participants, reinforcing communal values and identity. As a result, Tinkoriko not only preserves cultural heritage but also cultivates a sense of belonging and unity among the youth, making it an essential tool for social harmony in a rapidly evolving society like ours.

    The 2025 Tinkoriko street procession will come up on Wednesday 1st January, 2025. The muster point is usually at Efut street by Egerton, Calabar. This event offers opportunity to more people, especially the youths to get involve towards building a strong and viable community where peace and social harmony prevails.

    All interested participants are encouraged to register their names, home addresses in Nigeria, phone numbers, along with their passport photographs from 15/12/2024 to be eligible for gifted Tinkoriko T shirts.

    Registration would take place at NO 51 Egerton Street Calabar South LGA. Other possible venues, include Headquarters of selected Local Govt Areas.

    “Tinkoriko, Calabar Heritage”
    (Season of Sweetness)

  • Tinkoriko gave birth to Calabar Carnival – Orok Duke

    Tinkoriko gave birth to Calabar Carnival – Orok Duke

     

    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.

    Read Also: ‘Tinubu Will Be Overwhelmed In 2024’ — Pastors Predict Bumpy Economy, Dollar Dominance, Others In New Year Prophecies

    “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.