By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
December 29th, 2025 was a great and remarkable day for residents of Musaha Close/Okoho Ephraim within Ekpo Abasi axis in Calabar South local government area of Cross River state as the gathered together to mark the end of year in thanksgiving to God.
The event which pulled out both landlords, land ladies, the clergy and tenants was unique and historic.
The august and auspicious gathering paved the way forward towards working together for the unity and oneness of both communities in terms of the development of the area visa-vise security, power outage and road network.
Significantly, the event offered opportunity for both the residents to officially introduce themselves as well as exchange compliments of the season to one another during the gathering.
Earlier, the Chairman of the two community, Mr. Ndifreke Etim Essien, had welcomed every one to the occasion, expressing joy over the large turn and response to invitation.
First, he said, it looked as if the event was not going to hold, but from the responses we got from people, it has become a huge success.
He appealed for forgiveness in whatever lapses noticed promising that 2026 planning shall be better and properly organized.
The chairman used the occasion to appreciate all those that contributed in both cash and kind towards the success of today’s event and prayed God to guide and protect us in Jesus Name.
“A one minute silence was observed in honour of the departed souls from the community to rest in peace Amen.”
The Chairman of the event Mr. Eyeni Bassey, had earlier welcomed residents to the event and appealed for orderliness and calm the celebration continues. He also welcomed our Special guest of honour, Etubom Mkparawa in charge of Musaha Community, Effiong Ephraim and his entourage to the event.
He briefed him on the current power problem that Musaha Community is facing over a period time, which the management of Port Harcourt Power Holding had deliberately refused to fix, thereby subjecting residents to long suffering not having constant light.
Also, he was informed about the issue of security and other related matters within the community which needs to addressed. Mostly, the need to syngerise between the traditional ruler and government at all times in other to attract development to the community.
While thanking government for the street lights along Musaha street, he said, there was need to call on the contractor to extend such to areas where there are none.
He recalled that “the issue of security is for all and should not be left to government alone.
Speaking the Etubom Ephraim, expressed gratitude for God to have gathered us as a family in this community.
He expressed appreciation for the honour to invite him to grace the occasion. According to him, “I have listened to all your problems within the community. I want to assure you that the Traditional ruler and our representative in government shall be communicated to. We are ready to work as a united community henceforth”.
He lauded the brain behind the annual celebration of the coming together of landlords and tenants. It is quite an innovation capable propelling quick and progressive development.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a talk entitled “Unity in the Community” by Rev. O. Obasi pastoring the Assemblies of God at Okoho Ephraim Street, Calabar.
He said, “one person can not offer unity in a community. There must be a group of people and there must be a communication. It involves persons, the must live together. In the course of trying move forward, there may be disagreement and all that, but unity comes to play at the end “.
Today by our introductions earlier, we are from different backgrounds, and it has so pleased God that we should live together in this community.
“Our living in this community is divine. God knows why. He orders the step of the righteous. Today, we are living together”.
He took his text from the Bible Joshua 6:1-4 down the line to buttress his talk.”[1]Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in.[2]And the Lord said to Joshua: “See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor.[3]You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days.[4]And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets.”
Rev. Obasi also referenced Psalms 133:1-3 which says”[1]Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity![2]It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.[3]It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.”
Unity, he said, is very paramount both in the community and in our homes. Where there is no unity, there is no peace. You can not talk of unity when it is only one man living in that community. You can talk of unity where there many people living together to bring peace and drive development.”
The Bible verses from Joshua was an illustration of how organized the Israelis were when they faced war or challenge, he added. Every one in his own gift was ready to cooperate.
He said that it by coming together with one strategy that will help us to live and develop our community. If we don’t have strategies and plans, we will not succeed.
Rev Obasi admonished us to drop our differences and unite together to drive whatever projects we have in the community.
He therefore enjoined all and sundry to join the race of unity for us to cross the Wall of Jericho standing before us. There is no unity where there is argument. Showcase the talent God has given to you in the race. Don’t kill it. For us in this community to be in peace, we must unite.
However, he prayed that God should give us the grace and wisdom to unite as a community while we live here in Jesus Name Amen.
Also, an elderly statesman, Veteran Journalist, Comrade Vitalis Ugoh was recognized with an Award of honour from the community for his consistency in community development matters over the years.
All that started well, also ended well as issues of great importance were handed over some personalities to handle and report at our next monthly general meeting in 2026.
