By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
Corps members in Cross River have been advised to integrate themselves into the rich cultural heritage of the people, to harness the economic potentials of the state.
A Guest Speaker in the NYSC Lecture series, Ekong Okpa, gave the charge during traditional lecture organised for the 2025 Batch A stream II Corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Obubra, Cross River State.
Okpa who gave an overview of the historical foundation of Cross River, revealed that the Mbembe people among other ethnic groups shearing common cultural similarities, migrated from the land area of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania, stretching to the river basin of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
At the comprehensive lecture, Okpa focused on the rich cultural heritage of the people of Cross River, in an unprecedented detail, ranging from dressing mode, food sources, mutual respect for tradition of their host communities.
The guest Speaker unveiled that a collection of languages among Cross River ethnic nationals are of the Bantu linguistic family and a mixture of Swahili language.
The veteran Journalist highlighted the activities of traditional festivals among the people as New yam widely celebrated in Cross River Northern and Central Senatorial Districts of the State.
The Abụ festival, celebrated by Mbembe people of Obubra and people of Agwagwune in Biase LGA. An impressive traditional festival of transition into adulthood, done once in seven years.
IDANG dance of the maidens, in Obubra also celebrated once in seven years.
Mon Nkim, a maiden dance popular among the Ejagham people.
He enjoined all Corps members serving in the State to take advantage of their stay in the State to witness the 2025 edition of the biggest street party in Africa, Carnival Calabar, when the rich cultural heritage of the people shall be showcased.
Also speaking, The NYSC Head of Lectures, madam Assiak Anietiemfon, encouraged the corps members to always respect the culture and traditions of their host communities wherever they are posted to serve. noting that the people of the State are blessed with rich custom and tradition.
The State Coordinator, Mrs Oyenuga Joke, specifically emphasized the recommendations of the guest speaker on mutual respect for tradition and the the importance of cultural protocols, particularly the greeting pattern where younger people must not stretch forth their hands first, when greeting the elders, a gesture which demonstrates the deep respect for age and hierarchy embedded in Cross River culture.
A Language expert, Mr Ededet Umoh, took the corps members through the language of the efik people. He exposed the corps members to various cultural diversities of the state including the popular ekpe custom, different delicacies and popular calabar carnival.
NYSC State Coordinator Mrs Oyenuga Joke ushering in the guest speaker
The cultural segment featured reading of citation of the Guest Speaker, Ekong Okpa, captivating dance steps of Ekombi dance, presentation by the NYSC cultural dancers, showcasing the artistic heritage of the people of Cross River State.
Okpa who was Editor of Weekend Chronicle is a Senior Editor in News and Current Affair’s Department of Cross River Broadcasting Corporation, Calabar.
