An Efik sociocultural group, Nka Ikemesit Mkparawa Essien Efik Duob-Eba, on Sunday in Calabar, honoured some Efik indigenes who have been exceptional in different spheres of human endeavours.
The group, which also used the opportunity to appeal to youths in the state to eschew violence and criminality, said development only thrived in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), one of the recipients of the award of excellence, Sen. Bassey Otu, said the yearly event served the purpose of bringing the Efik people together to forge a united front and promote their culture.
Represented by Chief Bassey Bassey from the Iyamba Royal House in Calabar, Otu stated that Efik happened to be one of the earliest civilised tribes in Nigeria and played prominent role in the nation’s development.
The senator, who represented Cross River South between 2011 and 2015 in the senate, commended the group for initiating programmes to sustain the Efik culture while also calling on the youth to shun drug addiction, cultism and other vices.
“Youths from Efik origin must come together to fight drug addiction, cultism, crime and criminality.
“Also our politicians must desist from using our youths during elections to carryout various vices; what our youths need is empowerment through entrepreneurship and not to be parasitic in anyway,” he maintained.
The group Chairman, Ekpo Ekeng, said they used the day to honour some of their sons and daughters who have excelled in different works of life and also to talk to the youths.
Ekeng said that Calabar, an Efik city, needed to return to the way it was some years ago when it welcomed many visitors who came to enjoy themselves, adding that pockets of violence here and there was driving visitors away.
“As a group, we found some of our sons and daughters to be deserving of honour, these are people that do not ring bells but are seen helping and empowering people, even though some of them are not in government.
“We believe that the award will be a source of motivation for them to do more as we want more and more of our youths to be empowered, especially through education.
“The event, which is annual, will continue to serve as an avenue for us to talk to our youths while conscientising them on the negative effects of crime in the society,” he noted.
He also used the opportunity to commend Gov. Ben Ayade for his good works in the state, especially in the northern senatorial districts of Ogoja and Obanliku and calling on the residents to support the state government.
NAN reports that other award recipients were Mr Effiok Cobham, former Deputy Gov. of Cross River, Mr Edem Duke, former Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation.
Others included Prof. Eyo Nyong, Dr. Jennifer Banobi and Mr Bassey Ndem.
Group honours Efik indigenes, appeals to youths to eschew violence
