20/01/2025
AKWA IBOM'S CULTURAL IDENTITY: A CALL FOR PRESERVATION AND PROMOTION
Culture is the soul of a people. It embodies their values, beliefs, traditions, and ways of life, shaping their collective identity and providing a sense of belonging. For Akwa Ibom State, a land rich in history, tradition, and unparalleled hospitality, the need to define, cultivate, and maintain a cultural identity is not just important, it is urgent!
During a visit to Awka, Anambra State, I witnessed firsthand the deliberate steps the Igbo people have taken to preserve and promote their cultural heritage. Igbo language is not only taught in schools but also celebrated as a medium of communication that unites the people. Traditional Igbo attires, such as the Isiagu, are proudly worn by students in schools across the state, creating a sense of pride in their cultural heritage from a young age. These deliberate actions are proof that cultural identity can be preserved when it is intentionally integrated into daily life.
The Hausa and Yoruba communities similarly exemplify the importance of cultural identity. Through their unique attires, such as the Hausa babban riga and the Yoruba aso-oke, their cuisines, music, and native languages, they have successfully showcased their heritage to the world. The Hausa man is recognized by his flowing robes and love for suya, while the Yoruba woman proudly adorns her gele and celebrates her language through proverbs.
These examples serve as a call to action for Akwa Ibom people to take deliberate steps toward defining and promoting their cultural identity. Akwa Ibom is blessed with rich meals such as afang soup, atama soup, edikang ikong, ótór mboro, and ekpang nkukwo, and colorful traditional attires plus, a unique language with deep roots in history. Yet, these cultural elements are not as celebrated or recognized as they should be, even within the state.
When Akwa Ibom people recognize what makes them unique, they are more likely to support initiatives that promote the state's development. Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritizes tourism and hospitality, can thrive when the cultural identity of Akwa Ibom is clearly defined and showcased. Tourists are drawn to destinations where the culture is authentic, and proudly displayed.
To achieve a mental and societal shift, there is a need for a robust and strategic approach that integrates cultural identity into every aspect of life in Akwa Ibom. Just as Igbo is taught in schools in Anambra, Ibibio, Annang, and Oron languages must be revived and taught in all schools across Akwa Ibom State. This will ensure that the younger generation understands and values their linguistic heritage.
Schools across Akwa Ibom can incorporate traditional attires into their uniforms. This would not only promote the state's cultural heritage but also instill a sense of pride and identity in young students.
State-sponsored events like the Ibom Christmas Unplugged, showcasing Akwa Ibom’s food, music, language, and arts has helped to put the state on the cultural map of Nigeria, but more is needed to be done to define what makes us unique and then we brand and sell that to the global audience.
Our leaders must serve as cultural ambassadors, proudly wearing traditional attires, speaking the native languages, and actively promoting the rich heritage of Akwa Ibom wherever they are, especially outside the state. The world should know Akwa Ibom not just as a place but as a brand, a destination of rich culture, delectable cuisines, and hospitable people.
Governor Umo Eno, a leader who places immense value on hospitality and tourism development, is well-positioned to champion this cultural revival. Under his administration, Akwa Ibom has the opportunity to lead by example in cultural preservation and promotion.
Thankfully, his ARISE Agenda includes strategic policies and investments aimed at defining and celebrating the cultural identity of a true Akwa Ibom person, and we look forward to the activation of these lofty ideas.
To move forward, we must look inward. As Chinua Achebe wisely noted, “A man who does not know where the rain began to beat him cannot say where he dried his body.” Akwa Ibom people must reconnect with their roots, celebrate their uniqueness, and share it proudly with the world. This is not just about preserving the past; it is about building a future where our culture is our pride and legacy.
Let this be a call to action for leaders, educators, stakeholders, and every Akwa Ibom citizen to champion the preservation and promotion of our cultural identity. Together, we can ARISE and reclaim the essence of who we are. By defining and promoting our cultural identity, we will not only strengthen our heritage but also ensure that Akwa Ibom becomes a unique model of culture and hospitality in Nigeria and beyond.
Let us ARISE and reclaim our identity.
Aniekan James Ekah