By Princewill Kingston
Chinese expatriates operating in Nigeria, people of other ethnic nationalities and indeed Cross Riverians from all walks of life have attributed the prevailing peace and unity in Calabar and indeed all Cross River state to the pragmatic leadership dispositions of the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V
They said the Monarch has been religiously focusing on uniting his people, sustaining the culture of the Efiks, including the Utomo Obong cultural festival which has become part of the Cross River state tourism calendar.
According to them, the Utomo Obong Cultural festival has united the Efiks and other ethnic tribes in Cross River thereby eliminating acrimony and creating a peaceful atmosphere for development to thrive in the State and beyond.
Speaking shortly after being conferred with the traditional title of Ada-idagha ke Efik Eburutu by the Obong of Calabar, the Chairman of the Skyrun Int’l (Nigeria) Home Appliances FZE, Mr Wu Fuqiang, a Chinese expatriate, said the Obong of Calabar’s ability to sustain the culture and tradition of the Efik people has impacted technology, industrial development and the economy of the State.
“The Obong of Calabar has been able to sustain the Efik culture and promote peace and unity. I am aware of the role of culture and traditions in technology, investment, social-cultural, economic development of a country, and this is what the Obong has been striving to do.
“The Efik people have a rich culture that is admired and loved throughout the world. This culture is rooted in peace, harmony and prosperity thereby providing an enabling and friendly environment for business and investment to succeed. The Obong of Calabar is the epitome of this feat,” he stated.
Apparently addressing the Obong and his Etubom Traditional Council directly, Mr Wu Fuqiang said “The growth of Skyrun in your land is a testimony of your people’s friendly culture. We will continue to identify with your Palace and the people to understand your culture with the view to promoting and preserving your cultural heritage.”
According to him, the Ada Idagha ke Efik Eburutu traditional title given him “will further deepen and strengthen the cultural tie between the people of Nigeria and China, and enhance cultural diplomacy between the two countries.”
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, (FUNAAB), Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, said the Obong of Calabar has, through his leadership prowess, guided the University to a great height.
The Obong of Calabar is the Chancellor of the Ogun State-based institution.
Speaking during a visit to the Obong last week, accompanied by FUNAAB Vice Chancellor, Pro Olusola Kehinde and other principal officers of the institution, Oba Olabumi noted: “The guidance which you have been providing, and continue to provide, has been evidenced in the bar of excellence being raised at the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta.”
The revered traditional leader also linked the Obong of Calabar to divinity, saying as representative of divinity, the Obong’s midas touch has caused Times Higher Education to rank FUNAAB “the Best University of Agriculture in Africa, the 7th Best University of Agriculture on the entire globe, and the 10th Best University in Nigeria.”
He implored the Obong of Calabar to “continue to hold our hands in guidance, and lead us with your experience in navigating our path to global relevance.”
The Igbos residing in Cross River also had kind words for the Obong of Calabar too.
In an interaction, Chief Livinus Chukwuemeka, the Managing Director, Livinco Electronic, described the Obong of Calabar as everybody’s friend.
“Obong of Calabar is the friend and father to everybody, both indigenes and non-indigenes. We the Igbos are always available during Utomo Obong to also pay homage and to demonstrate the fact that we love him,” he stated.
For Hon. Chief Chukwueme, Managing Director, Peterson Electronics, Calabar, Igbos would always celebrate “the man who God has elevated.”
He submitted that the “Obong of Calabar is a man who never discriminate, a man who sees God as the only way to do anything in life,” adding, “I will always celebrate this man who God has favoured. The Igbos identify with him because of his innate leadership qualities. May God give him long life on the throne.”
Others who also poured encomium on the celebrated First-Class Traditional Ruler included Hon Bassey Akiba, member representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani in the House of Representatives, Chief Ayi Effiong, CUDA Boss, Hon Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to Governor Otu, Evangelist Michael Asuquo, MD/CEO of Faithplant Global Services, Barr Ekpenyong Akiba, Special Adviser on General Services, and a host of others.
