Few days to the popular cultural display ‘Nyoro Ekpe,’ scheduled for December 30, 2024, at the Botanical Garden along the Mary Slessor Avenue, one of the organizers of the event, Etubom (Arch) Bassey Eyo Ndem, has explained reasons for the cultural event.
In a chat with our reporter in Calabar, Etubom Ndem, who is also a prominent voice in the Palace of the Obong of Calabar, said the event seeks to reinvigorate Ekpe culture as cultural heritage of the people.
“The Nyoro Ekpe attempts to maintain the heritage and the culture of our people. Celebrating it is to bring it to the world notice as something that is indigenous. it satisfies the curiosity of those who want to know more about what Ekpe is.
“The fact is that it is the way of life and the principles, ethics and morals of Ekpe. During the Nyoro Ekpe, its means of communication which is called ‘Nsibidi’ is brought to the public, thereby creating also an opportunity for people to see and experience that famous ‘Nsibidi,’ what ‘Nsibidi’ is, and which Ekpe is the custodian of it.
“During Nyoro, you will see people from all works of life, and from all religion, thereby dispelling the idea that Ekpe is anti-Christian or anti-religion because we all know that it was Ekpe that the Kings of old used to drive people into Christianity.”
Shedding more light, Etubom Ndem explained that “Nyoro Ekpe is the gathering of Ekpe practitioners, initiates and lords, and it’s a public gathering where they sit and watch a competition among Ekpe Masquerades.
“At the end of the day, the Masquerades win prices for themselves, and for the Efes where they came from and where they have been training. It serves many purposes.
“It is an exoteric display of Ekpe which is loved by women, children, and men, and gives women and children an opportunity to see and participate in an Ekpe ceremony since they may not be allowed to participate in certain ceremonies. But this is their heritage they are part of it.”
On the prizes for winners of the ‘Nyoro’ competition, Etubom Ndem said “The prizes range from different categories because they change every year depending on what is available, and the prizes are not only material things. We had given out cars in one occasion, and we have given out fridges, and freezers depending on what is available. Sometimes we give out cash. Sometimes in millions of Naira, sometimes Five Hundred Thousand.
“Prior to the event, we will hold a seminar on the 27th, and we will have international speakers who are academicians and Ekpe practitioners talking, so everyone is welcomed. It will be held in Axari Hotel, at the Conference Hall, by 12. Noon,” he stated.
