Usen Efik @10: A Journey of Culture, Unity, and Resilience

 

ABUJA — A foremost cultural initiative dedicated to the promotion of Efik heritage, Usen Efik, is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary on November 28, 2026, marking a decade of cultural preservation, community building, and social impact.

Founded in 2016, Usen Efik began as a modest gathering of Efik sons and daughters in Abuja. What started as a small social event has since evolved into a prominent cultural platform, bringing together members of the Efik community to celebrate their identity, traditions, and shared values.

According to the Convener, Mr. John Offiong, the idea was conceived in December 2015 when he chose to remain in Abuja for the holidays and hosted a small Christmas get-together with a few friends, particularly those of Efik extraction. Inspired by the strong sense of unity and cultural connection at the gathering, he envisioned a more structured celebration that would showcase Efik culture away from home.

“That moment marked the beginning of something special,” Offiong noted in a commemorative message. “From one step to another, from one celebration to the next, the movement grew into what we now know as Usen Efik — now the largest gathering of Efik people outside the ancient city of Calabar.”

Following consultations with key stakeholders and cultural enthusiasts, the initiative took shape with the formation of a planning committee and the adoption of “Usen Efik” as its official name. The group also established a tradition of hosting its annual celebration on the last Saturday of November, creating a consistent platform for cultural expression ahead of the festive season.

Over the years, Usen Efik has introduced several engaging activities to enrich its annual events, including themed cultural nights such as Barbecue Night and Calabar Night. These have become major highlights, strengthening communal bonds while promoting Efik cuisine, music, and traditional practices—especially among younger generations and those in the diaspora.

Beyond cultural celebration, the initiative has expanded into social development. In 2024, Usen Efik launched an educational support scheme aimed at empowering underprivileged students from Efik-speaking communities. Under this programme, eight students from the five local government areas were awarded scholarships covering their education from secondary school through university.

Organisers have affirmed that the scholarship initiative will continue annually, with new beneficiaries selected each year as part of a broader commitment to improving access to education and fostering long-term community development.

As part of activities marking its 10th anniversary, the group has expressed deep appreciation to its patrons, partners, entertainers, and vendors who have contributed to its growth over the years. Special recognition was also extended to supporters and stakeholders whose contributions have sustained the initiative.

The organisers also acknowledged the support of the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, for his role in promoting cultural heritage and supporting the initiative in recent years.

“With gratitude, we celebrate not just the years, but the people who made this journey possible,” the organisers stated. “Together, we have built something meaningful—and the journey continues.”

The 10th anniversary celebration is expected to attract Efik sons and daughters from across Nigeria and the diaspora, further reinforcing Usen Efik’s role as a unifying platform for cultural preservation and community engagement.

Come, let us celebrate the festival of colours!@ 10

“If Dem Pikin No Lead, No Gree Do Dirty Work” – Message to C’River Youths

 

Youth leaders for Cross River State don send strong message give young people, warn dem make dem no allow politicians use dem cause wahala for community, especially as political activities dey gather momentum.

Di message come during one statewide youth engagement tour wey reach Yakurr Local Government Area, where di Youth Chairman talk say di life of any young person pass any politician ambition.

According to am, youths must wise up and stop to dey accept small money to cause violence, fight or scatter communities.

“Anytime dem bring offer give you make you go do dirty work, collect am first. Then ask dem make their pikin lead di matter. Give dem 48 hours. If you no see their sons or daughters come out, no gree do di work,” he talk.

He come add say politicians dey always hide their own children while dem dey push other people pikin go face danger.

“How come na only during election dem dey remember una? But when e reach time for enjoyment and power, na their children go dey front,” he ask.

Di Chairman stress say no political disagreement worth human life, say youths must reject violence and choose peace.

As part of di visit, di team also meet with di traditional ruler of Yakurr, wey advise youths make dem stop fighting and respect authority.

Di monarch warn say palace no be place for quarrel or violence, but a place for blessing and direction.

“If you dey fight, you no go achieve anything. Peace na di key to success,” di monarch talk.

Di youth tour, wey don pass through over 10 local government areas, get di theme **“Future First: Building Tomorrow Today.”**

Organizers say di aim na to promote unity, accountability and responsible leadership among young people, while also gathering feedback on government projects across di state.

Di tour go continue to other parts of Cross River before di grand finale for Calabar.

We No Go Die for Anybody Ambition – Youth Leaders Send Strong Warning

 

April 20, 2026

OBUDU – Youth leaders for Cross River State don send strong warning to politicians and supporters say make dem no use young people cause violence as 2027 elections dey come, dem say no political ambition worth any human life.

Di message come during one stakeholders engagement wey di National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State chapter as dem visit Obudu as part of dia statewide tour to promote peace, unity and responsible participation for politics.

State Chairman of NYCN, Emmanuel Olayi, wey talk during di visit to traditional rulers, say youths must shine dia eyes and refuse to be used as tools for violence by politicians. According to am, even though every young person get right to support any candidate wey e like, e must be done within di law and without violence.

“No young person suppose kill another young person because of another person ambition,” Olayi tok. “Wetin we owe any leader na our support, no be our life. We must protect ourselves, our communities and our future.”

Di youth leaders also remind say young people make up di highest population for di state, so dia role to ensure peaceful elections very important. Dem warn say di way election violence dey happen, especially wey involve youths, dey threaten peace and development for communities.

As part of dia “Future First” campaign, di council dey waka round different local governments to engage youth leaders, institutions and community stakeholders, to spread message of unity and non-violence. Di programme also dey create chance for youths to talk about challenges wey dey affect dia communities so dem fit reach government ears.

For im own talk, di Paramount Ruler of Obudu, HRH Chief Felix Abanbeshie Okudare, praise di youth leaders for dia effort and advise dem to do more grassroots sensitization. E talk say town hall meetings and direct engagement go help pass di message better.

Di monarch also warn youths make dem no allow politicians use dem anyhow, but instead focus on education, skill acquisition and lawful involvement for governance.

NYCN still talk say dem go dey monitor projects wey government and individuals dey do for communities and report back to authorities, so that di needs of grassroots people go dey properly represented.

Di youth leaders come use di opportunity call on politicians to play by di rules and avoid anything wey fit cause violence, insisting say di future of Cross River State depend on how well dem protect and empower young people.

Di engagement na part of wider effort by NYCN to build united, responsible and development-driven youth base across di state as political activites dey gather momentum.

"We Sabi Pipo Wey Dey Do Wahala” – NYCN Promise To Keep Peace Ahead 2027 Election

HY Comr. Emmanuel Olayi
Youth Chaimo for C'River State

13, April 2026 | awa Reports

The Chairman of Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, don talk say youth leaders for the state don ready well well to make sure say peace continue and no violence go spoil road as 2027 general elections dey come near.

Olayi talk this one during meeting wey dem youth leaders get with Governor Bassey Edet Otu, where e emphasize say young people go continue to support anything wey go bring peace, unity and development for the state.

“For us as youths, so far we never get case where young people dey cause wahala for state,” Olayi talk. “But for those wey wan do anyhow, we sabi dem, and we don already gather dem talk to.”

E explain say NYCN dey carry matter go grassroots to make sure say young people no allow anybody use dem cause violence or disturb peace as political season dey approach.

“We dey enter serious period for the life of this country and our state,” e talk. “Our job as youth leaders na to make sure say peace continue and make sure say nobody use young people scatter things.”

Olayi still reassure say youths for Cross River dey support the present administration.

“All the youths wey una dey see here and across the state, na 100 percent loyalty to the government we get now,” e talk. “We go go back to our different communities continue to mobilize people for peace and development.”

E still praise Governor Otu for di empowerment programs wey him government don dey carry give youths, including ICT training and other support wey don help many young people stand better chance.

Wen him dey respond, Governor Bassey Edet Otu thank the youth leaders for their maturity and commitment to peace.

“Una don show say una get capacity within small time, and I dey proud of una,” di Governor talk. “Na good thing say young leaders dey rise like this for our state.”

E encourage dem make dem continue to promote unity and make sure say politics no divide people, promise say him administration go continue to support youth development and empowerment

How father and Son Raped a 14 year girl in Calabar

A 14 year old girl, Emediong Silas Okon has been allegedly raped multiple times by one Mr Sampson Ene Etim of 60 Afokang street Calabar.

According to account of a neighbour whom Emediong confided in, Mr Sampson Ene 56 started having canal knowledge of his maiden when she reported to him that Etebong his 20 year son raped her. 

Sampson instead of disciplining his son or taking the natter up invited her to his room for verification and in the process also raped her . he asked her to undress so he could check if she's been raped by his son and while she layed on the bed sprayed legs for him to check he rather penetrated her.

And that became the beginning of a new nightmare for Emediong 

Our reporter investigating the story confirmed that the case has been reported to a community based Organisation in Calabar South, Neighborhood Care Centre who have incidented the matter at the Mbukpa police station 

As at paras time we are yet to get more information if the case has been charged to court

Etta Celebrates C’River First Lady, Applauds Impact on Women, Vulnerable Groups

 Our Reporter | April 10, 2026

CALABAR – The Cross River State Planning Commission (SPC) has commended the Wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for her exemplary leadership and impactful contributions to social development in the state.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Bong Duke, gave the commendation in a birthday felicitation message to the First Lady, describing her as a beacon of hope whose dedication to service continues to inspire Cross Riverians across all walks of life.

According to him, the First Lady’s unwavering commitment to empowerment, humanitarian support, and community development has significantly improved the lives of women, children, and vulnerable groups in the state. He noted that her initiatives reflect a clear vision for inclusive growth and social transformation.

“Your Excellency’s leadership stands as a testament to the positive impact of compassion combined with purposeful action. Through your programmes, countless lives have been touched and given renewed hope,” Duke stated.

The SPC Chairman further emphasized that Bishop Otu’s approach to leadership continues to set a standard for service, inspiring both public officials and citizens to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.

He prayed for God’s continued guidance, good health, and strength for the First Lady as she sustains her noble mission of uplifting lives and promoting societal wellbeing.

“You Have Made Yourself a Role Model to Young People in Cross River” — Ijom Hails First Lady

 

Our Reporter| April 10,2026

CALABAR – Barrister Odum‑Ijom Ukam, Commissioner for Youth Development, Cross River State, has felicitated Her Excellency, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, on the occasion of her birthday, describing her as a role model for young people across the state.

In his heartfelt message, Ijom praised the First Lady’s unwavering commitment to empowering women, children, and vulnerable communities, highlighting the transformative impact of her empowerment initiatives. He noted that her life of service and compassion continues to inspire youths and leaders alike, setting a standard for dedication and selfless service.

“You have made yourself a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for young people in Cross River State. Your passion for uplifting the vulnerable and promoting development is exemplary,” Ijom said in the message.

The Commissioner’s felicitation underscores the wide-reaching respect and admiration Bishop Otu commands across political, social, and youth circles, celebrating her legacy of service, empowerment, and community development.

As Cross Riverians join in celebrating her birthday, Ijom prayed for continued good health, divine wisdom, and strength for the First Lady to sustain her impactful mission of service.

Olumba Olumba Obu Don Warn Wayo Politicians to Comot Bodi 2027 Election

 

Amah Williams and odas as dem dey tok to Tori people 

CALABAR — Spiritual leader of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS), Olumba Olumba Obu, don warn corrupt politicians make dem repent or comot body for 2027 general elections, say time don reach wey Nigerians no go gree for bad leadership again.

Na im spokesperson, Amah Williams, carry the message come out on Wednesday for Calabar during one press briefing as dem dey prepare for 25 years anniversary of im coronation.

According to am, leaders wey dey power suppose serve people with justice, responsibility and compassion, add say leadership no suppose dey without conscience.

“Those wey dey rule with wayo and dey oppress poor people make dem know say their time don reach finish,” he tok. “Na time to bring servant leadership, selflessness and compassion come governance.”

E still warn politicians make dem no use public office take intimidate people, chop money or serve only their selfish interest.

As e talk about situation for Nigeria, Williams say economic wahala, insecurity and other global problems show say na time for people to turn back to God and embrace better values.

E also advise Nigerians make dem avoid hate, division and religious violence, but instead make dem promote unity and peaceful coexistence.

“As 2027 election dey come, no need to fight, kill or injure anybody,” he talk. “No matter wetin person do, na only God will go finally happen for Nigeria.”

Williams come still talk say Brotherhood go celebrate 25 years of Olumba Olumba Obu coronation on April 14, 2026, with different activities like medical outreach, humanitarian work and consecration of bishops and archbishops.

Dem expect say traditional rulers, religious leaders and members from different parts of the world go attend the event.

Brotherhood come use the opportunity call on leaders for all levels make dem put people welfare first, do the right thing and promote peace as Nigeria dey prepare for another election season.

Fed. High Court Don Tok Sey Prince Paul and Him Task Force Dey Do Illegal Work for C’River

Reported by Odu T. Bisong  | 4th April 2026

Federal High Court wey dey sit for Calabar don talk say the work wey Prince Paul Effiong and the task force wey Cross River State Government set up for mining sector no follow law.

The court give this judgment for one case between Olayi Mines & Energy Ltd and others against Cross River State Government and some other defendants. According to the court, na only Federal Government get power to control and regulate mining activities for Nija.

Court come find say the task force wey state government set up go do work pass their boundary as dem enter inside mining operations, even seize equipment wey belong to the people wey carry the matter go court.

Justice Ijeoma L. Ojukwu talk say Prince Paul Effiong, wey be the 4th defendant for the case, carry himself like enforcement agent even though law no give am that kind authority.

The judge clear say power to control, manage and regulate mining business no dey for state government hands or their task force, but na Federal authorities like Mining Cadastre Office and other agencies wey dey under Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 get that responsibility.

The court still talk say wetin the task force do na illegal interference for work wey belong to Federal Government, and say if any problem dey for mining operations, dem suppose report am give the correct Federal bodies.

For the judgment, the court talk say Prince Paul no get right to take over powers wey belong to Federal agencies under the excuse of Executive Order No.1, and say the way e act no follow the work wey dem assign give am.

The court still reject the objection wey Prince Paul Effiong file, say e no get merit.

Also, the court talk say Nigerian Army and Attorney General of the Federation no be necessary parties for the case, as no clear complaint dey against them.

This judgment don still confirm say mining matter na Federal Government work, as e dey under Exclusive Legislative List, and this one limit wetin state government fit do for that sector.