Ibibio Nation – History and Culture Due For Lunch March 25, 2022
By Mercy Obot
A book entitled, “Ibibio Nation – History and Culture” authored by Mr. Otobong Aniefiok Uwah is to be formally presented to the public and launched on Friday, March 25, 2022 at Ibom Icon and Golf Resorts, Uyo.
The planned launching of the historical book was made known on Thursday, February 24, 2022 during a Press Conference at e- Library, IBB Avenue, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.
In his Speech, the author, Mr Oto-Obong Uwah, who was represented by a facilitator, Mr Asteroid Bassey of Ibom Heritage, said the aim of publishing the book is to enrich the knowledge of indigenes from ibibio extraction through enlightening them of their identity and history.
“Today marks the beginning of a journey back in time as we hope to use the book, “Ibibio Nation: History and Culture” to deeply enshrine a sense of identity and nationhood in the minds of every Ibibio son and daughter and to enlighten Nigerians that propagating a prosperous future is rooted in the culture of self-knowledge and preservation. ”
According to him, the book which is believed to be a worthy addition to Ibibio historiography and culture studies, had the Foreword written by emeritus Professor of Cultural Anthropology and Culture, Ekong Edem Ekong (OFR).
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Highlighting the synopsis of Ibibio Nation, Bassey hinted that “the book is made up of two sections with ten chapters and it is written in a language that attempts to satisfy the yearnings of many proper Ibibio men and women and every Ibom son and daughter to have the diacritics of proper Ibibio words to aid the correct reading and understanding of the language.
“The first chapter of the book has made every attempt to expand the relationship of the Ibibio with her neighbours, the Aro and also the historical connection between the Ibibio and the Efik.
“Also contained in the book is the important subject of Afaha, the warring group that conquered the aborigines they met on the way and created most of Ibibio mainland by conquest. A chapter on this subject matter has expanded the knowledge base on this topic of interest.
“Finally, contemporary topics of the last one hundred years of Ibibio history that are relevant to our today such as COR State Movement, Resource Control, Women’s War of 1929, Civil War, etc. are dealt with in details as it relates to the involvement of key Ibibio men and women.”
Speaking further , the spokeman noted that the piece of art has addressed the identity of the Ibibio man and woman in forms of name identity, ancestral worship, invasion of Christianity, taboos and totems, kingship and requirements for the traditional institution, marriage and inheritance within the Ibibio cultural context, killing of twins, importance of masquerades as social crusaders and the police of old.
During the planned book presentation, features such as Meet and Greet, Keynote presentation and panel discussion will be included in the programme.
He also announced that Distinguished personalities from Ibibio extraction are expected to attend the event in their great numbers.
