Christmas unplugged: Ikot Ekpeme local government (1951), storms Christmas village today

By Solomon Essiet

Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, the first experimental Local Government (County), in British West Africa, otherwise known as the “Raffia City”, shall be hosted today at the ongoing Christmas Unplugged 2.0. at the Christmas Village Park, led by our amiable Local Government Chairman Hon. Aniefiok Nkom.

In Ikot Ekpene, we say “Atimme Ikot Ekpene, atimme Usoro”, meaning if you stay away from Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, you have stayed away from the party. As the beautiful sons and daughters of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area step into the Arena today to display her rich cultural heritage, you are all invited to join us and make our day a special one.

Last year, during Ikot Ekpene day at the Christmas Village, Ikot Ekpene, the political and cultural capital of the Annang ethnic group in Nigeria, was the centre of attraction. I can recall with nostalgia how some white men trooped into our makeshift hub, to patronize different artifacts/Raffia products on display. We practically stole the show to the consternation of the public that gathered at the Christmas Village Park.

How time flies, while Sir, John Cleton Etim, the immediate past young and vibrant Transition Committee Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area led us to the Christmas Village Park for the show, this year, we shall be ushered in by the energetic Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area and a former Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State Executive Council, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, who has vowed severally to “Restore the glory of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, by making the first the best”. Though he has started very well, the end justifies the means. We pray for him to succeed in his quest to transform the Local Government Area.

It is public knowledge that Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area is a regional center for commerce, with notable exports of palm produce, especially palm oil, palm kernel, and Raffia products, and home for crops such as yam and cassava. All these products shall be displayed today at the Christmas Village Park for all to see. Above all, our very rich cultural heritage shall be deployed in full squad and come out en masse to showcase the stuff that we are made of.

The Christmas Unplugged 2.0 is a directive by His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Therefore, simply, the King has sent for us. As a proud Son and Daughter of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, wherever you are around Akwa Ibom State, negotiate and galvanize your way towards the Christmas Village Park for the show anytime from noon. In Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, “We no dey carry last.” Watch out for the show!

Join me, a proud Son of Ikot Ekpene, and others as we celebrate today.

Pst. Essiet (ACIA), Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.