By Godwin Otang
The Ikot Ansa Community in Calabar Municipal Local Government Area of Cross River State has resolved to peaceful co-existence and unity among others for the development of the community in line with modern-day trends.
The community at the annual cultural symposium with the theme: “sustainable development and traditional institutions in the 21st century: the nexus”, gathered with stakeholders to chart a way forward.
Speaking at the two-day symposium, the Chief Host, Hon. Justice Emilia Ibok (rtd), emphasized the need for a corporation in the community as “where there is a corporation, there is always progress. We are very mindful of the progress of our young ones, so we got experts to come and mentor our youths and the older people too. We hope to identify and develop our potential.”
Clan Head of Nkonib (Ikot Ansa) Clan, Calabar, HRH Ntoe Paul Bassey Assim Ita, said he had pledged to unite his people and make the welfare of his people a priority.
“When I was coronated, I promised to gather everybody together to unite as one to move the community forward together. That’s why I brought in experts to give us information concerning the growth, and prosperity of our people.”
The guest speakers challenged the youth, community, and their leaders to take advantage of emerging opportunities in technologies, trade, and more to enhance growth.
The Executive Secretary of the Calabar Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Kenneth Asim-Ita, averred that youths are the future and posited that if government at all levels are not willing to sue for unity, and peace as well as harness youths’ potential, then communities should take the bull by the horn and do so rather than “allow them to become tools to unscrupulous politicians. We should begin to intentionally engage them. If we do not deliberately teach our youths our norms and values then, maybe in the future we may be losing those values and cultural norms.”
On his part, Professor Enang Ebingha, from the University of Calabar, opined that communities cannot develop and operate in isolation in a world that is constantly changing. Hence, traditional institutions can’t close themselves against the wind of change.
The event witnessed traditional displays among others.
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