Yuletide: Akpakip Oro traditional wrestlers entertain Calabar residence at Bayside
In the spirit of the Yuletide period in the area of Bayside, Calabar, the Cross River State capital thousands of people over the week troupe to the popular field, Anwa Nyoro to witness long forgotten Akpakip Oro Traditional Wrestling, ( Mbok) competition organized by the Oron people of Akwa Ibom state living in the area.
Speaking at the event, Chief Hon. Effiong Ekarika, APC Chieftain, and 2023 candidate for the Cross River State House of Assembly, Calabar South Constituency-1, who chairs the event noted that nothing unites the people more than sports.
In his words he said, “In subsequent (Mbok festival) different tenges of prizes will be introduced to and God willing when we come on board, we shall encourage the state government to co-host the (Mbok festival) into the State tourism Calendar””
On his part, the Vice Chairman of the Mbok event, who is the former Counsellor of ward-2 in Calabar south-1 Legislature, Hon. Michael Ani stated that the essence of the Mbok festival is to promote the tourism potential of the people.
“The essence of (the Mbok festival) is to promote the tourism potential of the people. I wish to use this ample opportunity to encourage different tribes residing in Cross River to always strive to uphold the culture as culture seeks to promote unity. We also wish to promise that we shall continue to support this gesture just as Irons strive to make it an annual event”
One of the coordinators of this year’s (Mbok) event Daniel Okon Effiong during an interview who spoke in Vernacular opined: “The main purpose of the event is to foster unity among the Akpakip Oro people living in Calabar. The event also seeks to unite us together as strangers. It helps us also to sustain our culture”
One of the Clergyman who attended the event, Pastor Emmah Emmah who also hails from Oron stated that,
“I identify fully with my people as they chose to celebrate their culture. You know Christianity doesn’t condemn our culture. Your culture is your identity. It is what you stand for. Christianity helps us to know ourselves better.
“Our God is the one who initiated various cultures. Our different cultures make the world a unique place to dwell in. Let me say this, Our God is interested in the cultural practices of His people, but that could translate into evil only if cultural practice goes contrary to what the Scripture teaches””
The Clergy said.
Highlights of the event were the presentation of prize money to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners as well as the presentation of a brand new Standing Fan to the community.
Mr UKpong Ekanem who took first went home with N30,000, Mr Nathan Harry, 2nd position was awarded N20,000 while 3rd place winner, Etim Okon Effiong collected, N10,000.
Two young women also contested and were declared no winners no losers with no prize.
