Calabar community identifies peace, unity as driver of development
The Ikot Ansa community in Calabar municipal council area in Cross River State has resolved to peacefully co-exist with other groups of people to enhance development of the community.
The community at the annual cultural symposium themed, “sustainable development and traditional institutions in the 21st century: the nexus”, engaged with stakeholders to chart a way forward for the people to benefit from modernity.
Speaking at the two-day symposium which highlighted the rich traditional motifs of the people, the Chief Host, Hon. Justice Emilia Ibok (rtd), stressed the need for synergy in the community saying “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 potentials.”
Head of Nkonib (Ikot Ansa) Clan, 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 the emerging opportunities in tech, trade, and other strides to enhance growth.
The Executive Secretary, 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 in the hands of 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.”
Professor Enang Ebingha, from the University of Calabar, in his contribution, opined that communities cannot develop and operate in isolation in a globalized world that is constantly changing. Traditional institutions he averred can not close themselves against the wind of change.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)
