16th December, 2023 would remain a memorable day for citizens of Ini local government area of Akwa ibom state, as they celebrate their rich cultural heritage and showcasing their unique delicacies as the food basket of the state here in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.. at Christmas village,Uyo
These group came with different cultural attires including what we traditionally call "EKPO MASQUERADE ".
Today's event revealed the rich cultural heritage of the Ini people as exhibited by their troupe who took turns to display around the arena.
Though scary and frightening, Ini people have some of the thrilling cultural displays you would love to watch.
This traditional display featured some mask wearing individuals in an attire particular to their tradition.
Cultural group
Their activities included dancing, stunting, and many other cultural displays.
Women displaying their traditional food
The African delicacies served were such that left the visitors asking for more. And more was given to them.
It was a great moment as the older women showcase the traditional food of Ini people and also educating the audience on how to cook these various food. So if one didn't have a taste of the meal, one could benefit from the knowledge shared.
As a way to prove unity among the Akwa Ibom people, the state governor of Akwa Ibom state His excellency pastor Umoh Enoh approved the featuring of Arewa people who are from the northen part of the country at the ongoing Chrismas Unplugged events held at the Christmas village Uyo.
Northeners also spiced up the event
Fellows from the northen part of the country who are visitors in Akwa Ibom state also joined the Ini people to celebrate their cultural day.
The arewa group showcased briefly their cultural heritage, singing and dancing to a traditional song. The whole audience were nodding in satisfaction.
The event was spiced up with two different cultures which turn out to be a great achievement to the entire people of Akwa Ibom state proving how peaceful and accomodating they are.
Among the attendees were the stake holders of Ini local government Constituency, the Chairman, traditional rulers and members of Ini local governement zone.
Various traditional play (drama) were featured to entertain the audience as well as educating them.
The elders of Ini local government area gave history of the people of Ini and also stating that they protect the boundary of the state from other states.
”We protect the boundary of Akwa Ibom state because we care about our land. I am so grateful to have witness today and celebrate with my people. I love this new style of celebrating. I think one of the aim of coming together like this is to prove that we are just one. Imagine how all the local government area meet here to espresseed themselves through culture…, this is remarkable and qould continue to make history. May we all remain in love and unity and may this occasion reminds us of unity and our culture which ofcourse is our identity”- Anthony Ayara( community elder)
The stake holders of Ini local government area added more beauty to the event by including more activities to engage their people for financial rewards most especially to the winners of some minor quiz.
As a way to encourage fitness, winners of the friendly wrestling contest went home with some good sum of money, while children below 14years of age from Ini zone who could provide answers to some home-based questions about Ini tradition and origin also went home with some good rewards.
This is to encourage the present generation not to forget their origin and values.
This was further to encourage parent to visit home from time to time with their children and teach them things about their origin.
Farmers of Ini local government area also showcase the rich farm produce from their soil.
They showcase farm produce like plantain, cocoa, coconut, cassava, yam, palm fruit, etc.
It was a day worth every single second and awaits another day.
Reporting Live and direct from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
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