The traditional metropolis of Calabar was agog with color, rhythm, and royalty on Thursday as His Royal Majesty, Ndidem Dr. Eta Bassey Eteta, Paramount Ruler of Calabar Municipality and the Ndidem of Qua Nation and President of the Conventional Rulers’ Council, Calabar Municipality, celebrated his fifth Coronation and Set up Anniversary with a grand homecoming reception for the African diaspora.
The frilly occasion, held on the Ndidem’s Palace in Calabar, additionally featured the International United Christian Congress of Africa and the Diaspora Homecoming Reception. This gathering underscored the monarch’s name for unity between Africans on the continent and their kin scattered internationally.
In a deeply emotional tackle, Ndidem Eta Bassey described the celebration as “a bridge between the previous and the current, between the continent and her scattered kids, between reminiscence and renewal.”
He recalled the centuries-long historical past of the transatlantic slave commerce, paying tribute to the resilience of Africans who had been taken away from their homeland and but thrived throughout the globe.
“Centuries in the past, our folks had been forcefully taken away and scattered throughout continents. But, by resilience, creativity and unbreakable spirit, they survived and now return house — not because the displaced, however as heirs reclaiming their rightful place,” the monarch declared.
He stated the anniversary was not solely a time for celebration but additionally “a name to therapeutic, unity and the constructing of the longer term,” stressing that the continued renaissance of African id should result in a revival of studying, tradition, and self-determination.
Ndidem Eta Bassey Eteta recommended Africans within the diaspora who’ve excelled in numerous disciplines — academia, know-how, tourism, the humanities, and enterprise — noting that their achievements have introduced delight to the continent and uplifted the spirits of these at house.
He pledged to strengthen collaboration between the Qua Nation and the diaspora group, including that the palace will proceed to function a hub for cultural trade and mutual growth.
The monarch additionally prolonged invites to little children of the Qua Ejagham Nation throughout the globe to take part within the kingdom’s annual cultural festivals, together with Qua for Christ, Qua Ejagham Pageant, Ofu Oban and Auschak Pageant, and the New Yam Pageant, which is held each December.
“Our festivals are usually not mere celebrations; they’re expressions of id, continuity and shared imaginative and prescient,” he stated.
Highlighting the importance of conventional establishments, Ndidem Eta Bassey defined that the Ekpe Fraternity stays a significant pillar of the Qua Ejagham folks’s heritage. He introduced plans to combine returning diaspora members by initiation ceremonies as a symbolic gesture of belonging and citizenship.
“If we’ve conferred chieftaincy titles on white students corresponding to Prof. Miller and Dr. Jende, why not on our personal folks? We are going to honour our brothers and sisters from the diaspora with the titles Neufam and Ntunkae — the best honorary chieftaincy titles within the Qua Ejagham Nation — as a mark of sincerely welcoming them house,” the monarch acknowledged.
The ceremony additionally featured an indication of conventional marriage rites, cultural dances, and inventive performances celebrating the enduring values of unity, energy, and communal residing.
In his welcome tackle, Ntufam (Hon.) Hayford Edet, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, described the gathering as each historic and non secular — “a fulfilment of prophecy” and “a second of reconnection between Africa and her little children overseas.”
“This homecoming symbolises the therapeutic of wounds of separation and the rebuilding of bridges of affection and solidarity,” Chartman stated.
He lauded the monarch for his visionary management, describing his five-year reign as one in every of peace, prosperity, and cultural revival.
“Your Majesty’s steadfast dedication to the well-being of your folks continues to encourage us all. We honour your reign, which has deepened unity and consciousness of our cultural id,” he added.
The occasion drew royal fathers, authorities officers, group leaders, and international dignitaries. Visitors had been handled to a show of conventional music, delicacies, and the famed hospitality of the Qua folks.
As drums echoed throughout the palace courtyard, the celebration transcended festivity; it turned an emblem of renewal and reconnection, affirming that Africa and her diaspora stay one folks, sure by heritage, hope, and a shared future.
