As part of activities for the Nigeria Homecoming Convention, members of the Global United Christian Congress of Africa and the Diaspora (GUCCAD), comprising diasporans from eighteen countries, were formally inducted into the Efik Eburutu Kingdom. The ceremony, held at the Obong of Calabar’s Palace, stood out as one of the major highlights of the week-long convention.
The event was presided over by His Eminence, Edidem Abasi Ekpo Okon Otu V, the Treaty King and Natural Ruler of the Efik Kingdom, alongside members of his traditional cabinet. The Induction and Reception into Culture and Heritage segment was coordinated by Etubom Eyo Ndem, who led participants through traditional rites at the palace entrance, symbolising their assimilation into the Obong’s court and formal welcome into the Efik heritage.
Representatives from Kenya, Ghana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States, Canada, Uganda, South Africa, France, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, the Commonwealth of Dominica, among others, took part in the cultural induction, which symbolised unity and homecoming after centuries of separation.
Following the entrance rites, participants proceeded into the palace courtyard for the next stage of the ceremony, the traditional Shower of Blessing, performed by Etubom Effiom Eyo Bassey Ekpo. Under a traditional raffia-woven canopy, water was gently poured over the top, allowing light droplets to fall upon the inductees as they passed beneath, a symbolic act of cleansing, renewal, and reconnection with ancestral heritage. The moment was deeply spiritual, marking a powerful reaffirmation of belonging.
Among the memorable moments of the ceremony was the participation of an 86 year old diasporan, whose graceful involvement in the rites drew admiration from the audience. Her presence, alongside younger generations, reflected the deep yearning among Africans in the diaspora to reconnect with their ancestral roots.
In his address, Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM), Prince Otu Okor, commended the ceremony as a beautiful expression of unity and cultural revival. He described it as “a bridge between heritage and modern identity,” urging the inductees to sustain their connection to their homeland and contribute to its development.
Prince Okor reaffirmed CRIDCOM’s commitment to strengthening ties between Cross River State and its global diaspora, while paying homage to His Eminence, for his leadership and dedication to preserving Efik heritage. “Today’s ceremony reminds us that no matter how far we travel, our roots will always lead us home,” he said.
During the ceremony, the diasporans also received Certificates of Origin and were conferred with Efik names, signifying their formal acceptance and assimilation into the Efik Eburutu Kingdom. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as many participants expressed joy and pride in rediscovering their identity.
The event also featured traditional music, dances, and royal blessings from the Obong’s Palace, further immersing guests in the rich customs of the Efik people and celebrating the enduring bond between Africa and its diaspora.
CRIDCOM MEDIA 2025
