By Our Reporter
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V has urged the Federal Government to reconsider the reversal of the National Language Policy, which promoted the use of mother tongues as the medium of instruction in early education.
The monarch who stated this while briefing journalists in Calabar Tuesday on the programme of activities for the forthcoming 14th edition of Utomo Obong, the annual Yuletide Homage to the Obong of Calabar by the 12 royal houses of the Efik Kingdom, noted that in the long run, it would create a cultural and identity crisis, affect cognitive development, lead to a disadvantage for non-English speaking pupils from rural areas, nullify “indigenising development”, among others.
The Obong who was represented by the chairman of the Obong of Calabar Executive Forum (OCEF), High Chief Gershom Henshaw, further noted that by removing the use of indigenous languages from the classroom, children may lose a deep connection with their cultural roots, which could lead to a weakening of cultural pride among future generations.
The Obong commended President Bola Tinubu for his development strides in the country and Cross River State in particular and called for more support to enable him to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration. He also commended the Cross River State Government for including Utomo Obong in the state tourism calendar and support for the annual event, which he noted has, over the years, gained international recognition.
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He said this year’s edition of the annual yuletide homage which promises to be one of the biggest and best is scheduled to begin on Monday, December 15 with a proclamation of commencement of Utomo Obong activities by the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V at his palace by 10am followed by Usen Usem Efik (Efik Language Day) on Tuesday, December 16 at The African Club, Calabar 10am.
According to him, the week long celebration will feature the award of the highest an revered Efik chieftain y title of Ada Idagha ke Efik Eburutu on some deserving Nigerians including sons and daughters of the Efik Kingdom who have distinguished themselves in the service of nation and contributed to the development of Efik kingdom on Wednesday, December 17 at the palace of the Obong of Calabar by 10am followed by Mbuba Ubom (Boat Regatta on Thursday, December 18 at the Marina Resort Water Front and the Obong of Calabar Annual Gulf Tournament on Friday, December 19, at the Calabar Golf Course, Calabar by 8am.
The celebration will be rounded off with the main event, the Utomo Obong on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Obong of Calabar Country home, Adiabo, Ikot Mbo Otu, off Tinapa, Calabar by 10am and the Efik Royal Concert by 7pm
Among those to be honoured include two distinguished daughters of the Efik Kingdom, Nella Andem Rabana SAN, the first Nigerian female lawyer to sit at the International Court of Justice at The Hague and Prof. Barbara Etim James among others.
