By Odey Ojeka

UGEP (CONVERSEER) – Ukwa war dance celebration, also known as Ijiman National Convention, is peculiar to the Ijiman people of Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. The people of Ijiman are popularly called ‘Okurubong’.

The people of Ijiman celebrate the Ukwa festival every year to honour a deceased chief. Ukwa war dance is one of the highest honours a man can get, even in death – it’s the last respect given to a deceased chief.

Ukwa is a period when our great ancestors are awake, to be by the side of the great Okurubong people of Ijiman council ward in Ugep of Yakurr local government area of Cross River State.

The Ijiman Ukwa of January 5, 2026, is in honour of His Highness Obol John Etim Obu (Late), powered by the Great Utom paternal family of Ijiman. Over 10,000 people participated in this year’s Ukwa celebration.

The pot on the carrier’s head is called Ukwa Sowo. This small pot contains more than four gallons of palm wine.

The carrier of the pot will walk and dance around the town of Ugep and won’t touch the pot.

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Traditionally, if the pot falls down, there will be calamity. This is why they don’t allow women to go close to the carrier of the pot.

See photos below…