The premiere of what could possibly morph into an annual lecture in memory of the late Prof Ekpo Eyo, the first Nigerian-born head of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM); will take place at the Old Residency, Calabar on 30 June.
The late Prof Ekpo Eyo as he looked in the late 1960s.
The lecture, tagged First Prof Ekpo Eyo Memorial Lecture and billed to start at 10am, will be chaired by Prof (Mrs) Eka Braide, a former Vice Chancellor (VC), Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) and currently VC of Federal University, Lafia in Nasarawa State; while Prof Olu Lawal, University of Calabar is slated as lecturer, according to Mr. Sunny Adaka, Curator of National Museum, Calabar.
Prof Ekpo Eyo, who passed on at his Maryland, USA home on 29 May, 2011;was inducted a Fellow of the Smithsonian Institution in 1984 and would be remembered for his competent leadership of the NCMM as well as his numerous illuminating papers and books, including the unique volume on antiquities; From Shrines to Showcases: Masterpieces of Nigerian Art as well as The Terra cottas of Calabar;the latter,co-authored with Dr. Christopher Slogar.
The root of today’s NCMM lies in the Nigeria Antiquties Service (NAS), which was established in 1943 with Mr. Kenneth C. Murray, an art instructor and Superintendent of Education in the colonial service, as its founding father.
Mr. Bernard Fagg later succeeded Murray for a while, after which Murray was reappointed to that office. In his first term, Mr. Murray was Surveyor of Antiquities for 14 years (1943 to 1957). Mr. Bernard Fagg, who succeeded Murray, held office for six years until 1963, when the former art master was re-appointed helmsman.
In 1967, Prof Ekpo Eyo was appointed Director of the NCMM then called the Federal Department of Antiquities. Records show that the Ekpo Eyo-led Federal Department of Antiquities helped to foster a good image for Nigeria through exhibitions of indigenous antiquities/artefacts abroad.
For example, in 1980, Treasures of Ancient Nigeria: Legacy of 2000 Years was on view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA from 14 August to 26 October.
Two years later, in 1982, Treasures of Ancient Nigeria travelled to the British capital, where it was displayed at the Royal Academy in Piccadilly, London from 30 October, 1982 to 23 January, 1983. These exhibitions engendered tremendous respect for Nigeria across the world.
An outstanding archaeologist, anthropologist and museologist, Ekpo Eyo left a legacy of efficient management of Nigeria’s National Museums by the time of his retirement in 1986.
After his retirement from Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service in 1986, Ekpo Eyo worked as an anthropology lecturer at University of Maryland, US; where he was appointed a professor.
In their attempt to raise 300 million CFA (roughly N100 million) to build a Civic Centre in Cotonou, Benin Republic; Nigerians virtually set the venue of their fund-raising appeal on fire.
Pic 1. PHOTOS: MAURICE ARCHIBONG
Welcome to Palais des Congres, the Cotonou scene, where the premiere Abia Day in Benin Republic took place on March 31. It is doubtful that Cotonou’s assembly building ever saw as much fireworks as was witnessed, when Abians in Diaspora Organisation (ASIDO) threw up the debut Abia Day in the Beninese economic capital.
However, the fireworks were entirely cultural, featuring thrillings dances as well as singing by many of the clans that make up Abia State. From the pulsating percussions of Abiriba troupes, to the energy-sapping displays by Ohafia War Dance ensemble through the exciting performances of Odumodu, the solemn hymns of Oha Ngwa choristers and all the way to the scintilating wrigling of bodies by maidens of Nkporo; Abia Day 2012 celebrations would be remembered for some time to come.
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Alayi Men and Alayi Women troupes, Aba Enyimba Women, Egwu Abba Uzuakoli and Abam dancers were among other cultural performances that contributed to making Abia Day an event many will not forget in a hurry. But, if you thought their choreography and songs were all that those who did not attend missed, how about the sartorial disposition of Abians? The variety of their attire was a marvel in itself.
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Bordered by Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Imo, Rivers and Ebonyi States; you could see a coming together of various customs in the costumes of Abia people. Abia Day 2012 invoked thoughts of cultural diffusion as well as made every Nigeria proud. If so much came from Abia, which is just one of 36 states that, with the FCT, make up the Nigerian Federation; then, the combined wealth of our nation is best left to a conjecture.
Truly, the atmosphere was electrifying and the excitement really infectious. For example, Moslem and Northerner Alhaji A. A. Lawwal, Minister II; who represented the then Charge d’Affaires, Nigerian Embassy Cotonou, Mr. Ayo Roberts; at Abia Day 2012; was no less thrilled by the outstanding displays put up by Abia groups and the level of organisation of the event. In the end, Alhaji Lawwal donated 100,000CFA on behalf of the local Nigerian mission to the organisers.
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In his speech, Chairman of Omena-Abia Day Celebration, Hon. Martin Emenike Kalu, said, the observance; which was the first of its kind, is: “By the grace of God, a demonstration of oneness in the lives of Abians resident in Cotonou and beyond”.
Kalu, who went on to remind that; “Abia State is one of the five South Eastern States of Nigeria and is fondly and officially referred to as ‘God’s own State’”; added: “It (Abia) is the only State whose name is in the Bible”. To cross-check, Hon. Martin Kalu referred his audience to Luke 1:5 KJV.
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Speaking further, Kalu described Abians as “God-fearing, peace-loving and above all, very hard working”. He went on to declare, enthusiastically: “Due to our prowess in commerce that knows no bounds, we came to Cotonou. We saw and have conquered as our businesses in Cotonou have been flourishing”. As regards the main business of the day, this launcher went on to remind: “We are here also to raise fund, 300million francs CFA, to build an Abia in Diaspora Civic Centre in Cotonou”.
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In his address, Mr. Vincent Itah Okoh Kalu, Chairman of ASIDO (Abia State in Diaspora Organisation), who described the event as an “extraordinary epoch-making celebration”; reminded that: “Abia is an acronym from the initials of four groups of people, Aba, Bende, Isuikwuato and Afikpo”. This quartet, Kalu added, constituted the major groups, when Abia was carved out of the old Imo State on August 27, 1991; by the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida-led military regime.
According to Kalu, Abia; which has 17 Local Government Areas with capital at Umuahia; shares boundaries with Anambra, Cross River, Ebonyi, Imo and Rivers States. Going down memory lane, Kalu said the evolution of Abia in Diaspora, Cotonou featured many twists and turns. Hear him: “It started as Abia Solidarity Forum (ASF) in 2003”. But, in 2004 the body was renamed Abia State Community Union (ASCU) until 2011, when it metamorphosed into the present-day ASIDO.
Continuing, Kalu further recalled that: “Hon. Emmanuel Agu, who was the first Chairman of the Union, held office from August 25, 2003 until May 25, 2009; when an interim administration was installed”. The ASIDO chief revealed that the “interim government was marred by bickering, accusations and counter-accusations”.
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On a more cheery note, Kalu added; “But, thanks to God for the timely intervention of Chief Emmanuel Uko Elendu, who calmed the storm; through the introduction of a peaceful and acceptable election formula”. On June 12, 2009, Chief Elendu’s intervention culminated in the setting up of a 16-man electoral board headed by Hon. Chris C.C. Onyeukwu. On July 8, 2009; this board, Kalu continued, “conducted a free and fair election that brought this present administration into power”.
At the inauguration; on July 11, 2011; of the current ASIDO, which he chairs: “We met a State that had been brought to its knees by mistrust, divisions, accusations and counter accusations and lack of fund, all caused by the selfish interests of some insidious enemies of progress”, said Kalu.
But, “Undeterred by these impediments, we started working tirelessly day and night to restore peace and sanity in our dear State, to create a ‘level playing field’ for every community, irrespective of size or wealth; thus engendering a sense of hopeful belonging”; added Kalu, who also revealed that ASIDO now has Abia State Prayer Forum and a Peace and Reconciliation body.
“Our dear State in Diaspora has a need: In the words of the Mighty Diamonds, ‘we need a roof over our heads’. In history, the three essential things the early man needed first were shelter, clothing and food. We need a shelter in Diaspora. Hence we have resolved to acquire land and build Abia in Diaspora Civic Centre here in Cotonou as a symbol of shelter for all Abians.
“Today is the day of revelation of the truth that Abians are indeed in Benin Republic. We are celebrating together today to foster greater love, unity, progress and sense of belonging. Today, you will behold the ‘Revealer’.We are aware that there are still other basic needs of our people: such as subsidizing the exorbitant cost of education through scholarships award and participating in human welfare”, the ASIDO chairman further remarked.
Unofficial statistics put the population of Nigerians in Benin Republic at between one million and two million and the majority of these immigrants are Igbo people. Interestingly, despite being a celebration of Abia State, virtually every Nigerian in Benin Republic was sucked into the observance, which consequently made the premiere Abia Day in Cotonou an unforgettable event.
It could be recalled that, to assess the state of preparedness, a delegation of Abia State officials were in the Benin economic capital for two days, from February 23 to the 25th on what could be termed a surveillance mission. And, at the end of their visit, it was obvious these forerunners, which included Mr. Kingsley Megwara, Special Adviser to Governor T.A. Orji on Diaspora and Foreign Matters; and, Mr. Felix Azu, Director of Abia State Liaison Office, Lagos; left convinced Abia Day in Cotonou would be a huge success.
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mauricearchibongtravels can authoritatively reveal that, though Abia State Governor, Chief Orji and numerous other Nigeria-based political heavy-weights did not attend, celebrations of the premiere Abia Day in Cotonou, Benin Republic; was a huge success nonetheless.
As usual, the ceremony started with Christian prayers. The opening ceremony also featured the traditional breaking of kola-nut, which as one of the MCs was wont to remind us, “does not understand any language except Igbo”.
Although many Cotonou-based Igbo are engaged in various occupations, most of them hail from Abia State and make a living from trading in used clothing items. It was hoped that Abia Day would serve to consolidate unity among not only Abians but all Igbo and other Nigerians in general living in the neighbouring country; and, there is no doubt that this goal was achieved.
For Abians in particular, it was hoped that the governor and his state’s indigenes would use the opportunity to explore possible areas, where they could synergise with a view to improving the social and economic conditions of Abia people at home and abroad. Although the governor did not attend and sent no representative, Abia people in Cotonou are still optimistic that even this aspect was still realisable.
General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), a former Foreign Affairs Minister; Prof Raph Uwechue, President General of Ohaneze ndi Igbo; Rear Admiral Ebitu Ukiwe, a former Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters; Navy Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu, a former Governor of Lagos State; and, Senators Uche Chukwumerije, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Nkechi Nworgu as well as all National Assembly members of Abia State origin; were among the invitees that missed the observances.
But, in a chat with Mr. Itah Okoh Kalu, Chairman of Abia Community in Cotonou, he observed that those that failed to turn up were preoccupied with pressing issues at home. Mr. Kalu went on to add that, “The event was to help us raise 300 million CFA and the fund-raising is still on, so we are still hopeful that those, who could not attend the March 31 event would still send in their contributions”.
Select Donors
It is worth noting that over 6millionCFA was raised during the fund-raising appeal. Although the amount relaised is only a small fraction of the 300million CFA targetted; the Igbo Leader in Benin Republic, Chief Ebuka Onunkwo; had put up an encouraging presence.
Though an indigene of Anambra State, as Eze ndi Igbo in Benin Republic, Chief Onunkwo automatically became principal stakeholder of Abia Day 2012. In his address, the Igbo Leader had observed that the 300 million CFA fund being sought by Abia for the erection of a Civic Centre in Cotonou; was no big deal. In his view, Abia community in Cotonou boasts many millionaires; and, if each of these wealthy Abians were to come out and contribute 1million CFA; then 300 Abians would have helped to raise the 300million CFA needed.
In any case, when it came to the fund-raising aspect of the occasion, Chief Onunkwo aka Odozi Obodo I did not disappoint. In his characteristic generous manner, Chief Onunkwo doled out 1million CFA (over N320,000) to the organisers. In the same vein, the immediate-past President of the Cotonou Chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Chief Emmanuel Uko Elendu aka Aka eji eje mba I; also contributed 1million CFA.
Hon Ukachuckwu Igwe, CEO of Success Group of Companies, on behalf of Arochukwu in Abia donated 400,000CFA cash; Mr. Okom Emenike Kalu gave 400,000CFA cash; Dike Ubanichukwu (300,000CFA); Mr. Ben Ihekire, Managing Director ofDiamond Bank in Benin Republic, gave 1millionCFA on behalf of the bank as well as 500,000CFA on behalf of himself and family. Another financial institution, UBA, offered 200,000CFA; while the Obiwanne 1 of Abia, Chief Okechukwe Agu, contributed 100,000CFA cash.
The funds were further swelled by donations from Deacon Okey Sunday Okoroafor, Coordinator, West Coast Movement of the pro-Goodluck Jonathan group Rebuild Nigeria Initiative (RNI), who chipped in 50,000CFA; and, Mr. Emeka Ezikpe, who gave 100,000 CFA; while Mr. Lawrence Okoroafor donated 50,000 CFA.
It is worth noting that despite the infectious nature of the surrounding excitement, there were sobering moments, too. For example, as the donations poured in; Mr. Ogubuike Udeala, Chief Launcher of the Day, elicited resounding applause; when apparently directing his comment to those in charge of managing the funds; he declared: “This means that all eyes are on you people. Every penny we invest here will be accounted for”. With regard to unveiling The Revealer magazine, which was part of the day’s events, he went on to add, “I unveil this magazine with 500,000CFA cheque”.
Another moment of introspection was thrown up by the Reverend Sunny Oriakwu, who declared; “Abia cannot remain like this. We must do something about our state. Thank God that we came here today to rejoice. But, there is no joy in our hearts. Let your prayers be that our state must come back again. I believe God that after today, Abia will rise again”.
On the whole, such was the success of the event that many, including this writer, wished Abia Day could morph into an annual fiesta in Cotonou.
By MAURICE ARCHIBONG
Captions
Pic 1. Immediate-past NIDO President, Chief Emmanuel Uko Elendu.
Pic 2. Eze ndi Igbo, Chief Ebuka Onunkwo on Abia Day.
Pic 3. Nkporo maidens showing their steps on Abia Day.
Pic 4. Ohafia War Dancers.
Pic 5. More Abians at Palais de Congres.
Pic 6. Oha Ngwa choristers.
Pic 7. Some Abia women at Palais de Congres.
Pic 8. A heart-warming free for all: Abians showing their stuff on the floor.
…A major gain for the Transformation Agenda – Runsewe
Nigeria has witnessed a steady growth in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and jobs-creation efforts over the last four years, according to a report, titled; Travel and Tourism Economic Impact on Nigeria 2012, by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
In the said report, the WTTC has also forecast that this year (2012) alone, some 897,500 jobs; representing 1.4% of Nigeria’s total engaged workforce will be generated by the travel and tourism industry.
“Travel and Tourism generated 838,500 jobs directly in 2011 (1.4% of total employment), and this is forecast to grow by 7.0% in 2012 to 897,500 jobs (1.4 of total employment)”, states the WTTC report; which explains that the expected jobs “includes employment by hotels, travel agents, airlines as well as activities of the restaurant and leisure industries directly supported by tourists and other passenger services (excluding commuter services)”.
The report also noted that travel and tourism is expected to attract capital investment of N252.5billion, and that this figure is projected to rise in 2012 by 2.3%. Over the next 10 years, the amount is expected to grow by 6.5% per annum to N483.4billion in 2022. The WTTC study further forecast that domestic travel spending could grow by 1.5% in 2012 to N119.4billion and rise by 2.4% per annum to N151.5billion in 2022.
As regards the industry’s impact on Nigeria’s GDP, the WTTC report shows that travel and tourism contributed N1,232.2billion(3.3%) to the GDP in 2011; and, that even this could rise by 10.8% in 2012 and further increase by 7.0% annually to hit N2,690.8billion in 2022.
Reacting to the report, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation’s (NTDC) Director-General, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, delightfully observed that the submission of the WTTC was highly credible, given the international body’s profile and track records. The NTDC helmsman further noted that report dovetails with ostensible expansion in virtually all areas cited by the report, such as “the springing up of hotels, recreation centres, eateries and the proliferation of hospitality facilities across Nigeria”.
Speaking further, Runsewe said: “I think it is fantastic, a good record for Nigeria and a testimony to fact that this administration, through the Transformation Agenda, is impacting on the economy of our country through tourism”.Otunba Runsewe also enthused that these positive projections by an international body of repute portends hope, adding that “what remains, is for Nigeria to key into tourism because it has the capacity to reduce crime and insecurity, while concurrently generating employment, thus fostering peaceful co-existence.
Concluding, Otunba Runsewe remarked: “The WTTC report agrees with Nigeria’s vision of 20-20-20. The statistics indicate that Nigeria will gain a rise in employment of 897,500, which will translate to N252billion in investment; equivalent to 1.6% increment and 1.4% annually with the aim of hitting 5.4% in 2022”.
In its relentless bid to expand the international tourist traffic to Nigeria from the United States, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) recently entered into partnership with an American company, Partnerconcepts, which will embark on a roadshow of America.
Briefing newsmen on the development recently, NTDC Director General Otunba Olusegun Runsewe said the roadshow would take place in two US cities; Washington and New York. In both the US capital and the Big Apple, the parades will hold in June.
Shedding more light on the proposed trip, Mr. Paul Cohen, President of US-based Partnerconcept; said the roadshow would provide the platform for a Nigerian team to meet with American tour operators and stakeholders with a view to starting a relationship aimed at enhancing the inflow of US tourists to Nigeria.
Cohen said Nigeria has been chosen as the West African destination because his company has a policy of using a country as peg for each region of the world. As regards the prospects of American tourists embracing Nigeria, Mr. Cohen said the trend all over America is that tourists now prefer new experiences, such as Nigeria offers; to treading over-trod paths.
Concluding, Otunba Runsewe disclosed that after the visit, a team of travel journalists would be brought to Nigeria for first-hand experience of the country. This, ultimately, will help such travelwriters project a more reliable impression of Nigeria.
