On September 21, 2024, the Bakassi Festival Group hosted a vibrant celebration in honour of the International Day of Peace at Ikang Town in Bakassi. This annual event, set aside by the United Nations, is aimed to promote peace, coexistence, and cultural harmony in communities.
In the Group’s International Day of Peace message made available to Media correspondents, the Founder of the Group, Frank Edima, described peace as a fundamental human aspiration.
“Today, we gather to celebrate a fundamental human aspiration: peace. On this International Day of Peace, we reaffirm our commitment to harmony, understanding, and cooperation as stakeholders, traditional leaders and custodians, political leaders, religious leaders, community and business stakeholders, the fishermen, farmers, traders, women, youth, children”.
The Board of Trustees’ Chairman, Hon. Chief Ani Esin, in his opening remarks appealed to the people of Bakassi to embrace peace and development. He mentioned that the 2024 International Day of Peace celebration is a wakeup reminder to the people of Bakassi that they need to imbibe the culture of peace.
“Culture is the way of life of the people. As such, peace should be our culture”, Ani mentioned.
The Chairman of the Event, Rtd AIG Enene Okon, lauded the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Otu on his frantic efforts and determination in making the Bakassi Deep Seaport Project a reality. The Esighi Community Leader urged the Youths to identify with the potentials of the projects and shun violence as the project is for the Bakassi people.
On his part, the State Security Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State, Major General Okoi Obono (Rtd), who was the Special Guest of Honour, expressed gratitude to the people of Bakassi on the hospitable opportunity given to him to celebrate World Peace Day with them at Ikang. The Security Expert recounted the importance of peace to development and the need for Bakassi people to embrace peace. He assured the Bakassi people that no form of injustice shall be allowed to be perpetrated by imposters marauding to cause discord, disunity and confusion in their communities.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, extended a warm facilitation to the people of Bakassi. The APC Chieftain mentioned that the Governor is part of the Bakassi people by extension and his thoughts and plans for the Local Government are to position it in the global market space.
Highlights of the event witnessed symbolic performances viz; the freedom of a tied pigeon into the air by dignitaries, dedication and distribution of stickers.
The event featured a Peace Walk around the environs of Ikang with goodwill messages from top Government Officials, religious icon, Traditional Ruler, Youth and respectable Stakeholders.
However, the event attracted attendees from various backgrounds, highlighting the importance of unity and dialogue in fostering a peaceful community.
In attendance were: the Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, Pst. Ekpenyong Cobham, Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Hon. Abigail Duke, Rev. Fr Etene, inter alia.
The event was successfully hosted in partnership with Bakassi Union, a socio-political organization in Bakassi.
The Bakassi Festival Group’s commitment to peace and cultural harmony is commendable, and continued support will be essential for fostering a lasting culture of peace in the region.
