As part of preparations for the Bakassi International Fish Festival, youths from Bakassi Local Government Area in Cross River State gathered on Saturday for a flagship event focused on cultural heritage and social progress. The event, held at Megaword Int’l Evangelical Church INC, Shell Road, Ikang Town, brought together youths, media experts, and community leaders to discuss how to harness the power of the internet and digital clicks to drive positive change in Bakassi and beyond.
Frank-Edima Essien, founder of the Bakassi International Fish Festival, addressed the gathering virtually, urging participants to use social media to promote the growth of Bakassi. She encouraged youths and residents to become good ambassadors of the Bakassi people by celebrating their heritage through social media, rather than talking down on the community.
Frank-Edima emphasized the importance of driving conversations, sparking connections, and inspiring collective progress. She encouraged the community to create opportunities for cultural exchange, develop innovative solutions for community development, and showcase Bakassi’s unique talents, traditions, and cultural practices. She specifically mentioned sharing recipes and stories behind Bakassi’s rituals, showcasing unique fashion styles, textiles, and adornments, and exploring spiritual practices and beliefs.
Nsa Ekeng, a media specialist, advised members of Bakassi to leverage social media for content creation, social media marketing, and skills showcasing to make a living and promote Bakassi’s rich culture. He warned against social vices that could truncate the peace and unity of the Bakassi people. Ekeng encouraged participants to use social media to promote Bakassi’s culture, share stories, and help build the Bakassi community.
The event featured dance performances and the presentation of awards to individuals who contributed to the development of Bakassi. The gathering was a call to action for Bakassi youths to take ownership of their cultural heritage and drive positive change in their community.
The event was a success, with participants leaving with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm for promoting Bakassi’s culture and driving social progress.
Rev. David Owo, the BoT Secretary of Bakassi Int’l Fish Festival and Senior Pastor of Megaword Int’l added to the conversation as he charged young Bakassians to imbibe the spirit of excellence.
The event climaxed with cultural dance from a group in Bakassi and the crowning of 5 Ambassadors who have made a difference and contributed to community development using digital media.
