Bassey Inyang in Calabar
The Ofutop nation, in Central Cross River State, is ready to showcase its wealthy cultural heritage at Carnival Calabar 2026, following the official registration of the Ekuum Cultural Band for the annual pageant.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Band, Engr. Oyama Osam Ntun, who disclosed this to journalists, mentioned the participation of the Band would supply the chance to challenge the cultural identification of the Ofutop individuals past their conventional homeland.
Ntun mentioned the carnival would supply a platform for the Band to show its inventive skills, and share generations of cultural tales handed down by their grandparents.
He mentioned the Band has accomplished registration with the Cross River State Carnival Commission, after they fulfilled the required necessities for approval by the related authorities.
According to him, the initiative displays his dedication to preserving native heritage and selling it on the worldwide stage.
Ntun, a newly topped recipient of the distinguished Calabar Heritage Young Achiever of the Year Award, mentioned the choice to deliver the Ekuum Cultural Band to the Carnival was pushed by the necessity to give indigenous artwork kinds higher visibility and recognition.
He mentioned the famend cultural ensemble will take part as a non-competing visitor band, showcasing the colourful traditions, rhythmic expressions and cultural heritage of the Ofutop individuals to carnival fans and guests.
“True career excellence goes hand-in- hand with cultural preservation,” Ntun mentioned, stressing the significance of making alternatives for native cultural expressions to attain wider audiences.
He mentioned that the initiative additionally seeks to bridge skilled excellence with conventional values, and guaranteeing that the cultural identification of Ofutop individuals stays related to youthful generations whereas gaining wider recognition.
With its participation in Carnival Calabar 2026, the Ekuum Cultural Band hopes to contribute to the pageant’s cultural variety whereas inserting the traditions and heritage of the Ofutop individuals firmly within the highlight.
