Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has commended the unveiling of the 'Ekuum Bass', a significant cultural artifact of the Ofutop people in Ikom local government area. The governor, represented by his special adviser on Arts and Culture, Mr Effiong Bassey Edem, spoke at the closing ceremony of the Cultural Festival of Arts. Otu's administration is committed to preserving indigenous knowledge and utilizing culture as a tool for development and youth empowerment.
The 'Ekuum Bass' unveiling is an initiative of the Patrick and Grace Osam Ntun Legacy Foundation, which aims to revive a dying cultural identity. Governor Otu hailed the foundation for rescuing the Ofutop heritage from extinction. He described the project as timely and exemplary, urging other well-meaning individuals in Cross River State to invest in their communities. The foundation's efforts focus on preserving cultural heritage and promoting development.
Engr. Oyama Osam Ntun, president of the foundation, stated that the 'Ekuum Bass' is more than a musical instrument; it represents a story and inherited knowledge. Ntun, a UK-based engineer and cultural enthusiast, was motivated to preserve his people's identity. He has taken the instrument beyond Ofutop and Nigeria, gaining visibility and enabling local performers to appear on national platforms.
The project connects cultural custodians, educators, and innovators to inspire STEM education while sustaining scholarships for indigent students. Ntun's initiative goes beyond music, linking identity with development. The unveiling event was attended by various leaders, including Mr Samuel Neji Abang, member representing Ikom 1 State Constituency, and Dr. Victor Oyama Nzan, Ofutop Youth president in diaspora.
Dr. Victor Oyama Nzan and other leaders described the 'Ekuum Bass' as "the heartbeat of Ofutop nation." The instrument holds significant cultural value, and its unveiling is seen as a step towards preserving Nigeria's rich cultural heritage. The event showcased the importance of collaboration in promoting cultural development and youth empowerment.
The Cultural Festival of Arts, where the unveiling took place, highlights the importance of culture in development. The festival, held at St. Mary’s RCM Primary School, Abaragba, Ikom LGA, brought together various stakeholders to promote cultural preservation and innovation. The 'Ekuum Bass' unveiling is a notable example of efforts to preserve Nigeria's cultural identity.
The governor's representative, Mr Effiong Bassey Edem, and other attendees commended the foundation's efforts in promoting cultural heritage. The unveiling of the 'Ekuum Bass' is a significant milestone in preserving Nigeria's cultural artifacts. The project demonstrates the potential for cultural preservation to drive development and empower youths.
Key points
- Governor Otu commends the unveiling of the 'Ekuum Bass', a significant cultural artifact of the Ofutop people.
- The 'Ekuum Bass' project connects cultural custodians, educators, and innovators to inspire STEM education and sustain scholarships.
- The unveiling event highlights the importance of collaboration in promoting cultural development and youth empowerment.
