Akwacross Day observed in The Gambia

The people of Akwacross community of Nigeria residing in The Gambia on Saturday celebrated ‘Akwacross day’ at a ceremony held at the President International Award in Bakau.

The celebration, which brought together people of the Akwacross community and other dignitaries, was meant among other things to showcase their culture.

Speaking on the occasion, Prince Daniel Antigha, president of the community, gave a brief history of Akwa and Cross River Region in Nigeria.

He adduced that the current region of Akwa Ibom/Cross River State in the old Calabar Kingdom were the first to encourage western education in Nigeria with the establishment of Hope Waddell Training, Methodist Boys High School among others.

“We are people rich in culture, customs and tradition,” the president said, adding that for them, societal interest is greater than individual interest; however, individual development and self-actualization is encouraged as a sum total of societal growth and development.

Although they are a minority in Nigeria, he noted, they are a force to reckon with. “There is no area of endeavour you will not find a ‘Calabar person’ - as we are affectionately called - excelling,” said Antigha.

He urged his colleagues to be law-abiding while describing them as hardworking in whatever they are doing.

The Gambia’s Chief Justice Emmanuel Agim revealed that the association was meant to bring themselves together and provide for each other’s welfare when the need arises as well as contributes to the society they find themselves.

He commended the president of the association for his pivotal role, effectiveness and good leadership in the association.

Chief Justice Agim reminded the gathering that “it is important that a man continues to exist in a community”.

“Community emphasizes unity, common purpose, and support to each other and humanity, among others,” said the Chief Justice.

He described The Gambia as a peaceful country with people who are accommodative and are part of The Gambian community.

 “We are showing consent of community within them so as to show effectiveness in the larger community,” he said, while urging Nigerians to continue extending love to the people around them as they “are people that love each other”.

Love, he says, is at the heart of community, adding that being part of a community is one way of demonstrating love.

However, he further noted that community cannot strive when there is no love, urging communities as well not to make rules that will make people to run away.

He finally called on all to be part of community as it has various advantages.

“Associate with your community and respect the laws of the land you find yourselves, and stay away from their politics,” said the CJ.

  He thanked all those that help the association to grow and improve, while commending the Nigerian High Commissioner for her encouragement to Nigerians to be part of their communities.

The ceremony also witnessed the launching of the Akwacross community 2012-2013 Almanac.