The ancient city of Calabar was agog with colour, rhythm, and royalty on Thursday as His Royal Majesty, Ndidem Dr. Eta Bassey Eteta, Paramount Ruler of Calabar Municipality and the Ndidem of Qua Nation and President of the Traditional Rulers? Council, Calabar Municipality, celebrated his 5th Coronation and Installation Anniversary with a grand homecoming reception for the African diaspora.

The elaborate event, held at the Ndidem?s Palace in Calabar, also featured the Global United Christian Congress of Africa and the Diaspora Homecoming Reception. This gathering underscored the monarch?s call for unity between Africans on the continent and their kin scattered across the world.

In a deeply emotional address, Ndidem Eta Bassey described the celebration as ?a bridge between the past and the present, between the continent and her scattered children, between memory and renewal.?

He recalled the centuries-long history of the transatlantic slave trade, paying tribute to the resilience of Africans who were taken away from their homeland and yet thrived across the globe.

?Centuries ago, our people were forcefully taken away and scattered across continents. Yet, through resilience, creativity and unbreakable spirit, they survived and now return home ? not as the displaced, but as heirs reclaiming their rightful place,? the monarch declared.

He said the anniversary was not only a time for celebration but also ?a call to healing, unity and the building of the future,? stressing that the ongoing renaissance of African identity must lead to a revival of learning, culture, and self-determination.

Ndidem Eta Bassey Eteta commended Africans in the diaspora who have excelled in various disciplines ? academia, technology, tourism, the arts, and business ? noting that their achievements have brought pride to the continent and uplifted the spirits of those at home.

He pledged to strengthen collaboration between the Qua Nation and the diaspora community, adding that the palace will continue to serve as a hub for cultural exchange and mutual development.

The monarch also extended invitations to sons and daughters of the Qua Ejagham Nation across the globe to participate in the kingdom?s annual cultural festivals, including Qua for Christ, Qua Ejagham Festival, Ofu Oban and Auschak Festival, and the New Yam Festival, which is held every December.

?Our festivals are not mere celebrations; they are expressions of identity, continuity and shared vision,? he said.

Highlighting the significance of traditional institutions, Ndidem Eta Bassey explained that the Ekpe Fraternity remains a vital pillar of the Qua Ejagham people?s heritage. He announced plans to integrate returning diaspora members through initiation ceremonies as a symbolic gesture of belonging and citizenship.

?If we have conferred chieftaincy titles on white scholars such as Prof. Miller and Dr. Jende, why not on our own people? We will honour our brothers and sisters from the diaspora with the titles Neufam and Ntunkae ? the highest honorary chieftaincy titles in the Qua Ejagham Nation ? as a mark of sincerely welcoming them home,? the monarch stated.

The ceremony also featured a demonstration of traditional marriage rites, cultural dances, and artistic performances celebrating the enduring values of unity, strength, and communal living.

In his welcome address, Ntufam (Hon.) Hayford Edet, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, described the gathering as both historic and spiritual ? ?a fulfilment of prophecy? and ?a moment of reconnection between Africa and her sons and daughters abroad.?

?This homecoming symbolises the healing of wounds of separation and the rebuilding of bridges of love and solidarity,? Chartman said.

He lauded the monarch for his visionary leadership, describing his five-year reign as one of peace, prosperity, and cultural revival.

?Your Majesty?s steadfast commitment to the well-being of your people continues to inspire us all. We honour your reign, which has deepened unity and consciousness of our cultural identity,? he added.

The event drew royal fathers, government officials, community leaders, and foreign dignitaries. Guests were treated to a display of traditional music, cuisine, and the famed hospitality of the Qua people.

As drums echoed across the palace courtyard, the celebration transcended festivity; it became a symbol of renewal and reconnection, affirming that Africa and her diaspora remain one people, bound by heritage, hope, and a shared destiny. (THE GUARDIAN)

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