THE EFIK/IBIBIO PEOPLE AND THEIR CULTURAL HERITAGE by Eriacy Confidence

The Efik people inhabit the cross river estuary and the banks of the calabar river in Nigeria and in the western Cameron. They migrated from Palestine in the first and second centuries through Egypt and the Nile into ancient Nubia and later migrated through Sudan in the tenth AD into their present location to form the city States ( clans) of old calabar in the now south South geo political zone of Nigeria. The four original clans settled at Ibom in Arochukwu and later resettled at Enwang, Iniong,  Ito, Ukwa and Eki to this present day.
  The Ibibio people on the other hand are believed to have inhabited their present location from time immemorial. Although some scholars believe that they must have migrated with their Efik counterparts from Cameron and separated on reaching the calabar river. Two account point to the fact that both Efik and the Ibibio people originated from the Jewish state of Israel, especially with some similar names and cultures practiced by the two groups.

         CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Efik and Ibibio people have a strong linguistic, religious and cultural affinity and are highly gifted in arts and crafts. The word Efik is believed to mean 'oppression'  Scholars believe that the Efik earned this title due to their tendency to always oppress, dominate or colonize every other tribe or kingdom around them.Even the Ibibio people who are their closest relativel believe so too. However, the Efik people are outstandingly creative in so a way that they are easily identified wherever they are found. In cross river particularly, the Efik people have dominated the Ejagham/Qua people believed to be the original owners Calabar and now have an upper hand in the state due to their rich cultural heritage and love for arts.
  It is on record that the Efik people were among the first tribes in Nigeria to have contacts with the European traders and culture, that is primarily responsible for their buried interest in education, commerce and western lifestyle. It is also worthy of note that the Efik city, Calabar was the first capital of Nigeria and was later moved to Lagos. All these gave more advantages over their neighbours in the state. The Efik son Mr Donald Duke has even helped to give the Efik people another international feat with the introduction of carnival calabar.

Calabar, Uyo, Ikot Ekpene etc are some of the Efik/ Ibibio most popular towns and cities. The Efik/Ibibio people are part and relevant to the history and greatness of the entity called Nigeria because of their inalienable contributions.