The world Gathers At Ikang As Organisers Of Bakassi Fish Festival Hold Second Edition

The world Gathers At Ikang As Organisers Of Bakassi Fish Festival Hold Second Edition 

Eriacy Confidence Oba

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The second edition of the Bakassi Fish Festival held at Anansa beach in Ikang on August 26th and 27th, 2023, attracting hundreds of people from different parts of the world.

Organized to celebrate the fishing heritage of the Bakassi people and showcase their seafood potential, the festival witnessed activities ranging from cultural display, cooking and eating competitions, pageantry, swimming competitions, boat racing and award presentations.  

Flagging off the event, Member Representing Bakassi State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Bassey Eyo affirmed his commitment to projecting the rich cultural heritage of Bakassi, further stating that all programs and activities concerning Bakassi would henceforth take place on Bakassi land and no longer in Calabar as was the tradition 

"Henceforth, Bakassi will be in the news for positive reasons, and we shall do everything possible to project the best culture, and heritage of Bakassi. 

The event also had commissioners for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Abubakar Ewa and Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries Development, Chief Emmanuel Anoh, commending the organizers for the initiative while reiterating Governor Otu's commitment to rewriting the story of the Bakassi people. They assured the organizers of government's collaboration in expanding the festival. 

Meanwhile, the commissioner for tourism, Arts and Culture has revealed that the Bakassi Fish Festival has been captured in the Cross River State Tourism Calendar. He made this revelation during a section with journalists in Bakassi, assuring of the ministry's support in helping the organisers to realise their purpose of initiating the festival  " Yesterday, we defended a budget for Bakassi Fish Festival. This goes to show that we are willing and ready to partner with the organizers to take Bakassi Fish Festival to the next level."

The event initiated by Frank Edima in 2022 to promote the fishing potential of the Bakassi people. The festival has since grown in leaps and bounds to include participants from neighbouring states and countries, including Cameron and Equatorial Guinea. 

While performing some traditional rites, His Highness, Chief Antigha Cobham, prayed for blessings upon the land, pronouncing a safe occasion for residents and guests in attendance. He expressed the readiness of the Bakassi people to identify with positive activities that will change the narrative of the LGA.

The event was well attended by both indigenes and strangers, including traditional rulers, political appointees, businessmen, entertainers and a high profile delegation from the participating countries.