Momentarily, an indigenous spiritual organisation with international headquarters in Calabar, South-South Nigeria momentarily halted preachment to showcase arrays of cultural dances from the country.
It was the climax of one week celebration of the 66th anniversary of the Universal Men’s Fellowship, an arm of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, a spiritual organisation founded by Leader Olumba Olumba Obu.
Men from mostly Southeast and South-south parts of the country trooped out in their numbers adorning traditional and cultural attires indigenous to their localities.
The event, a cultural march pass complete with indigenous traditional music, was one of the highpoints of the anniversary celebration.
It saw Abia, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Cross River, Delta, Rivers, Oyo and Adamawa State splendidly dressed with beautiful cultural outfits where they danced and marched round the venue of the celebration, the sprawling premises of 34 Amno Street Calabar.
The panel of adjudicators had a difficult time arriving at best performing states.
Rivers State numbering well over 40 fused together some of the local cultures of the Andonis, Ijaws, the Okrikas. They even had two kings, perhaps the Amayanabo kings, appeared in their complete costumes. The two kings, one with scepter, walked majestically, adorned with colorful hats affixed with mirrors. They merely smiled away and did not trouble themselves to dance like others of their contingent. They had two attendants who accompanied the two kings wearing colorful head bands.
The troop from Cross River, marching with close to 50 men, appeared in typical Efik attires, including Usobo, long ties, and walking sticks. They had a king who never smiled, talked, or danced but walked so majestically. Almost a six footer, he wore black coats, tie and black hat to match. He was followed by an aide, not more than 12 years old, holding what looked like a tray with two hands.
The Abia and Akwa Ibom cultural contingents also had beautiful contents, wanting to outperform other contingents.
In the Abia group, a bare bodied, pot bellied man with native chalk drawn over his eyelids and body, attracted all attention of the onlookers and adjudicators. His dance steps were also warming.
Like Abia, Akwa Ibom used the three major dialects of the ethnic groups to present themselves, including Oron, Ananng and Ibibio. All with walking sticks which they raised to the sky and hit the other’s own, a form of respect and hailing.
The dance steps of both states, including those of Delta State were exhilarating and dexterous. Delta did not have commanding numerical strength but they equally stood out with fusion of Ishekiri and Anioma cultures.
Oyo State had four men who appeared in their Yoruba costumes. They commanded the interests and admiration of spectators. They changed in Yoruba language, and handed over their Filla, head gears to key persons and shared white handkerchiefs.
Chairman of organising committee, Archbishop Precious Ita Effiong commended participants but lamented that high costs of transport fares did not allow many other states to fully participate in larger numbers as was last year.
He said the creativity and enthusiasm this year was remarkable, adding that prizes were available for best performing.
International chairman of the Men’s Fellowship, London- based Sylvester Eboigbe said the essence was to promote indigenous cultural dances.
“We preach the gospel of unity and forgiveness. And we also identify with our roots and attempt to use our various cultures to preach the Gospel. Cultures do unite the people, which is Brotherhood “, he said.
He hoped that next year’s edition will also come with better attractions.
He praised the spiritual leader of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu who sponsored the celebration, disclosing that he preaches and practices righteousness.
Patriarchs Christ Shepherd Bassey Imowo represented the spiritual leader at the event.
