What if I told you that, there's one date on the Nigerian calendar that carries the story of a dream that refused to die? Just what if?
That unforgettable date is September 23rd, a day that have rise to the creation of Akwa Abasi Ibom State
So today, I want to tell you a little about my state of origin, (Akwa Ibom State) its birth, our people, the culture, and the dream behind its existence.
September 23rd is not just another date to us, it's actually a reminder
A reminder that before there was a state, there was a people and before there was a name on the map, it was first a dream.
Before Akwa Ibom became a state, the area was part of the old Cross River State. But for years, the people desired a state of their own, a place where our identity, culture, resources and aspirations could have a stronger voice.
You may think, that the journey started in 1987, but it didn't. The story started before 1987.
It went back in decades, where groups such as the Ibibio Union played an important role in organizing and expressing the aspirations of the people through different petitions, countless memoranda and different attempts at state creation.
Of course, there were setbacks and loads of disappointments but the dream remained alive.
Then came September 23rd, 1987.
Under the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, Akwa Ibom State was created from the mainland part of the former Cross River State, with Uyo as its capital.
What generations had hoped for, had finally become a reality.
But to us all, Akwa Ibom is more than the story of how a state was created.
Akwa Ibom is the people, it is us
I mean, the tribes and ethnic groups in it, the Ibibios, Annangs, Oro, Eket, Obolo and the many communities whose languages, traditions and histories have come together to shape the identity we proudly call Akwa Ibom.
You will find us in our tasty delicacies that tells our stories, let's not forget our music that brings people together, ooo the cultural dances that preserves our heritage, the beauty of our different traditional attires,
and the warmth we show our guests as in care and love
And then there is that unmistakable feeling when you say, “I am from Akwa Ibom” (emï ndō owo Akwa Abasi Ibom State) yes it comes with pride and sense of belonging
So, to my brothers and sisters from other tribes who may not know much about us, consider this a little introduction to my safe place
Akwa Ibom was not simply created on a map in 1987, behind that date were people who believed, who persisted and held on until the dream became something their children could inherit.
Today, we remember those who came before us and we remember that a dream can outlive disappointment. That's why we celebrate them, the sacrifices, the pains they scaled through for us to gain alas
That is why we Dakkada, we Arise
We arise to greatness
We arise with faith
We arise because there is still so much promise in our land and in our people.
Akwa Abasi Ibom, Arise!
The dream that gave birth to this state did not end in 1987. It continues with every generation that believes greater things are possible.
And look at us today, we are 39 years, and still counting... On our way to 40 years
So, cheers to our history...🥂
Cheers to the people who carried the dream before us
Let's click our glasses and make a toast to our culture.
A standing ovation to our identity
And cheers to everything Akwa Ibom is still becoming.
Happy 39th Anniversary to the creation of Akwa Ibom State, the Land of Promise
Perhaps, the name says it all, the Land of Promise.
A land with a history that have a story to tell
A land rich in culture and so irresistible
Endowed with natural resources and beauty with brains
A place where people dared to dream and actualise it
A land with so much more to become
Today, we raise our glasses to where we came from, who we are, and everything we are yet to become.
Happy Anniversary, Akwa Ibom State
Dakkada! Arise to greatness.
Eme, amime Dakkada!
Image Source ... *The food images are from my friend's kitchen, the dress images are my friends, the Flyers are Ai generated
Happy Independence day, AkwaAbasi Ibom State!
What a great celebration for Akwa Ibom! 🎉
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