Ex-Minister Urges Preservation Of Cultural Values

The former Minister of Housing, Chief Nduese Essien, has called on Nigerians to preserve the nation’s cultural values for the coming generation.

Essien told newsmen  in Eket in Akwa Ibom last Tuesday  that he appreciated the Efik traditional institution for its discipline in matters of culture.

“The custodian of Efik tradition, the Obong of Calabar, has played an exemplary role in maintaining sanity in the recognition of people, who have made contributions to advancement of the society.

“I was recently given a title along side three others for our services to the Efik land and the nation, it came as a surprise and none of us lobbied for it.

“It makes the award valuable because if they wanted money it would have been a crowd thing.

“I call on other traditional rulers to emulate the Efik monarch, who has preserved the integrity of the traditions and kept the dignity of the stool,” Essien said.

Essien, who represented Eket Federal Constituency between 1999 and 2007 in the House of Representatives, urged the government to consult traditional rulers for advice because they remained a reservoir of knowledge in several fields.

He said that they had useful experiences required in nation building, adding that they should play advisory roles.

“Government should consult them for their input and advice because as custodians of our cultural heritage they are stakeholders in matters that concerns the populace.“

He pledged to use his position as a member of the Efik Traditional Ruling Council, with the chieftaincy award conferred on him, to strengthen the traditional institution in Akwa-Ibom his home state.

“I have deliberately brought some traditional rulers from Akwa-Ibom to witness the rich culture of Efik tradition and how it has been preserved for generations and the aim is to see ways of imbibing this.”

The former minister was on Dec. 10, given the traditional title of “Ada Idaha Efik Eburutu” by the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Okon (V).

Others, who were given titles on that day are Olorogun Makinde, Chief Adokiye Amiesiamaka and Dr Okon Eyo.