Oban Akachak Festival: Where culture meets nature
In the heart of Nigeria’s rainforest lies Oban, a peaceful Ejagham community in Cross River State where the Akachak festival, an annual spectacle has found rhythm in the cultural chord of Nigeria.
Oban, the richest part of Nigeria’s Biodiversity is reputed to be the custodian of one of the oldest forests in Africa and internationally acclaimed as one of the 25 Biodiversity hotspots in the world.
Teeming with abundance of wildlife, geomorphological and archaeological features, this forest is nature’s gift to the people. Some of the plants and animal species are endemic to the area while some are new to science.
It is forest that hosts the Oban division of Cross River National Park, a deliberate effort by the Federal government to protect and preserve these resources for the benefit of the present and future generations.
The scenic Oban hills with its captivating profile, now a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site adds to the list of what makes Oban a unique destination.
The recent recognition by UNESCO of this awesomely rich tropical rainforest as Man and Biosphere Reserve presents the area as an important global conservation landmark.
In the midst of these incredible natural manifestations, thrives a vibrant cultural ensemble crested Akachak festival.
Akachak festival is where nature meets culture in a perfect harmony. It Showcases the rich and undiluted cultural heritage of the Ejagham people and the harmonious relationship between the people and nature.
The one-month long festival takes place from the first week of December every year to 2nd January of the following year.
The celebration brings together the community, tourists, nature and cultural enthusiasts to revel in this beauty to the supreme favour of the sustenance of this providence.
The festival begins with a colourful opening ceremony in the community square, “Ocham Mgbe” where traditional music, dance performances, cultural initiations, traditional wrestling, etc. are further given impetus and verve.
Then follows hiking and nature walk through the emerald rainforest to the highest peak ” Talbot Peak” of the magnificent Oban hills.
Daily activities such as cooking competition of delicious local cuisines, emphasising the use of local spices from the forest, beauty pageant, etc. at the one-month festival highlights the community’s deep connection with their heritage.
The grand finale which always takes place on the 2nd of January begins with procession through the town of the different cultural groups and bands and followed by a series of events.
Perhaps what is more revealing in the festival is the pride with which the Oban people value their culture and the passion to pass it down to the next generation.
The enthusiastic participation of the youths, presents a bright future for the festival and has remained its key sustainability element.
This explains why the grand finale witnesses very spectacular presentations and performances of Mgbe, Nchibi, Orborn, Agud, Angbu, Ache Aboh, Ekpa Anakae, Oyi Okare Ntem, Okum Akpor Ajeh, the captivating Monikim (maiden) dance, among others, all clad in vibrant costumes.
Akachak is a festival of unity, colour, energy, beauty, dexterity, and enchantment. Little wonder why the scintillating dance steps of the masquerades and the adorable gaits of the female dancers have often connived to leave visitors in awe.
Akachak festival is now more than just a celebration, it’ has since become a way of life for the people of Oban, their friends and neighbours.
It offers a glimpse to the endowment and charm of Oban, a hospitable community nestled in the lush tropical rainforest of Nigeria.
By: Ntufam Dr. Emmanuel Ntuyang
- ELCD Fundraising Momentum Sustained
Invest in ELCD Project – Safeguard Ejagham for Generations Across Ejagham nation, our population has grown significantly over the years. Yet, despite this increase, the number of people who speak the Ejagham language has sharply declined. While this trend may not be captured in formal statistics, it is evident in our lived experience: more people… Read more: ELCD Fundraising Momentum Sustained - Ekpaeku: Ritual Symbolism in Ejagham Cosmology – Part 3 of 3
Contemporary Challenges and the Call for Preservation The Ekpaeku ritual, like many indigenous practices across Africa, now stands at a delicate crossroads. While its spiritual essence remains intact, the world around it has changed dramatically. Migration, the spread of motorable roads, globalization, urbanization, and rapid technological advancement have reshaped the social and cultural landscape of… Read more: Ekpaeku: Ritual Symbolism in Ejagham Cosmology – Part 3 of 3 - Ekpaeku: Ritual Symbolism in Ejagham Cosmology – Part 2 of 3
The Ekpaeku Homecoming in Ogurang: Two Souls, One Path Overview Part 1 of Ekpaeku: Ritual Symbolism in Ejagham Cosmology presented a narrative overview of the foundational principles, meanings, and ritual logic that shape the Ekpaeku tradition. Part 2 shifts from theory to lived experience. It offers a contemporary case study, an affirmation that the practice… Read more: Ekpaeku: Ritual Symbolism in Ejagham Cosmology – Part 2 of 3 - From the President 9: Historical Roots of the Division of Ejagham People
Historical Roots of the Division of Ejagham People in Nigeria and Cameroon: A Cautionary Reflection To understand the forces shaping Ejagham behaviour, identity, and collective action today, we must look beyond current events. The divisions we face, whether in cultural initiatives, community projects, or cross‑border collaboration, did not arise overnight. They are the long shadows… Read more: From the President 9: Historical Roots of the Division of Ejagham People - Ekpaeku: Ritual Symbolism in Ejagham Cosmology – Part 1 of 3
The Symbolic Return of The Dead in Ejagham Funeral Tradition Overview Among the Ejagham people, death is not merely a biological event but a transition that must be ritually navigated to preserve the integrity of lineage, identity, and ancestral belonging. Even when an individual dies far from home and is buried outside their native village,… Read more: Ekpaeku: Ritual Symbolism in Ejagham Cosmology – Part 1 of 3 - EjT New Year Message, 2026: A New Year, A Renewed Commitment
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, I extend my warmest greetings to every member of the Ejagham Traditional (EjT) family and indeed Ejagham sons and daughters across our homeland and the diaspora. The passing year has reminded us of the power of unity, the strength of shared purpose, and the resilience… Read more: EjT New Year Message, 2026: A New Year, A Renewed Commitment - EjT 2025: Delivering Results, Strengthening Roots, Inspiring Progress
Overview There is a timeless saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Since 2018, our journey has been long, intentional, and deeply collaborative. Together, we have advanced our mission to Document, Digitalise, and Disseminate Ejagham Traditional Practices and Cultural Expressions. We have not yet reached… Read more: EjT 2025: Delivering Results, Strengthening Roots, Inspiring Progress - From the President 8: Ejagham Language Curriculum Development (ELCD) Fundraising – Harnessing the Power of Personal Networks.
Fundraising is often imagined as a matter of formal proposals, institutional appeals, and structured outreach. Yet, in practice, the most powerful tool available to any campaign is far more personal: the network of relationships that individuals carry with them. The following account illustrates how a single connection, when activated, can open doors that formal channels… Read more: From the President 8: Ejagham Language Curriculum Development (ELCD) Fundraising – Harnessing the Power of Personal Networks. - ELCD Fundraising Call to Ejagham Entrepreneurs
Dear Esteemed Ejagham Entrepreneur, ELCD Fundraising Call to Ejagham Entrepreneurs – Partner with EjT – Showcase Your Brand, Empower Our Community The Ejagham Language Curriculum Development (ELCD) initiative is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and advancing our rich heritage while creating opportunities for future generations. We believe that the strength of our community lies in the… Read more: ELCD Fundraising Call to Ejagham Entrepreneurs - From the President 7: Reviving the Voice of a Cultural Custodian: A Call to Preserve the Musical Legacy of Ntufam Ogar Mbuk
While tuned in to Cross River Broadcasting Cooperation (CRBC) Radio, I was unexpectedly transported back in time by the unmistakable voice of Etubom Peter Effiom, one of the enduring icons of Efik musical heritage. His timeless track stirred something deep within me. In an instant, I was back in my formative years in Calabar, surrounded… Read more: From the President 7: Reviving the Voice of a Cultural Custodian: A Call to Preserve the Musical Legacy of Ntufam Ogar Mbuk