CALABAR, Cross River State – Dec.30, 2024
Etubom Architect Abasi Eyo Ndem, a renowned Ekpe lord and cultural advocate, has called for a cultural renaissance to revive and preserve Nsibidi, the ancient ideographic writing system indigenous to the Efik, Ejagham, and Igbo people.
In an exclusive interview during the maiden Nsibidi seminar held in Calabar, Etubom Ndem emphasized the importance of safeguarding this cultural treasure while leveraging its universal appeal.
"Nsibidi is more than symbols; it is a repository of our history, values, and identity," Etubom Ndem stated. He described Nsibidi as a dual system comprising sacred and mundane aspects. While the sacred elements are reserved for initiates of the Ekpe society, the mundane aspects are universal and can be digitized for broader dissemination.
He lamented the erosion of cultural values, attributing it to a lack of awareness and the increasing influence of foreign cultures. "Our culture is under threat. If we do not reclaim and protect Nsibidi, we risk losing an integral part of our heritage," he warned.
Etubom Ndem also addressed concerns about sharing Nsibidi with the global community without compromising its esoteric traditions. "Every society has secrets. While we can share the mundane aspects of Nsibidi, its sacred dimensions must remain protected. This ensures its sanctity and relevance as a cultural identity," he explained.
Highlighting the economic potential of Nsibidi, one of the guest speakers, Dr.Ginigeme Nnochiri a Lecturer University of Calabar, department of fine and applied arts, suggested its application in creative industries, such as fashion and textile design, to promote cultural tourism and create employment opportunities. He called for partnerships with academic institutions, noting that universities like the University of Calabar could play a pivotal role in sustaining Nsibidi through research and curriculum development.
Responding to questions about Africa's educational systems before colonialism, another guest speaker, Otuekong Prince, Hogan Bassey, dismissed the narrative that Africans lacked advanced knowledge systems. "Our ancestors were educated in ways that suited their societies. Nsibidi is a testament to this, predating missionary influence by thousands of years," he asserted.
The organiser of the Summit, Etubom Eyo Ndem revealed ongoing plans to digitize Nsibidi, ensuring its accessibility to younger generations while preserving its authenticity. "Technology is a tool we must use wisely. By digitizing Nsibidi, we can teach it in schools and share its beauty with the world without diluting its essence," he said.
He therefore, called for collaborative efforts among cultural custodians, academics, and government agencies to institutionalize Nsibidi studies and promote it as a symbol of African ingenuity. "Nsibidi is our story. Let us tell it, preserve it, and pass it on to future generations," Etubom Ndem declared.
The seminar attracted scholars, cultural enthusiasts, and policymakers, all united by a common goal to celebrate and sustain one of Africa’s oldest writing systems.
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