It is evident that several aspects of Ejagham tradition have suffered Erosion, Dilution, Adulteration, Misinterpretation, and in some cases, Extinction (EDAME). This reality is widely acknowledged across Ejagham nation, though opinions may vary on the reasons behind it. Our stance is that insufficient efforts have been made to protect and preserve our heritage.
In a rapidly changing world influenced by modernization, urbanization, migration, and technology, only deliberate and structured organization can achieve the desired results in preserving our heritage. At EjT, we believe that a sustainable, resilient, and effective strategy involves Documenting, Digitalizing, and Disseminating our traditional practices and cultural expressions, known as the Triple-D strategy.
Tiple-D Strategy Pillars – https://youtu.be/yZmUH6FTWdI?feature=shared
Document
One of the most recognizable aspects of Ejagham, despite its age, is Nsibidi. The reason for its appreciation today is that our forebears documented it, allowing us to search, point to, and refer to it. This underscores the importance of documenting our heritage for future generations. Unfortunately, we have not matched our forebear’s ingenuity, resulting in EDAME significantly impacting our heritage. There is no repository where documented Ejagham Traditional Practices (ETP) and Ejagham Cultural Expressions (ECE) can be easily accessed. To counteract the effects of EDAME, we must Document our ETP and ECE, making this a key pillar of our strategy.
Digitalize
It is fair to state that technology has left Ejagham behind, with our people playing catch-up with technological trends. The impact of this situation on Ejagham heritage is concerning. Historians agree that past events carry messages for the future. Our neglect to keep pace with technology in the past teaches us to leverage technology now to avoid repetition. The impact on our heritage has been significant, but only action, not dwelling on the past, will bring change. Therefore, one of our strategy’s pillars is to Digitalize our traditional practices and cultural expressions.
Business as usual will not bridge the gap caused by our collective lag in technology. We must take deliberate actions to not only digitize but also Digitalize all aspects of ETP and ECE, safeguarding future Ejagham generations and friends from the challenges of understanding Ejagham heritage. Digitalization ensures we constantly adapt, delivering exciting experiences of ETP and ECE to Ejagham People and Local Communities (EPLC), creating value-producing opportunities in the process.
Disseminate
Every culture has the potential to enhance the social and economic standards of its community. If a culture’s value is highly esteemed, it will spread beyond its immediate community. The Mgbe institution, a creation of our forebears, met this standard and disseminated well beyond Ejagham land.
The 21st century presents different challenges than those faced by our forebears. To ensure Ejagham cultural heritage participated in shaping the future, we must have a structured means to facilitate and disseminate Ejagham traditional practices and cultural expressions. This is why Disseminate is one of the pillars of EjT’s mission strategy.
My Prayer
Our strategy to Document, Digitalize, and Disseminate Ejagham Traditional Practices (ETP) and Cultural Expressions (ECE) ensures that we preserve the essential elements to keep the flame of Ejagham heritage burning well into the future.
Do not stand by, do not be an onlooker, do not wait—participate in the Triple-D initiative in any way possible. No effort is negligible. Remember, our collective negligence and the silo-relationship between Ejagham clusters have previously cost Ejagham its place in the community of cultures. Evidently, we are still reeling from the effects of this collective negligence and silo-relationship. Do not let history repeat itself.
If you have any skills, possess knowledge about any aspect of Ejagham Traditional Practices and Cultural Expressions, let’s give your knowledge the Triple-D treatment before it is lost altogether. If you have participated in, witnessed, researched, written, or recorded any aspect of Ejagham Traditional Practices and Cultural Expressions, you can help. Please call, email, or submit any materials to EjT, and together let’s give your knowledge the Triple-D treatment.
Jigi jigi nne ajigha ejeh – Revere your own.
Ekup na nkad.
President, EjT
