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
- EjT Core Values – [The EjT DNA]
- EJAGHAM NATION: The Ejagham Obang Cluster
Ejagham Obang Cluster Map. Ejagham Obang – Ejagham Tradition Ejagham Obang Obang is one of the three Ejagham clusters in Cameroon that make up part of the Ejagham nation in the world. The other two are Ngunaya and Njemaya. Out of the 66 officially documented villages in this part of the Ejagham nation, 15 belong… Read more: EJAGHAM NATION: The Ejagham Obang Cluster - From The President 1 – Triple-D: A Reminder of our Mission Strategy
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… Read more: From The President 1 – Triple-D: A Reminder of our Mission Strategy - MY EJAGHAM EXPERIENCE: By Jenechinghi-Obasi Ogar
MY EJAGHAM EXPERIENCE: By Jenechinghi-Obasi Ogar The Ejagham people are settlers who find themselves in Nigeria and Cameroon. In their migration history, they have settled in various locations, referred to as clusters, which are occupied to this day. These clusters have their diversity, uniqueness, and outstanding peculiarities, yet they remain completely Ejagham. The various clusters… Read more: MY EJAGHAM EXPERIENCE: By Jenechinghi-Obasi Ogar - Ejagham Calendar 2025
- EJAGHAM NATION: The Ejagham Qua Cluster
EJAGHAM NATION: The Ejagham Qua Cluster Ejagham Qua Ejagham Qua, was founded by Prince Ikang Eta and his father Ndidem Eta Nyak Ntison. The Quas were the first to settle in Calabar as early as 1000 BCE and they brought to Calabar, the Ejagham Traditional Practices and Cultural Expressions which had spread to other neighbouring… Read more: EJAGHAM NATION: The Ejagham Qua Cluster - THE OBASI-NJOM – (God of Cult Agency)
THE OBASI-NJOM – (God of Cult Agency) INTRODUCTION It is a well-known fact that Africans believe in a multiplicity of gods. This statement is true of the Ejagham people who are found partly in Manyu Division, South West Region of Cameroon and in the Cross River State of Nigeria. These people believe in Eyumi-Nfam, the… Read more: THE OBASI-NJOM – (God of Cult Agency) - MBING EKAN – An aspect of the Ekan Institution in Ejagham
Introduction Mbing Ekan is a coming-of-age naming ceremony. “Mbing” means “Name” and “Ekan” means “Age Grade.” In this context, Mbing Ekan refers to the coming-of-age naming ceremony of an age grade, a significant and consequential Ejagham traditional practice. This ceremony marks an age grade’s transition into adulthood within the community, transforming them from mere members… Read more: MBING EKAN – An aspect of the Ekan Institution in Ejagham - Nta Ekem Festus Egbe
Celebrating Ejagham Author Brief Background and Career Born on the 1-Dec-1984 in Babong, by Ashu Bernard Ekem and Ndep Philomina Tabot; Ekem Festus Egbe is the fourth child out of eight and the only boy child. In October 1996 after passing my First School Leaving Certificate and common Entrance Exams, my Cousin, Nso Jennet Ebob… Read more: Nta Ekem Festus Egbe - The Amgbu Institution in Ejagham
The Amgbu Institution in Ejagham Amgbu also known as ‘Ator-tor-tor’ (one with unrestricted authority to say anything he sees or hears) is one of Ejagham traditional practices and cultural expressions. It is one of the minor branches of the Mgbe institution. Like Mgbe, Amgbu is occasionally manifested in a masquerading dance. It is an Ejagham… Read more: The Amgbu Institution in Ejagham
