…Unites Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekoi, Ekid and Obolo Ethnic Groups to Foster Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Development
UYO
The Abasi People Foundation (APF), a non-religious and non-partisan movement in Southern Nigeria, has successfully concluded its inaugural engagement tour in Akwa Ibom State, with visits to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and stakeholders in politics, business, and academia.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Dr. Victor Udo, FNSE, announced the development during a press briefing on Sunday, July 13, 2025, describing the tour as a major step in rallying support for the Abasi People Movement.
Dr. Udo explained that the movement is designed to unite the various ethnic groups—Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekoi, Ekid, and Obolo—collectively referred to as Ndito Abasi, to pursue self-enlightenment, cultural preservation, and inclusive development. He said the Foundation seeks to promote a shared identity rooted in reverence for the supreme deity, Abasi.
“This movement is not only about cultural solidarity but also about mobilizing Abasi People as the fourth largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria, toward equitable and sustainable development,” he said.
According to the APF, the movement has reached stakeholders across 31 local government areas in Akwa Ibom and seven in Cross River State, under the campaign theme: One God, One Voice.
The movement has received wide support from prominent royal fathers, including the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk, CFR; HRM Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko and Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council; and His Majesty Obong Blaise Awakama, Itai Afe Annang.
Others backing the initiative include HRM (Prof.) Amanam Udoh (Etim Ekpo LGA), HRM Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon (Uyo LGA), HRM Edidem ECD Abia (Eket LGA), HRM Uboon Harry J. Etetor IX (Eastern Obolo), HRM Okuku Uwa Umoh (Obot Akara), HRM Akuku Okon Udo Ukut (Ikot Ekpene), HRM Edidem (Dr.) Edet Akpan Inyang (Itu), HRM Akuku (Engr.) Amos Daniel Akpan (Ukanafun), HRM Edidem Etim Nnana Itang (Ikono), HRM Edidem Cosmas Nkanga (Uruan), and HRM Akuku Saviour Sylvester Udofia, JP (Abak).
The movement has also drawn endorsement from faith leaders, including Dr. Chris Nyong, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter; Reverend Ekpedeme Moffat Effanga, General Superintendent of Qua Iboe Church; Apostle Edet Michael Udoka of the African Apostolic Church; and Pastor Ukafia of Insights Bible Ministry.
Political, business, and academic figures have also thrown their weight behind the initiative, among them Chief Ndueso Essien, Senator Ibok-Essien, Otuekong Chief Sunny Jackson, and Sir Essang Nsa Bassey, President-General of the Oro Development Union.
Describing the movement as a timely call to action, the leaders stressed the importance of forging unity among the Abasi People across ethnic lines, guided by a shared heritage, common spiritual foundation, and collective aspiration.
The Abasi People Foundation envisions a unified identity for the Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekoi, Ekid, and Obolo ethnicities—collectively known as Abasians—who inhabit a contiguous region historically recognized as the old Calabar Province, spanning 38 local government areas in Nigeria and across the diaspora.
The movement’s ultimate goal, according to the Foundation, is to build strategic partnerships that will drive equitable development and cultural reawakening among the Abasi People at home and abroad.
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