The official opening ceremony of the 2024 edition of the Colours of Cross River State art, craft, and cultural exhibition held on Monday at the historic Calabar Sports Club 1898. The event, convened by journalist and cultural advocate Effiong Nyong, is a unique celebration of the rich history, heritage, and artistic vibrancy of Cross River State NEGROIDHAVEN can say.
Now in its third edition, this year’s exhibition, themed around “130 Years of Educational and Sporting History in Nigeria,” pays tribute to the Hope Waddell Training Institution, one of Nigeria’s oldest schools, established in 1895. Visitors are treated to historical memorabilia, including trophies won before the amalgamation of Nigeria’s protectorates, alongside contemporary art from the National Gallery of Art and works by local masters of paint and sculpture.
Effiong Nyong, the visionary behind the initiative, emphasized the importance of the exhibition in preserving and promoting the often-overlooked aspects of Cross River’s cultural identity. “We’ve been doing Carnival Calabar for years, but many aspects of our history and heritage are not captured or represented. This exhibition provides a platform for citizens to tell our stories, celebrate our past, and showcase our unique heritage to the world,” Nyong said.
Highlights of the event included:
– Food Tasting: An exploration of Cross River’s culinary diversity.
– Art and Craft Exhibitions: Featuring both historical artifacts and contemporary works.
– Fashion Shows: Displaying traditional and modern attire.
– Spoken Word & Music Performances: Celebrating the oral traditions of the region.
– Film Screening: The first public showing of Mutanda Oyom Nnamondo, an epic movie filmed over two decades ago.
The exhibition featured historical memorabilia, including trophies won before the amalgamation of Nigeria’s Northern and Southern Protectorates, as well as contemporary art from the National Gallery of Art. Visitors can also experience Mutanda Oyom Nnamondo, a film that has not been screened since it was shot over 20 years ago, adding a cinematic dimension to the event.
Reflecting on the journey of Colours of Cross River, Nyong recalled the challenges of organizing the inaugural exhibition, which focused on Fernandez Studio, a historic photography studio established in Calabar in 1926. The second edition, held in 2023, celebrated the Calabar Sports Club’s founding in 1898, further solidifying the event’s commitment to unearthing hidden historical gems.
Despite minimal government support, the exhibition has thrived as a self-funded initiative driven by passion and a sense of duty to Cross River’s heritage. “We are not at variance with the government; we are simply complementing their efforts. This is a give-back to the society we grew up in, and it’s about telling our stories ourselves,” Nyong explained.
The 2024 edition also shines a spotlight on artistic pioneers from the region, including sculptors and painters whose works have gained national and international acclaim but remain underrecognized locally. “There’s so much about the way we live and the stories we carry that are not being told. This exhibition is our effort to tell those stories authentically,” Nyong added.
The event showcased a one-of-a-kind experience, combining historical chronicles, artistic masterpieces, and cultural vibrancy, allowing visitors to “feel the excitement and experience like royalty.”
Other commentators observed that Colours of Cross River has become a vital platform for promoting the state’s heritage beyond the widely celebrated Carnival Calabar, because it complements government efforts while remaining a citizen-driven initiative funded and supported by passionate individuals.
Visitors were encouraged to attend and experience the vibrancy, history, and artistry that define Cross River State. As Nyong puts it, “This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to feel the excitement and live like royalty, celebrating the colours of our heritage.”
