No fewer than 300 black nationals from the Caribbean are preparing to formalise their ties with Cross River State by becoming officially recognised indigenes.
Arrival from Barbados to Calabar
According to the Chairman of the Cross River Diaspora Commission, Prince Otu Okor, the group will travel from Barbados to Lagos before heading to Calabar for the exercise.
State Government to Host Grand Reception
Okor revealed that the visitors will be received with a grand ceremony in Calabar.
He explained that these individuals are descendants who lost touch with their ancestral roots and are eager to reconnect by identifying with Nigeria, particularly Cross River State.
Tourism and Cultural Heritage as Key Attractions
The commission chairman noted that the visitors were drawn by the state’s rich tourism appeal and cultural heritage.
They will spend 11 days in Cross River, where they will undergo documentation before proceeding to Lagos for further engagement with the Igbo community.
Traditional Induction Across Senatorial Districts
Okor confirmed that the state government will conduct official traditional induction ceremonies for the visitors across all three senatorial districts.
This will formally integrate them into the local traditional institutions.
Education and Cultural Exchange Programmes
The Diaspora Commission also announced plans for academic and cultural exchange between Cross River and Caribbean nations.
Students from the Caribbean will have opportunities to study in Nigerian universities, while Nigerian students will also be admitted to schools in the Caribbean.