In a heartfelt appeal, Obonganwan Marie-Ikpeme, the Erete Aruk-II, a respected female traditional ruler from the Eyong Abatim community in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, has championed the promotion of indigenous products, particularly cotton materials for clothing, as a pathway to national prosperity.
Queen Obaongawan shared her insights during an interactive session with journalists on Tuesday in Calabar, where she unveiled her dedicated efforts to revive and celebrate the Efik culture.
With genuine passion, Erete urged Nigerians to cherish their heritage and support local industries, affirming her unwavering commitment to promoting the Efik culture.
She said, “Nigerians should join hands to promote our local products. For me, I have been making efforts in promoting the Efik Culture, home and in diaspora.”
“All of us must put efforts and energy to promote our rich cultural heritage and identity. We must not allow our culture, values and traditions to go extinct”, she explained.
“Our cotton materials are far cooler for this sort of heat. We need to support our own”, she added.
“We can succeed much, much better if we work as a team than to work individually,” she noted.
“You need to teach your children to value what they have, protect it, and promote it.”
“By promoting our products, they will get better, and it will enrich the country.”
