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Top 10 Notable Efik People: Well-Known Individuals

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The Efik ethnic group is largely concentrated in the southeastern region of Nigeria, specifically in Cross River State, Akwa Ibom State, and parts of Cameroon. Known for their rich heritage, art, and cultural practices, the Efik people have produced several notable celebrities and prominent individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields. Here are 10 popular celebrities and notable people from the Efik ethnicity:

  • 1. Ini Edo: A renowned Nollywood actress, Ini Edo is of Efik descent and has starred in numerous blockbuster movies both in Nigeria and internationally.
  • 2. Donald Duke: A former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke is recognized for his progressive leadership and role in transforming Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State, into a major tourism hub.
  • 3. Kate Henshaw: Another prominent Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw, hails from the Efik ethnic group. She has won several awards for her outstanding performances in movies.
  • 4. Nse Ikpe-Etim: Known for her exceptional acting skills, Nse Ikpe-Etim is an accomplished Nollywood actress of Efik heritage. She has received critical acclaim for her roles in various movies.
  • 5. Orok Duke: A renowned sculptor and artist, Orok Duke is celebrated for his exceptional works that depict Efik culture and history. His sculptures can be found both locally and internationally.
  • 6. Ibinabo Fiberesima: An actress and former beauty queen, Ibinabo Fiberesima is of Efik descent. She is known for her roles in Nollywood movies and her leadership position in the Actors Guild of Nigeria.
  • 7. Ekpeyong Bassey Inyang: A notable politician, Ekpeyong Bassey Inyang served as the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs in Nigeria. He has played a significant role in national governance and development.
  • 8. Aniedi Okon: A renowned journalist and media personality, Aniedi Okon has made significant contributions to the media industry in Nigeria. He has worked with major television stations and is currently the Senior Assistant Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
  • 9. Uti Nwachukwu: A prominent television presenter, actor, and model, Uti Nwachukwu gained popularity after emerging as the winner of Big Brother Africa Season 5. He has since gone on to have a successful career in the entertainment industry.
  • 10. Ime Bishop Umoh: Popularly known as Okon Lagos, Ime Bishop Umoh is a well-known comedian and actor from the Efik ethnic group. He has become a household name in Nigeria due to his unique comic style.

The Efik ethnic group is undoubtedly blessed with talented individuals who have excelled in various fields, including entertainment, politics, art, and more. These celebrities and notable people from the Efik ethnicity have not only raised the bar in their respective fields but have also contributed to the promotion of Efik culture and heritage.

Mary Mitchell Slessor (2 December 1848 – 13 January 1915) was a Scottish Presbyterian missionary to Nigeria. Once in Nigeria, Slessor learned Efik, one of the numerous local languages, then began teaching. Because of her understanding of the native language and her bold personality Slessor gained the trust and acceptance of the locals and was able to spread Christianity while promoting women's rights and protecting native children. She is most famous for her role in helping to stop the common practice of infanticide of twins in Okoyong, an area of Cross River State, Nigeria.

Most Famous Efik People

Efik’s Three Pinnacle Historical Inheritances

The Efik community is an ethnic group in Nigeria, primarily found in the Cross River State. They are known for their rich cultural heritage and traditions that have been passed down through generations. The Efik people have played a significant role in the history of Nigeria and have left behind several historical inheritances that are still celebrated today.

1. Calabar Carnival

One of the most well-known historical inheritances of the Efik heritage is the Calabar Carnival. This annual event is celebrated in the city of Calabar and attracts tourists from all over the world. The carnival is a vibrant showcase of Efik culture, featuring elaborate costumes, music, dance, and street parades. It is a celebration of the Efik people’s rich history and traditions and has become one of Nigeria’s biggest cultural events.

2. Ekpe Society

The Ekpe Society is a traditional secret society that is deeply rooted in Efik culture. It is a social and religious organization that plays an important role in the community. The society is responsible for the initiation and training of young men, as well as the preservation of cultural practices and customs. The Ekpe Society is known for its masquerades, rituals, and strict code of conduct. It continues to be an integral part of Efik identity and heritage.

3. Use of Efik Language

The Efik language is a major historical inheritance of the Efik community. It is a Niger-Congo language, part of the Benue-Congo branch. The language is known for its unique tonal system and is spoken by the majority of the Efik people. Efforts have been made to preserve and promote the use of the Efik language, with educational initiatives and cultural organizations dedicated to its preservation. The Efik language is an essential part of the community’s cultural heritage and identity.

List of Historical Inheritances:

  • Calabar Carnival
  • Ekpe Society
  • Use of Efik Language

Factsheet About Efik People

Population 2,000,000
Region Cross River State, Nigeria
Language Efik
Religion Christianity, Traditional African Religion
Major Cities Calabar, Akpabuyo, Uruan, Odukpani
Traditional Occupation Fishing, Farming, Trading
Notable Festivals Ekpe, Nkanda, Leboku, Nkangala
The Efik are an ethnic group located primarily in southern Nigeria, and western Cameroon. Within Nigeria, the Efik can be found in the present-day Cross River State and Akwa Ibom state. The Efik speak the Efik language which is a member of the Benue–Congo subfamily of the Niger-Congo language group. The Efik refer to themselves as Efik Eburutu, Ifa Ibom, Eburutu and Iboku.The name Efik first appears in historical literature in the nineteenth century. The most popular historical accounts of Efik migration attest a movement from Ibom in Arochukwu to Uruan and from Uruan to numerous settlements along the lower Cross river. The bulk of the Efik can be found in Calabar. Prior to 1905, Old Calabar was a term used to describe the Efik settlements of Duke Town, Creek Town, Old town, Cobham town, Henshaw town, Adiabo and Mbiabo (consisting of Mbiabo edere, Mbiabo Ikot Offiong and Mbiabo Ikoneto). The Efik have also been referred to as "Calabar people" in historical literature. The term "Calabar people" was particularly popular prior to the nineteenth century and was synonymous to the Efik.Efik society consists of various clans which were originally known as "Esien Efik itiaba" (English: Seven clans of Efik) and later known in the 21st century as "Esien Efik Duopeba" (English: Twelve clans of Efik). The original seven clans are scattered between Cross River state and Akwa Ibom state and consist of Iboku (Duke town, Henshaw town, Creek town and Cobham town), Obutong, Adiabo, Mbiabo (Mbiabo Edere, Mbiabo Ikot Offiong, Mbiabo Ikoneto), Enwang, Usukakpa and Abayen. The last three clans had greatly dwindled in number and many of their members are believed to have been miscegenated into other Efik clans. Ibonda (an Efut clan) has sometimes been appended to Adiabo as one of the seven Efik clans. The bulk of the Enwang and Usukakpa are located in the present-day Akwa Ibom state. Modern Efik society is a melting pot of people of diverse origin. Due to the rise of Calabar as a commercial centre since the 18th century, Efik settlements experienced a high rate of inward migration consisting of Sierra Leoneans, Lebanese, Cameroonians, Jamaicans and several other communities. Children of Efik maternal descent are still regarded as Efik and have contributed to the development of the Efik society. Due to the volume of cultural exchange, many other ethnic groups have often been regarded as being one with the Efik such as Kiong and Efut.The Efik were noted for their involvement in the slave trade where they acted as slave traders and middlemen between the inland slave traders and the Europeans. After the decline of the slave trade, the Efik transitioned into the business of exporting palm oil from the Cross river. Other trading items sold by the Efik included rubber, ivory, barwood and redwood. Throughout the centuries, Efik traders traded with the Portuguese, Dutch, English and French.Etymology The name "Efik" translates to "Oppressors" and is derived from the Efik-Ibibio verb root "Fik" (English: Oppress). The first letter of the word is correctly written as "Ẹ" and denotes plurality. Several theories have been propounded on the origin of the word. One theory propounded by Okon and Nkpanam Ekereke asserts that the term "Efuk" was a word of defiance and an expression used by the Ibibio man when in a fit of rage. Ekereke and Ekereke further assert that the word was later changed to "Efik". This theory appears to be isolated as other Ibibio writers do not narrate that such terms were used by the Ibibio. Another theory which is narrated by Forde and Jones states that the name "Efik" translates to "Tyrants" or "He who oppresses" and was the name of which the Efik called themselves after they had settled at Creek town.

The Ancient Heritage of Efik Ethnic Groups

References to the Efik Ethnic Group

The Efik ethnic group is a minority ethnic group that resides primarily in the Cross River State of Nigeria. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, which includes a unique language, traditional ceremonies, and vibrant festivals. If you are interested in learning more about the Efik ethnic group, there are several resources and references you can explore:

These resources provide valuable insights into the history, traditions, and cultural practices of the Efik people. Whether you prefer reading books, exploring online articles, or watching videos, they offer various avenues to delve deeper into the fascinating world of the Efik ethnic group.

Explore other famous people with Assiniboine, Bazigar and Bengalis roots, showcasing the diversity of ethnic backgrounds. Investigating influential individuals with diverse ethnic backgrounds tied to these Efik origins unveils the interwoven tapestry of global cultures and their impactful contributions to the world.

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