Calabar was the final stop of the Expressions Again tour. It took place just after the rejuvenating stop at the Obudu Ranch.
The theme for Calabar was the Ekpe Festival. Ekpe is a festival of the Efik and Ibibio peoples of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states of Nigeria. The Ekpe is a masquerade, symbolising a mysterious spirit who is said to live in the jungle and to preside at the ceremonies of messengers of the ancestors (Ikan). Society economics is based on paying tributes to the village ancestors which is what the Ekpe festival entails. Only males can join, initiation taking place at puberty with members bound by an oath of secrecy. Modern ceremonies are full of culture and colour, reminding all present of the meaning and significance of Ekpe.
This culture was expressed by children in their creative writing work. The workshops and exhibition took place at the ultra modern Nollywood Studios in Tinapa. The children were first taken on a tour of the famous Marina and Slave History Museum before being shown round the Tinapa complex. Afterwards, an inspiring children’s drama workshop and creative arts exhibition took place, creating a befitting finale to the tour.
