The 2025 Calabar Day celebration in London has reaffirmed the role of cultural diplomacy in uniting Nigerians abroad and strengthening ties with communities back home.

Held on Saturday, August 16, at the Amber Suite, The Hive, the event brought together Efik indigenes, their Akwa Ibom neighbours, and friends from across Europe, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom. It was jointly organized by the Calabar Union, Calabar Forum, and the Calabar Women Organization in the UK.

Prominent dignitaries, including Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr., Senator Gershom Bassey, Senator Ewa Henshaw, Etiyin Asuquo Ekpenyong Snr. (OON), and Chief Charles Ukoette, attended the gathering, underscoring the political and cultural significance of diaspora engagement.

In their addresses, leaders of the organizing bodies urged stronger collaboration between Cross River and Akwa Ibom indigenes abroad and their counterparts at home. They emphasized unity, peace, and a collective voice for the two states.

Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Engr. Mkpang Coco-Bassey, described the celebration as a bridge between culture and community development. “We must continue to work together and speak in one voice to support our communities and preserve our shared heritage,” he said.

The event featured traditional Efik dances, live music, and authentic delicacies, offering guests a taste of home while celebrating cultural pride. Organizers also announced that preparations for the 2026 edition have already begun, with plans for an even larger and more inclusive gathering.

The success of this year’s Calabar Day, participants noted, reflects the growing influence of diaspora cultural events in fostering unity, preserving traditions, and deepening ties between Nigeria and its global communities.