Ex-NNPC director’s book sparks fresh calls to reclaim Bakassi

A recent book by Efiong Akan, a former Group Executive Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has spurred renewed discussions and calls for Nigeria to reclaim the Bakassi Peninsula. The book, titled "Uruan: The Iboku People of the Geographical South Eastern Nigeria and Their Bakassi Economic Zone," was presented in Lagos, evolving into a broader conversation about cultural identity, heritage preservation, and the historical ties between the Uruan people and Bakassi.

The Bakassi Peninsula, a territory rich in oil and located in the Gulf of Guinea, was officially transferred from Nigeria to Cameroon in 2008. This transfer followed a 2002 International Court of Justice ruling and the 2006 Greentree Agreement. The public presentation of Akan's book attracted scholars, business leaders, former public office holders, and cultural enthusiasts, emphasizing the historical and geopolitical significance of the Uruan people.

Akan urged legal experts and leaders from Akwa Ibom State to support efforts to reclaim Bakassi, asserting that the territory is an integral part of the Uruan people's heritage. He stressed the importance of preserving the culture and traditions of the Uruan people and safeguarding their ancestral lands, stating the book aims to ensure future generations understand their identity and origins.

Captain Augustine Otuekong, the chairman of the event, highlighted the Uruan people's strategic importance within Akwa Ibom State and their contributions to national development. Dr. Opeyemi Agbaje, Chairman of the National Pension Commission, reviewed the book, describing it as a significant contribution to documenting the history and heritage of the Uruan and Iboku communities.

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There is a need for deliberate efforts to preserve the culture and traditions of the Uruan people and safeguard their ancestral territories. This book is not merely about recounting the past. It is about preserving our identity, protecting our heritage and ensuring that future generations understand who we are and where we come from.