By Jimoh Babatunde
LAGOS — Renowned economist and former Group Executive Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Efiong D. Akan, has called for renewed efforts to preserve the cultural heritage, identity and ancestral territories of the Uruan people with the unveiling of his new book, Uruan: The Iboku People of the Geographical South Eastern Nigeria and Their Bakassi Economic Zone.

The book was presented at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, before an audience of scholars, business leaders, cultural enthusiasts and prominent Nigerians, turning the event into a wider conversation on heritage preservation and the future of indigenous communities.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the occasion, Captain Augustine Okon Otuekong, described the Uruan people as a historically significant ethnic group in Akwa Ibom State whose contributions to state and national development have remained substantial.

According to him, while Uruan’s proximity to Uyo, the state capital, often shapes perceptions of its importance, the community’s true identity is rooted in its language, customs, values and cultural heritage.
Otuekong also commended former Group Managing Director of UAC Foods, Mr. Larry Ettah, for his efforts in promoting the values and achievements of the Uruan people on national platforms.

Reviewing the book, Chairman of the National Pension Commission, Sir (Dr.) Opeyemi Olukayode Agbaje, described the publication as a significant contribution to the documentation of indigenous history and identity. He noted that preserving local histories and traditions remains essential to strengthening national cohesion and cultural consciousness.

Agbaje also paid tribute to Ettah, describing him as a distinguished ambassador of the Iboku people within Nigeria’s corporate landscape.

The event featured cultural performances that highlighted the rich traditions and artistic heritage of the Uruan people, drawing applause from attendees.

Providing a second review, Rear Admiral Francis Dan Akpan Richard commended the depth of the work and highlighted additional historical perspectives contained in the publication, particularly its exploration of the origins, identity and economic significance of the Uruan people and the Bakassi region.

Among the dignitaries present was former Minister and Senator, Senator Udo Udoma, who was recognised as one of Uruan’s distinguished sons.

In his remarks, Akan thanked guests for attending the event and praised the reviewers for their detailed analyses of the book.
He stressed the importance of preserving the culture and traditions of the Uruan people while safeguarding their ancestral territories. He also appealed to legal practitioners, including Senator Udoma, to support efforts aimed at reclaiming Bakassi.

“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,” Akan said.

Responding, Senator Udoma congratulated the author on what he described as a remarkable achievement and commended his longstanding commitment to the development of Akwa Ibom State and the Uruan people.

The high point of the ceremony was the official unveiling of the book by Agbaje alongside Akan, Otuekong, Udoma, Ettah, Mr. Udeme Ufot and Rear Admiral Richard.

The event concluded with participants reaffirming the importance of preserving and promoting the history, culture and collective memory of the Uruan people as a foundation for future generations.