CULTURE: PICTORIALS OF TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE OF THE SON OF FIRST FAMILY IN CALABAR
ON Thursday, October 6, 2025, the ancient city of Calabar attracted dignitaries form alm walks of life to witness the traditional marital vow of the son of First Family of the State, Mr Francis Edem Bassey, with her heartthrob, Miss Sylvia Ekpenyong Oku Ita.
The marriage, described as "Royal Traditional Marriage".was held at the Hope Waddell Training Institution in Calabar with His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, the Obong of Calabar, Treaty King, Defender of the Faith, and Grand Patriarch of the Efik Kingdom in attendance to add a touch of royal elegance to the event.
Present also at the colourful ceremony include the Governor of Cross River State, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and his dear wife, Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River North Senatorial District, the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Peter Odey, and the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Enor, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Emmanuel Ironbar, serving and former members of the National Assembly, State Lawmakers, Commissioners, council chairmen, and other political appointees.
Other notable personalities include APC State Chairman, Bar. Alphonsus Eba, Bar Chris Agata, Chief Igbe Aruku, Chief Timmy Tom, Hon Mike Usibe, Chief Thomas Odu, Mr John Asu and Royjones Akpak, traditional rulers, senior government officials and other distinguished guests.
