With the upcoming hosting of IPADA INITIATIVES CELEBRATIONS 2025 in Lagos, come November 28th to December 7th, travel and tourism in Nigeria, West Africa and Africa, will never be the same again. Thanks to the Founder of the project, Tourism icon, Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye and Motherland Beckons Limited.
The global shift is definitely going to affect the inbound and outbound of tourism, as global attention focuses on the venue of IPADA INITIATIVES CELEBRATIONS, the 65 acres La Campagne Tropicana Forest River And Beach Resort; grabbing total attention, with the re-location and unveiling of the Calabar - Efik traditional maiden ceremony, popularly known as the Fattening Room, to tourists from all over the world.
• Tourism Icon, Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye, Founder, IPADA INITIATIVES and IPADA INITIATIVES CELEBRATIONS[/caption]
The making of the Efik bride, unveiling tradition and culture is a major part of IPADA INITIATIVES CELEBRATIONS 2025. Tourists from around the world, never had it so good.
All the way from her Kingdom in Eniong Abatim in Odukpani local government area of Cross River State, Her Majesty, Queen Aruk 11, Obongawan Barrister Marie Ikpeme Erete has obliged IPADA INITIATIVES CELEBRATIONS the grand opportunity of the Grand Assemblage of over 100 Cultural repertoire from her Kingdom, comprising the Efik Cultural Toupe, dancers, singers and young maidens along with Princesses who will bring the epic Fattening Room to a Live Showcase, at 2025 IPADA INITIATIVES CELEBRATIONS at La Campagne Tropicana Forest River And Beach Resort.
For those who are not familiar with this Calabar tradition, the Efik maiden "Fattening Room" (Nkugho) tradition, is a pre-nuptial period where a maiden is secluded and pampered to be prepared for marriage and womanhood. During this time, she receives ample food, massages, and beauty treatments, while also being educated by elderly women on domestic arts, respect for her husband, and other skills needed for marriage."
• Her Majesty, Queen Aruk 11, Obongawan Barrister Marie Ikpeme Erete[/caption]
This African culture is historic! And goes a long way to show that Africans have a unique marriage formula which is glamorised and embedded in the culture of the Efik people of Nigeria.
The significance of the Efik Fattening Room is important for a marriage to be successful. Marriages are the cultural pillars of the Efik society, and preparation for it, comes with ceremonial rites packed into an experience of a Fattening Room.
Let's break it down a little more here: A young lady ready for marriage is secluded, prepared for marriage by making her physically plump (a sign of health and wealth) and teaching her the skills and etiquette of womanhood.
At IPADA INITIATIVES CELEBRATIONS this year, the Fattening Rooms where the young maidens are usually kept will be showcased for the very first time in history, outside the cultural environment of the EFIKs. This is a great opportunity, for you to come and behold history!
At the celebrations starting November 28th to December 7th, you will have the opportunity of a sneak preview of the cultural grooming process of the young maidens and Princesses in the Fattening Rooms. The rich diet to gain weight, the beauty and skincare, the massage process and you can see and learn about the special natural herbs to enhance maidens skin, which makes them glow.
For young ladies ready for marriage, the Fattening Room is a finishing school. Here the maiden has the opportunity of learning from experienced elderly women about domestic management, how to care for her husband, and special Efik dance steps.
At IPADA INITIATIVES CELEBRATIONS this year, you will be able to witness a real life "Coming Out" Ceremony" of a young Efik maiden or Princess at the end of a seclusion, and the elaborate colourful ceremony and costumes that it entails.
Come and witness the colourful marriage proposal, the marital engagement ceremony, the dance steps, the joy of the bride and colourful historic photographs.
It is African Tourism at it's best!
IPADA INITIATIVES CELEBRATIONS, the return of people of African descent from the Diaspora along with Lovers and friends of Africa, to La Campagne Tropicana Forest River And Beach Resort, Lagos, Nigeria.
* Paul Ukpabio is Nigeria’s Tourism Writer Of The Year Award Winner 2023
* Paul Ukpabio is Nigeria’s Society Writer Of The Year Award Winner 2013
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