Like other African community, the Annang people, or the whole of Annang community in Akwa Ibom State place a high expectation on the Ekpo festival. The Ekpo festival was considered as the link between the living and the ancestors, the Ekpo festival is the time where the ancestral spirits in the structure of Ekpo masqueraders seem public to confirm the people ordered pattern of life of the Annang people.

The symbolism of Ekpo masquerade festival goes more than a mere celebration; they’re the initiators of high-quality governance in Annang land a long time ago.

THE HISTORY OF EKPO FESTIVAL IN ANNANG COMMUNITY
The idea of Ekpo was to produce high-quality governance that excels human being, however, expected to return from the ancestors and established by the founders of Annang tribe. it’s also to indicate that the deities, particularly the ancestors, rule even after their death, it’s a form of respect for the ancestors that provided the system of governance in Annang culture. Ekpo culture thus is predominantly all-male affair. solely the male provided leadership, this brought in some level of patriarchy. The males rule, however, didn’t mean that they didn’t offer an area to the ladies in the group.

The Ekpo was primarily to confirm that smart life was obtainable to all. And virtually every child in Annang community was forced to be a member. Ekpo group begins to induct young youngsters from above the age of 6 and 7. this is as a result of school that taught the youth the core values which may assist them to produce quality leadership in the community. they’re but in numerous grades.
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