Ikot ekpene is a local government located in akwa ibom state in Nigeria. It is home for rafia making.
Rafia is used to form objects that can be used to decorate places, store things and serve things. Objects such as this
How ever, this craft has been abandoned by the state government and the federal government of Nigeria.
The benefit of promoting rafia making are numerious some of it are:
1- means of preserving history. From the time of the cave men fossils of rafia products were found, it has been the means of preserving history and transfer of information before the invention of paper or internet.
2- means of expressing whats is on the mind in a creative manner. The mind they say is a ware house. rafia gives the opportunity to express what is on the mind, and encourage creativity
3- commerce. Sales of it generates revenue for the artist. Many families live on the proceed of rafia. Invariably a means of Employment
4- it is used as decoration. Men of all ranks and files make use of rafia products to beautify their homes. in fact, it is luxurious and ostentatious as it symbolises rich cultural heritage
5- it is useful in generating foreign exchange. Many tourists travel to the heart of Africa to learn the skill of rafia makingmade thus generates revenue for the visited country.
The important of rafia cannot be over emphasised . Bring back our Rafia heritage.
I hereby use this medium to call on the government of Nigeria and other international bodie to come and support rafia making in ikot ekpene, akwa ibom state in Nigeria
