Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio Deepens Global Reach, Launches New Chapters in Canada, USA

Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio Deepens Global Reach, Launches New Chapters in Canada, USA

By Our Reporter

As part of its continued efforts to strengthen cultural diplomacy and deepen global presence, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI), Nigeria’s foremost socio-cultural organisation of the Ibibio ethnic nationality, has recorded a major milestone with the establishment of new chapters in Toronto and Calgary in Canada, as well as Connecticut in the United States of America.

The expansion, which further consolidates the Mboho’s presence across four continents, was formally marked at its 2025 International Convention, held in the city of Toronto, Canada.

The week-long event attracted dignitaries, members of the Nigerian diaspora, cultural stakeholders, and friends of the Ibibio nation from across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Nigeria.

Leading the Mboho delegation was its International President, Akparawa James Edet, NPOM, who described the global expansion as “a historic affirmation of the Mboho’s mandate to unite, preserve, and promote the cultural values of the Ibibio people wherever they may reside.”

He added that the Mboho’s expansion in North America was not only strategic but also timely, given the growing number of young professionals and families of Ibibio descent now residing abroad.

As part of the official engagements in Canada, the Mboho’s helmsman, Akparawa Edet, led the organisation’s leadership on a courtesy visit to the Mayor of Brampton, His Worship, Patrick Brown.

During the visit, the Mayor received the delegation warmly and called for deeper partnership between Canada and Nigeria, especially in areas of mutual interest such as public safety, education, trade, and community development. He cited the recent donation of two fire trucks from the Brampton City Council to Nigeria as an example of practical goodwill and expressed readiness to strengthen bilateral engagements with Nigerian cities and communities.

Mayor Brown presented Certificates of Recognition to Akparawa Edet and other officials, in acknowledgment of their contributions to cultural enrichment and community building in the city.

Responding, the International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa James Edet expressed appreciation to the Mayor and acknowledged the growing ties between both countries. He also used the opportunity to highlight the enormous investment potentials in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, noting the investor-friendly environment and visible transformation being spearheaded by the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD.

The Mboho International President emphasised that under Governor Eno’s leadership, Akwa Ibom has become a hub of infrastructural growth, economic diversification, tourism, and peace—making it ripe for international partnerships and diaspora-driven investments.

In a symbolic gesture of cultural exchange, Akparawa Edet presented Mayor Brown with traditional Ibibio artefacts, reflecting the cultural depth and historical richness of the Ibibio people. The exchange was described as “a diplomatic gesture that not only celebrated diversity but also highlighted the role of cultural organisations in promoting international goodwill.”

The high point of the Convention came on Saturday evening with a grand induction and gala night, which featured the formal inauguration of the Toronto and Calgary Chapters, as well as the induction of new members into the Mboho family.

The ceremony was attended by Hon. Ruby Sahota, Member of Parliament for Brampton North, who commended the Ibibio people for their organisational discipline and rich heritage. She described Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio as “a shining example of cultural continuity in the diaspora” and presented Certificates of Parliamentary Recognition to Akparawa Edet and other senior members of the organisation.

Hon. Sahota was also honoured with Ibibio cultural items in appreciation of her support and in recognition of her inclusive representation.

The Toronto gala featured a rich display of Ibibio traditional music, dance, poetry, and folklore, drawing emotional applause from guests and reinforcing the organisation’s standing as a custodian of authentic Ibibio culture.

Following its Canadian engagements, the Mboho delegation proceeded to the United States, where it formally inaugurated a new chapter in Connecticut, thus extending its North American footprint and bringing the total number of chapters in the United States to eleven. The ceremony was attended by members of the Nigerian community, traditional leaders in the diaspora, and cultural enthusiasts, all of whom lauded the Mboho’s leadership for its consistency in upholding the values of unity, discipline, and selfless service.

Highlights of the U.S. engagement included a lively novelty football match between Mboho members from the East Coast and West Coast chapters of the United States, during which the International President, Akparawa Edet, took the symbolic kickoff to the delight of spectators. The delegation also visited the New England Air Museum—an educational and historical experience that further reinforced MMI’s embrace of global exposure and intercultural learning.

A spiritually moving Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated for the Mboho by Rev. Fr. (Akparawa) Patrick Udotai, a member from London Chapter of the Mboho, and Rev. Fr. Ernest Udoh, an Ibibio priest based in the United States. The Mass brought members together in solemn gratitude and reaffirmation of faith.

An Ibibio Town Hall Meeting was convened to discuss diaspora development priorities, leadership, the state of the Ibibio nation and identity, as well as national and global impact. The U.S. converge climaxed in a grand gala night, which featured the formal inauguration of the Connecticut Chapter, induction of new members, and a fundraising session in support of the Mboho Unity Schools project in Idu Uruan, Akwa Ibom State.
The gala combined elegance and purpose, echoing the organisation’s twin commitments to cultural celebration and human capital development.

Speaking at the event, the Mboho’s global leader, Akparawa James Edet reiterated that the organisation remains committed to “building a global network of culturally grounded leaders who will carry forward the vision of Mboho’s founding fathers.”

With seventy-three active chapters now operating across Africa, the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio has continued to assert its role as a leading force in the preservation and promotion of Ibibio identity and heritage.

Observers have described the organisation’s global strategy as a model for other ethnic and cultural groups seeking to balance modern relevance with traditional pride.

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Onome Naomi

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