17/07/2025
The River That Refused to Flow
Long ago, in the village of Ikot Enen, there flowed a mighty river called Idim Enen. Idim Enen was the pride of the people — it gave fish, quenched thirst, and sang lullabies at night. But one day, the river suddenly stopped flowing.
No rain fell for months. The crops withered, the market was empty, and even the palm wine turned sour. The elders, worried and confused, gathered and sent word to the Oracle of ikot enen, asking:
“Why has the river betrayed us?”
The Oracle responded:
“The river hears your quarrels. You have traded unity for pride. Until you remember who you are, the river will sleep.”
So, the villagers put aside their grudges. Hunters shared meat, farmers shared yams, and children stopped mocking those who spoke with stammers or wore torn wrappers. The village came alive once more — not because of rain, but because of joy, laughter, music, and shared plates of Afang, Atama, Okra soups and fufu.
Then one morning, a child named Nsikak ran to the riverbank and saw something strange. He rushed back into the village shouting,
“Mama! Idim Enen is running again!”
Everyone gathered, watching in awe as the river rippled back to life. Fish jumped, crabs crawled, seaweeds bloomed, and even the frogs sang like a thousand-man choir.
From that day, having realized their mistakes, the people of Ikot Enen made a vow — to live in peace, build their community, and love one another.
And they all agreed:
“Even a river won’t flow if the hearts beside it are dry.”
This story is a reminder to Akwa Ibom people about the power of peace, togetherness, and unity.
Yak Akwa Ibom ema idem ke this generation.
