Events

Events

Empowering Abonnema Since 2004: Through Community Events

Since our establishment in 2004, we have successfully organized several events that have created a significant impact on the lives of the Abonnema people. Moving forward, we shall continue to organize other events with the intent of advancing the educational, cultural, social, scientific/technological, economic, and healthy well-being of the Abonnema community.

Our Masquerade

The Kalabari Abonnema masquerade performance is an old tradition steeped in religious doctrine and spiritual beliefs. Members of the Kalabari Abonnema perform a masquerade dance to mark special ceremonies and also to signify the beginning of an event in Kalabari kingdom.

It is important to share the history between the origin of the masquerade and the Kalabari people. The masquerade custom is said to have originated from a woman who witnessed water spirits dancing next to a river. As she approached the water alone, the spirits revealed themselves to her, intentionally presenting her with their methodical choreography. She returned back to her village and told the heads of the village what she saw, and the tradition of the masquerade dance began in the Kalabari kingdom.

The Gathering

For Community Goodwill and Action

Annually, members and supporters convene from around the globe for the singular purpose of mobilizing resources to improve the lives of the Abonnema people. We review scorecard for the past year and generate new ideas through dialogue and debate and this has become the inspiration to do more for the years ahead.

Driven by the spirit of our ancestors, need and the sacred desire to build a lasting legacy, we possess an unwavering passion to better the lives of our people and thus, pledge to make a difference.

An integral part of the annual convention is the fund raising gala on Saturday, September 1st, at 7:00 pm. During the gala – there will be a Kalabari masquerade display and the Iria dance. This occasion highlights the richness, grace, and the exquisite cultural heritage of the Abonnema/Kalabari people.

The annual convention is the primary venue for fundraising, therefore, its success is intrinsically tied to the Foundation’s ability to execute projects.

As you join us to celebrate, we call on you to donate generously to the cause.

Abonnema – A town on the Sombreiro River (an outlet of the Niger) was founded about 1882