INTERVIEW: "Boki is long overdue for a symbolic identity" — Asu Ben D'First, Convener of Boki Colour

 

In this conversation with Mr. Asu Ben, He speaks about about the Boki Colour Project, his inspiration, challenges and impact on the Boki people.

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Below are excerpts from the interview

Greetings sir, please can we meet you?

My name is Asu Ben Bisong popularly known as Asu Ben D'First, a native of Oku-Bushuyu in Boki, Cross River State. I'm a passionate enthusiast in socio-political and economic activism. I am also a Concept & Content Creator as well as an Educator, CEO AB Cravings Investment Ltd (ABCIL), Among other things. I am a Lecturer, an
Entrepreneur and Convener/Chief Promoter of Boki Identify Colour.

Tell us about the Boki Colour Project?

Thank you very much, It all began with a dream and then expanded into a vision. At that point, I decided to share it to as many people as I could, especially Boki folks. Remarkably, most people accepted the idea. From there, it was brought to the social media space where the majority of our Boki people brainstormed. Initially, several Colours were suggested (Yello, Green, Red, Blue, White, Brown, Black). Interestingly, some colours received popular views that informed the combination of four colours which were Green, Red, Blue and white. At this stage, a contact committee was setup drawing membership from various clans of Boki as well as notable Boki sons and daughters in Europe and America and even the Middle East.. At first, the argument was the fabric and design of Boki Colour. Knowing that this project has a cultural and historical implications, we took the conversation to the traditional institutions, we visited the Paramount Ruler of Boki Local Government Area and the Chairman Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Frediline Akandu, without hesitation, HRM gave it a thumbs up. In another occasion, the contact committee reached out to the Chairman of Boki highest socio-cultural organisation, the Ochipe Bokyi, Maj Gen Moses B. Obi (rtd) and some prominent opinion leaders like Dr Pius Tawo, Col. Nyaim, Hon Cletus Obun etc Although, we have not stopped in our consultation and receiving inputs from other different critical stakeholders in the process.

Fast forward to the launch of the colours, our attention was drawn to further consult widely hence, the reduction in the number colours from four to three. Reasons being that, we need to have sharp, conspicuous and unique colours as well as a different design to depict the yearning and aspiration of Boki cultural identity. Anyway, by the grace of God, we are in an advanced stage of the work. You know nothing good comes easy considering the republican nature of our people.

What inspired you to take on this project?

Apart from Bokyi language, food, our vegetation cover, our dances and our mode of traditional belief, nothing else is more recognizable that shows our uniqueness. This informs the compelling reason for the Boki Colour  dream. Remember that Boki people are proud, resilient, industrious and pathfinders among other ethnic nationalities. Our story has traversed the social, economic and political landscape of Nigeria and the world at large. Upon our historical and geographical advantage, we have not given ourselves a sharp identifiable unique colour(s) associates with us hence this concerted efforts.

Do you think Boki people are ready for a unique identity?

Absolutely yes! Infact, this is evident when you see us showcasing ourselves with different attires and flaunt colours of ethnic groups in order to stand out. The time has come. The truth is that Boki is long overdue for a symbolic identity in colours. Remember, Boki people are fashion freaks and the most dressed ethnic nationality in Cross River State only next to Efik. Honestly, we are amazing people.

How long have you had this dream?

The truth is, I have always dreamt of making a difference in life and society. Specifically, the Boki Colour dream began in 2018, about five years now.

And I think that this dream has become a vision. I really want to thank God for the inspiration.

Any Challenges?

Let me say again in the offing time, that we Boki people are republican in nature and highly educated but particularly we are critical thinkers. So, dealing with such people, you should expect the good, the bad and the ugly.
Yeah! To get the majority of the people buying into this kind of project takes a whole lot. But however, with determination, courage and precision of purpose there's light at the end of the tunnel.

Consequently, funding plays a huge role in the execution of such a project. Since we wanedt to be ap-political, most of the resources have to come from you. The moment you hand it over to smart politicians or desperate individuals, you lose the essence of the project. We have learned to work with people from every divide because this is collective responsibility. It's called Boki Colour and it has to emanate from the Boki people in order to stand the test of time. I encourage well meaning Boki persons to join efforts with us to forge a new identity rather than opposing the agenda. Indeed, it's a noble course to invest in the preservation of our cultural heritage. Fortunately, some folks are brandishing Boki Colour in social media and thereby undermining the efforts we have put in for the project. And that's unfair. It takes one man's dream per time, and it takes the people to support the dream for the good of all irrespective of who is the dreamer so long as it is a good dream.

How do you intend to get the Boki People to accept this initiative?

Well, in a given society, not all of the people will accept an idea or concept but the good news is that Boki Colour enjoys overwhelming support and acceptability.
And again, I discovered that such a concept MUST undergo different layers of consultation and acceptability. So, the Boki traditional Ruler's Council and Boki apex body Ochipe Boki have endorsed it and we are waiting for the actual launch. I am aware some individuals are trying to cut corners by adopting our work and producing it without our consent which is terrible to say the least. Against all ought, we started the process, now it has become a free for all fight.

What areas do you need support?

Already, some notable Boki sons and daughters at home and diaspora have volunteered to support the project apart from the moral contributions. Meanwhile, a whole lot needs to be done in terms of funding the fabric designs, production, publicity and so on. Let me use this opportunity to call on good hearted Boki people to wade into this project in order to prosecute an onerous task.

Do you work alone? Or you have a team?

Interesting question. Right from the inception of this project, we have constantly worked in synergy with people whose level of commitment and sense of patriotism were very high. I always ensure that all the parts of Boki are represented in each committee. In our committee,  women and young people always take the front burner. So, everyone is needed on board because of this people centered initiative. Both traditional institutions, youths forum women organizations and other critical stakeholders are involved. As far as we are concerned, we like to carry everybody along.

What are your final thoughts?

I just want to thank God for the inspiration and the tenacity this far. We pray that before the next Boki New Yam Festival, we are in the final phase of the project.
Once again, I wish to call all my dear Boki folks who are rather trying to undermine our concerted efforts since the ideation of the Boki Colour Project.

In conclusion, I also want to appreciate all the members of this project. All thanks to HRM the Paramount Ruler of Boki Local Government Area, Fradiline Akandu and the Chairman of Ochipe Boki Maj. Moses Obi for their moral support. God bless you for your time.


Thank You