The cocktail of stories in this book vividly reflects the socio-economic and cultural antecedents of the Akwa-Cross region. The depth and breadth of the stories and their multi- flavoured rendition jointly make the book unputdownable.

Ray Ekpu, Newswatch

Just when we - African historians - thought we had exhausted our understanding of the continent, this didactic, profound and refreshing discourse edited by Dr. Unwana Samuel Akpan surfaces. A highly original, fascinating book, Akwa-Cross People of Nigeria: History, Heritage, and Culture is an authoritative historical analysis of the histories, cultures and traditions of Akwa-Cross people. Not only does it thoroughly examine the active and dynamic socio-cultural ideations of the region, and their involvement in shaping their communities, but it also provides a new window into the diverse historical and cultural experiences of the peoples of the two neighbouring and sister-states of Akwa Ibom and Cross River, known here simply as Akwa-Cross people. This seminal book appears to me as an academic track that has come to stay, because it would open up multidisciplinary streams of studies in African scholarship. This is one of the most comprehensive and significant books on Akwa-Cross in the contemporary era. The editor’s success in assembling leading scholars to produce this excellent volume makes this book not only timely, but the in-depth/rigorous analyses of the chapters on the critical cultural areas of Akwa-Cross also make this work outstanding.

Sandy Ojang Onor, Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

A must read. This is an important history of Akwa-Cross people and Nigeria. Calabar, an important city of the Akwa-Cross people, was a key city for Africans as far back as the seventeenth century when it served as a trading center linking Europeans with Africans. This book reminds us of the importance of that status and much more. The scope is wide, addressing myriad issues and reminds us of the critical role of Akwa-Cross in Nigeria and beyond. No other compilation is as important and compelling as this work.

Chuka Onwumechili, Howard University

This book is a veritable ethnographic humdinger and a cut above its peers! It presents a riveting tapestry of luscious anecdotes to celebrate a sophisticated indigenous people whose regenerative energy catalyzes Nigeria’s march to greatness. The style is lucid, witty, lighthearted but not demotic.

Fred A. Amadi, Rivers State University