The city of Calabar, Cross River State, is set to host a historic gathering as the Global United Christian Congress of Africa and Diaspora (GUCCAD) brings its World Congress and Homecoming to Nigeria.
The event, which will feature an array of distinguished personalities from across the globe, is poised to strengthen cultural, spiritual, and economic ties between Africa and its diaspora.
Delegates from the Caribbean, the United States, Ghana, and other nations are expected to arrive in Calabar through a special direct flight from Barbados, the most easterly island in the Caribbean.
Among the visiting delegation are eminent business executives, award-winning gospel and secular musicians, renowned fashion and costume designers, academics, and professionals from both the public and private sectors.
According to the organizers, GUCCAD’s mission extends beyond a cultural reunion — it embodies a divine mandate to reconcile Africa’s children not only to their ancestral homeland but also to God. The Congress draws inspiration from Galatians 5:1, which states, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
“We join Her Excellency in her work and passion as Kingdom Ambassadors to push the mandate of reconciliation between God and all humanity,” a statement from the Congress noted, commending the state’s leadership for refocusing Cross River on faith-based development and for introducing the Easter Carnival as a symbol of spiritual renewal.
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The week-long event will feature a series of spiritual, cultural, and business engagements aimed at deepening the connection between Africa and its diaspora. Highlights include:
- Visits to Mas Camps and creative studios for cultural exchange and idea sharing.
- Participation in the Cross River Carnival Dry Run and tours of historic sites across the state.
- Business and Investment Forum, exploring trade and partnership opportunities between Africa and the diaspora.
- Conference on the Impact of Slavery, examining the enduring effects of the transatlantic slave trade and paths to healing.
- Banquet and Cultural Gala, showcasing African cuisine, fashion, and music.
- Mega Concert, featuring celebrated gospel and contemporary artists from the USA, Jamaica, Barbados, Ghana, and Nigeria.
- Reconciliation Service, symbolizing unity between Africa and her descendants.
- Conferment of Chieftaincy Titles and Recognition Awards on eminent sons and daughters of African descent.
- Cultural Exhibitions, including dramatizations of traditional African weddings and other indigenous rites.
The GUCCAD Homecoming is designed to reinforce spiritual and cultural linkages while fostering socio-economic collaboration between Africa and its diaspora. Key objectives of the congress include:
- Strengthening the spiritual and cultural connection between Africa and its diaspora communities.
- Building sustainable business and investment partnerships across continents.
- Promoting Cross River State as a premier destination for faith-based and heritage tourism.
- Encouraging reciprocal promotion of the state’s tourism and cultural products in the Caribbean and the Americas.
- Creating opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI) and cross-border business cooperation.
Acknowledging the scale and significance of the event, the organizers have appealed for logistical support from the state government, particularly in the areas of security, internal transportation, and accommodation for visiting delegates. Participants, however, will handle their feeding arrangements through bookings with local hotels — a move intended to directly boost Cross River’s hospitality and tourism economy.
As preparations intensify, anticipation is high that the GUCCAD Congress and Homecoming will not only reaffirm Calabar’s status as Nigeria’s cultural capital but also serve as a divine and historic bridge reconnecting Africa with her global descendants.
The event promises to leave a lasting spiritual and cultural impact — a celebration of faith, freedom, and unity that echoes the heartbeat of Africa and its people worldwide.
