Southern Cross River State Research Articles

EFFECTS OF LIFESTYLE FACTORS ON WEIGHT VARIATIONS AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN SOUTHERN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated the impact of lifestyle factors on adolescent weight variations in Southern Cross River State, Nigeria, targeting students aged 10 to 22 from 37 secondary schools. The study employed a cross-sectional design and a multistage sampling technique. It included 481 participants, ensuring demographic representation. The methodology involved stratified sampling, systematic student selection, and data collection via questionnaires and personal interviews, focusing on dietary patterns, physical activity, and anthropometric measurements. Analysis using Epi-Info 2002 software revealed significant correlations between lifestyle factors and weight variations, highlighting differences in dietary habits and physical activity levels across genders and between urban and rural students. The findings underscore the need for tailored health education and lifestyle interventions, addressing the socio-cultural context of adolescent health in Southern Cross River State. This research contributes to understanding the determinants of adolescent obesity, emphasizing the development of targeted public health strategies and obesity prevention programs. Top of Form

Effects of the Three-Phase Constructivist Instructional Strategy on the Academic Achievement and Interest of Students in Mechanics in Physics

The study investigated the effects of the threephase constructivist instructional strategy on the academic achievement and interest of students in Mechanics in Physics. A total of two hundred and fifteen senior secondary II Physics students were used for the study. The experimental group was made up of one hundred and fifteen (115) students while the control group was one hundred (100) students. The study adopted the quasiexperimental design of pre-test, post-test non-equivalent control group design. The study was carried out in Southern Cross River State, Nigeria. Two instruments were used for data collection viz: the Physics Achievement Test (PAT) and the Physics Interest Scale (PIS). The face validation was undertaken by three experts, two in Physics education and one in Measurement and Evaluation. The instrument was trial tested using forty students in schools not used in the study. The data from this trial test were analyzed and the PAT had a reliability of 0.83 while the PIS had a reliability of 0.79. The pretest was then administered to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group was taught with the three-phase constructivist strategy while the control groups were taught using the normal conventional teaching method. After the period of treatment, the post test was administered to both groups. The results show significant difference in the mean interest score of both the experimental and control groups in favour of the control group. Also, there was significant difference in the academic achievement in favour of the experimental group. The paper thus concluded that the three-phase constructivist strategy is a good teaching method that could evoke interest and enhance achievement among students. The paper then recommended the use of innovative teaching methods by Physics teachers in order to arouse students’ interest and enhance achievement.

Knowledge and Practice of Infection Prevention and Control among Healthcare Workers in Secondary Healthcare Facilities in Southern Cross River State Nigeria

Abstract Background: Globally, millions of people are affected annually by health-care-associated infections, many of which could be avoided by strict compliance with standard infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols. Aim: This study assessed the knowledge and practice of IPC among secondary health-care workers (HCWs) in Southern Cross River State. Materials and methods: A structured questionnaire was used in conjunction with a descriptive cross-sectional design to collect data from 336 health-care personnel. IBM SPSS Statistics version 25 was used to analyse the generated data. Results: The results show that 58% of the respondents had a high knowledge level of IPC and 52.4% exhibited a high level of standard IPC practice. About 53% reported that IPC protocols were available in their facility. No association was found between sociodemographic characteristics of HCWs and their practice of standard IPC practice except for sex. A significant association was found between sex and level of IPC practice (P = 0.015), the male HCWs had higher practice of IPC than their female counterparts. Although no association was found between knowledge and practice of IPC among the HCWs, the level of practice was, however, higher among the doctors than the nurses who had a higher level of knowledge on IPC. A logistic regression analysis further showed that only sex was significant (P = 0.021) in influencing a high level of IPC practice among the HCWs in this study. Conclusion: It is, therefore, imperative for health-care facility leadership to organise training and retraining programs on IPC to improve knowledge and compliance among HCWs, especially in the face of emerging infectious diseases in Nigeria.

Maternal health literacy and postpartum complication readiness among nursing mothers: Implications for adult literacy educators in Southern Cross River State, Nigeria

This study assessed maternal health literacy and postpartum complication readiness among nursing mothers and identify the implications for adult literacy educators in the Southern Cross River State, Nigeria. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 252 nursing mothers using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent sample t-test. The results showed that with an average mean of 2.2, the participants’ level of maternal health literacy was moderate, while the average mean was 2.1 equally indicates that the level of postpartum complication readiness among respondents was equally moderate. The respondents’ education level, household income, and mode of delivery were not significantly associated with health literacy and postpartum complication readiness. Specifically, nursing mothers with higher levels of education and household income were not likely to have adequate health literacy and better postpartum complication readiness than others. The study’s results also indicate that adult literacy educators play a crucial role in improving maternal health literacy levels among nursing mothers. These educators can provide effective health education to nursing mothers to enhance their knowledge of maternal health and postpartum complications. This study highlights the need for adult literacy educators to incorporate maternal health literacy and postpartum complication readiness into their programs. This can be achieved by developing tailored health literacy materials and using interactive teaching methods that promote active participation and discussion among learners. Moreover, community-based interventions targeting vulnerable populations such as low-income mothers and those with limited education are needed to improve maternal health outcomes in Nigeria.

Knowledge and practice of antenatal care among traditional birth attendants in Southern Cross River State, Nigeria

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and practice of antenatal care, among traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in the Southern Cross River State, Nigeria. The research utilized a descriptive survey design and Yaro Yamane’s formula was used to select the 191 TBAs) from the four local government areas in the study area. Materials and methods: A validated questionnaire constructed by the researchers was used to obtain data. Information obtained from the questionnaire was subjected to descriptive statistics using percentages. The data were analyzed with the aid of the software program Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 18. Results: Although the findings from the study showed that the majority of the TBAs had adequate knowledge and they carried out good practices their knowledge and practice can be contested as those without adequate knowledge 18 (19.5%) for health education on nutrition, danger signs of pregnancy, 76 (44.4%) for a number of antenatal visits the pregnant women needs and 36 (21.1%) do not know the importance of tetanus toxoid while 12 (7.0%) have no idea about folic acid tablet; a routine drug given during pregnancy to prevent anemia indicate clearly the risk the women face when they seek care services from such TBAs. The findings also revealed that there is no significant relationship between any of the socio-demographic variables and their knowledge of antenatal care, labor, and postpartum except religious denomination and their settlement (P > 0.05). There was also no significant (P > 0.005) association between practice distribution and sociodemographic variables. Conclusion: This study concludes that although the TBAs were observed to have some good knowledge and practice of antenatal care based on the questions asked, the information provided is not sufficient enough to warrant them to care for the pregnant women alone.

Availability of Infection Control Protocol and Facilities, Practice Level and Barrier Perception Among Healthcare Workers in Secondary Healthcare Facilities, Southern Cross River State, Nigeria

The practice of infection prevention and control is key to prevention of healthcare acquired infections and protection of healthcare workers, patients and public health. There are however several challenges militating against the use of standard precautions among healthcare workers. This study was aimed at assessing availability of infection prevention and control (IPC) protocol and facilities, practice level and barrier perception among healthcare workers in secondary healthcare facilities, Southern Cross River State, Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design using quantitative methods to elicit information from 336 healthcare workers. A structured questionnaire was administered to respondents in this study an observational checklist was also used. The data generated was analyzed using SPSS version 25. The study comprised of 87.5% females and 12.5% males. Existence of IPC protocols in the facilities was assessed and over half of the respondents (53%) agreed to the availability of IPC protocols in their healthcare facilities. The study identified lack of: knowledge, time, equipment/materials and resources as factors perceived by healthcare workers as influencing their practice of IPC. Among all the factors, only lack of equipment/materials was found to be a significant perceived barrier to practice of IPC (t= 0.269, 0.012). The level of IPC practice was however found to be higher among those who perceived these factors as barriers. It is concluded that lack of time, knowledge, materials/equipment and resources are probable factors influencing practice of infection prevention and control in the secondary healthcare facilities. Healthcare facility management should make adequate provision of requirements for infection control in addition to training of staff and regular monitoring of compliance among health workers to protect public health.

The relationship between nutritional status and intellectual ability of primary school children in southern cross river state–nigeria

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the nutritional status and intellectual ability of primary six (6) pupils in Southern Cross River State-Nigeria. The ex post facto research design was used in carrying out the study. The sample size consisted of five hundred and seventy nine (579) public primary schools in Southern Cross River State using stratified random sampling technique. The instrument used for this study was an intelligence test consisting of 29 items divided into four sections A-D. Pearson’s product moment correlation co-efficient was used in analyzing the result. The correlation coefficient value between them is 0.809. It is therefore recommended that primary school proprietors, administrators, even parents and government should put machinery in place to provide quality food to maintain good nutritional status of their pupils to enhance good intellectual abilities.
 Key word: Nutritional Status, Intellectual status, primary school.

Sources of Awareness of HIV/AIDS Prevalence among Secondary School Students in Southern Cross River State, Nigeria

The provision of information on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria’s secondary schools is often considered inadequate to prevent or limit the scourge among teenagers. In this study, we examined the sources of information for secondary school students on prevalence of the disease in the southern senatorial district of Cross River State, Nigeria. The sources examined included parents, teachers, the social media, health care professionals and the mass media. Eight hundred students in five randomly selected secondary schools were sampled for questionnaire administration, of which 789 were retrieved for analysis. Majority of the students had some knowledge of the causes, mode of transmission, and preventive measures of HIV/AIDS, but they lacked adequate access to the various sources of more specific information available on the subject matter. Only 187 respondents (23.7%) agreed that their parents taught them about sex education in connection with HIV/AIDS. Our data showed low parental knowledge of the spread of the disease, hence the inadequate education of their wards. About 78% of the respondents agreed that the social media provided more information on HIV/AIDS. However, nearly all the respondents (about 92%) did not use social media sites because they had no access to browsing phones or computers. Many of the respondents heard about HIV/AIDS from health counselors and community health workers in their areas of residence. The overall results indicated that prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the study area could be moderated by knowledge of the disease facilitated by adequate information and increased awareness. There is need to intensify the awareness through the mass media and other outlets considered in this study, starting from the home.
 
 Received: 16 November 2021 / Accepted: 3 February 2022 / Published: 5 May 2022

Emerging Dynamics in Tourism Industry Workforce Mobility in Southern Cross River State, Nigeria

The challenge of brain drain/workforce mobility/out-migration in tourism and hospitality industry workforce is a rising phenomenon. The study investigated the factors responsible for the emerging dynamics in tourism industry workforce mobility in Southern Cross River, Nigeria. Data was generated through the administration of structured questionnaire and oral interviews on the staff and workforce of tourism industry. The results revealed that on aggregate, a total of 63.50% workers had intentions to migrate from their job while 36.50% workers had no intention to migrate from their current job. Further findings revealed that low remuneration, unfavourable working hours, stress, lack of career prospects, lack of job security, unsatisfactory working conditions, health risk, and challenge of job matching were among the reasons for job out-migration among the industry workforce. The study recommended that both public and private sectors should create enabling tourism work-environment for retention of tourism employees.
 
 Received: 14 August 2021 / Accepted: 2 October 2021 / Published: 5 November 2021

Traditional Variables and Umbilical Cord Management among Mothers in Calabar Education Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria

This study investigates the influence of traditional variables on umbilical cord management among nursing mothers in Calabar Education Zone, Cross River State. Two research questions were answered in the study. The survey design was adopted for this study. The sample size of 748 nursing mothers that delivered within six months, currently obtaining postnatal health care services was drawn from a population of 1,068 nursing mothers in the area of study. “Traditional Variables and Umbilical Cord Management Questionnaire (CVUCMQ)” was used for data collection. Cronbach Alpha method was used to analyse the data with reliability estimates for the variable ranging from .81 to .88. The first finding indicates that traditional beliefs affect neonatal umbilical cord management by nursing mothers. The second finding of this study shows the influence of traditional practices on neonatal umbilical cord management by nursing mothers in Southern Cross River State. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the impact of traditional beliefs and practices are the strong traditional variables that nursing mothers and health care workers must pay due attention to ensure effective delivery of quality patient care. The study recommended among others that there should be forums to address traditional rulers and their cabinets on the dangers of unhealthy traditional beliefs and practices surrounding umbilical cord management.

Amino Acids Composition of Some Wild Edible Mushrooms from Southern Cross River State, Nigeria

Aims: To document the amino acid content of six wild edible mushrooms - Lentinus squarrosulus Mont., Auricularia auricular-judae (Bull.) Wettst., Mycetinis copelandii (Desjardin) A.W. Wilson & Desjardin, Baeospora myosura (Fr.) Singer, Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex. fr) Kummer and Volvariella volvacea (Bull. ex. Fr.) Singer - found in southern Cross River State, Nigeria.
 Place and duration of study: Department of Plant and Ecological Studies, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, between May 2018 and August 2018.
 Methodology: The amino acids content of these mushrooms were quantitatively estimated. The samples were obtained and analyzed for amino acids on dry weight basis using standard methods.
 Results: The amino acid analysis quantitatively estimated the alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, cystine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, Isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, norleucine, phenylalanine, proline, serine; threonine; tryptophan; tyrosine and valine component of the mushroom samples. All the mushrooms studied contained nine essential, five conditionally essential and four non-essential amino acids with glutamic acid as the most predominant (values ranging from 6.66 to 17.26g/100g protein). Cysteine (0.30-0.48g/100g protein) and methionine (0.64-1-1.7g/100g protein) were the lowest in concentration. The concentrations of five of these essential amino acids phenylalanine (3.55 mg/100g protein), valine (3.62 mg/100g protein), threonine (3.39 mg/100g protein), tryptophan (1.58 mg/100g protein), and lysine (3.23 mg/100g protein) in P. ostreatus were significantly (P≤0.05) higher than found in the other mushrooms. For the nonessential and conditionally essential amino acids, the concentrations of arginine (6.02 mg/100g protein), aspartic acid (6.88 mg/100g protein), cysteine (0.48 mg/100g protein), glutamine (17.26 mg/100g protein) and glycine (2.61 mg/100g protein) in P. ostreatus were significantly higher (P≤0.05) than found in the other mushrooms.
 Conclusion: This information reveals that mushrooms are potential sources of quality protein with substantial proportion of essential amino acids indicating they can play a significant role in the fight against malnutrition.

Identification of Mixed Virus Infection on Trichosanthes cucumerina L. in Akamkpa, Southern Cross River State, Nigeria

Trichosanthes cucumerina L is a tropical or subtropical fruit bearing crop of the Cucurbitaceae family. Field survey during 2020 planting season in Akamkpa, Southern Cross River State, Nigeria revealed widespread virus infection of the crop. Symptoms observed included severe leaf malformation/reduction and rugosity. This research was therefore aimed at identifying viruses infecting Trichosanthes cucumerina in this location. Infected leaf samples were collected and virus maintained on young seedlings of T. cucumerina in the Botanical Garden of University of Calabar, Nigeria. Diagnostic tools included ACP-ELISA and gene sequence analysis. The ELISA result revealed two viruses belonging to the genus Cucumovirus and Potyvirus. The identity of the viruses were determined after virus sequences were compared with other viruses available in the GenBank of National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) using the basic local alignment search tool (BLASTn). The result revealed the Cucumovirus to be Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) while the Potyvirus was revealed to be Potato virus Y (PVY). This is the first report of mixed virus infection on Trichosanthes cucumerina in Nigeria.

Uplifting the Socioeconomic Life of Rural People through the Provision of Credit facilities and Entrepreneurship Development: The Role of CUSO International

The study examines the correlation between Canadian University Student OverseaInternational credit facilities, entrepreneurship development programme and the socio-economic life of rural people in Southern Senatorial District. Adopting the survey research method, data was collected from 400 participants from a population of 3847 beneficiaries of the various CUSO programs in Southern Cross River State, using a structured questionnaire. The participants were selected using proportional stratified and accidental sampling technique. Elicited data was analyzed using descriptive statistics before the result was then subjected to correlation analysis at 0.05 confidence level. The descriptive analysis revealed that all the participants, 371 (100.00%), were beneficiaries. 335 (90.30%) participants reported that their socioeconomic status has improved since they benefitted from the CUSO microcredit scheme. 352 (94.88) participants reported that they were beneficiaries of the CUSO entrepreneurship program. 346 (93.3%) reported that the entrepreneurship development program has helped improved their employment status. From the parametric statistics carried out, it was discovered that there was a statistically significant correlation (r (369) = 0.113; p <0.05) between CUSO credit facilitiesand the Socioeconomic life of rural people. The result also revealed a statistically significant relationship between CUSO international entrepreneurship development programme and the Socioeconomic life of rural people. The study thereby calls for an expansion in the number of beneficiaries of the CUSO program.

To be a Man is Not a Day’s Job: The Discursive Construction of Hegemonic Masculinity by Rural Youth in Nigeria

This article explores the discursive construction of hegemonic masculine ideologies which are recreated and reinforced in the daily lives and social contexts of rural youth in southern Cross River State, South-eastern Nigeria. In this study, I demonstrate how these youth reinscribe stereotyped patriarchal ideologies through the performance of hegemonic masculinity in their social engagements particularly involving nicknaming practices, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, risky sexual/social behaviour and the perpetration of a culture of violence in their community of practice. To address this concern, I adopt an ethnographic qualitative design that gains insights from participant observations, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with twenty-two participants. The article highlights the discursive representation of hegemonic masculinity through participants’ socially situated practices and the broader network of meaning that is ascribed in depicting this facet of masculinity which subjugates other forms of masculinities. Other young men who do not subscribe to hegemonic masculine ideals are often labelled, socially excluded and marginalised in their traditional patriarchal environment. The study concludes that rural youth utilize their social contexts as resources for mobilization in the (re)construction of different modes of belonging and reproduction of dominant masculine scripts which perpetuate gender inequality and intolerance.

He has committed a drinkable offence: the discourse of alcohol consumption among rural youth in Nigeria

Abstract This article explores how identity and masculinity are framed and negotiated through interactional discourses which are related to alcohol consumption and drinking culture by rural youth in Southern Cross River State, South-Eastern Nigeria. In this culture, young men employ enregisterment of slang, metaphors and subjective narratives to symbolically construct their ideologies of alcohol. The study adopts the community of practice conceptual framework which sets the parameters for social and linguistic practices where language is (re)produced and (re)conceptualised through different forms of participation and engagement. With ethnographic observations, interviews, focus groups and qualitative analysis, I aim to reveal some of the dimensions of identity and masculinity that are enacted in the discourse of alcohol consumption. These include: knowledge of slang and metaphors associated with alcohol and its consumption, projecting an image of a light or heavy alcohol consumer, utilising alcohol as a necessity in resolving conflicts and relating alcohol consumption as a source of strength, toughness and other masculine attributes. I conclude that alcohol drinking culture forms part of the creative agency and social imaginaries of rural youth in defining their authentic social selves and local lifestyles.

An Ethnopragmatic Study of Libation Rituals among the Kiong-speaking Okoyong People in Southeastern Nigeria

Libation rituals are essential components of African culture and spirituality. They are a rich mixture of religious, social, and cultural performances that bind members of the audience together by emphasizing their common roots through the invocation of supernatural powers on particular sociocultural occasions. Among the Kiong-speaking Okoyong people in Odukpani, southern Cross River State, southeastern Nigeria, libation rituals are part of a way of life that is used to promote human welfare in the physical and spiritual worlds. In this article, we examine the phenomenon of libation rituals from ethnographic and ethnopragmatic perspectives by analyzing the features and structure of the language of these culturally originating performances. We argue that libation rituals among the Okoyong people are locally coherent and meaningful performances that offer a renewed sense of security that is vital in sustaining the transition, mobility, and sacredness that connect the living with the ancestors, who are the sources of tribal tradition and its stability.

Effect of Organic Manure and Agricultural Lime on Growth and Yield of Two Bean Varieties

Aim: This study evaluates the effects of soil amendment with organic manure-OM and agricultural lime-AL on the growth and yield of Phaseolus vulgaris and Vigna aconitifolia grown on soils with 3 different pH (locations) in Southern Cross River State.
 Study Design: The study was laid in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Greenhouse, Department of Plant and Ecological Studies, University of Calabar for a period of 3 months.
 Methodology: The three locations were: Akamkpa with pH 4.0, Calabar Municipality with pH of 7.0 and Odukpani with pH of 9.0. The treatments were; control (0 g), OM1 (100 g organic manure), OM2 (200g organic manure), AL1 (100 g agricultural lime), AL2 (200 g agricultural lime), OM1 + AL1 (50 g organic manure + 50 g agricultural lime) and OM2 +AL2 (100 g organic manure and 100 g agricultural lime.
 Results: Results obtained from the physico-chemical properties of the soil before treatment application revealed low nutrients and minerals which increased after treatment application. Six weeks after planting, there were significant increase in plant height (p<0.05) of P. vulgaris and V. aconitifolia on soil from Akamkpa (169.66 cm) and Odukpani (146.63 cm) treated with OM2 + AL2 compared to 43.77 cm and 71.77 cm from control. Leaf area, petiole length, number of leaves were all significantly improved especially at 8 weeks after planting. Fresh weights of leaf, stem and root revealed higher yield (p<0.05) at the final harvest recorded as 8 weeks after planting than the amount at 4 weeks after planting. The results obtained from the pod number, pod weight and number of seed showed significant improvement after treatment application.
 Conclusion: The findings of this study strongly support the use of organic manure and agriculture lime as affordable and accessible sources of manure especially for our local farmers.

Mass Media as an Environmental Awareness Strategies and Attitude of Farmers towards Deforestation in Southern Cross River State, Nigeria

The main purpose of this study was to examine mass media as environmental awareness strategies and attitude of farmers towards deforestation in the rainforest zone of southern Cross River State, Nigeria. The hypothesis, which states that the use of mass media does not significantly influence the attitude of farmers towards deforestation in the rainforest zone of southern Cross River State, Nigeria, was formulated to guide the study. Ex-post facto research design was considered most suitable for the study. The sample consists of 568 respondents randomly selected through the stratified and simple random sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The instrument was faced validated by three experts in Test and Measurement. The reliability estimate of 0.83 was established through the Cronbach alpha reliability method. Simple linear regression statistical tool was used for data analysis. The result revealed that, there is a significant influence of mass media on attitude of farmers towards deforestation. Based on this finding it was recommended among others that environmental educators and advocates should ensure that the mass media should be maximally utilized to continually create environmental awareness among the citizens in order to empower them to develop more positive attitude towards eradication of negative environmental practices and actions.

Influence of Community Participatory Mobilization on Attitude of Farmers Towards Deforestation in Cross River Rainforest Zone Nigeria

The main purpose of this study was to examine community participation and attitude of farmers towards deforestation in the rainforest zone of southern Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study one hypothesis was formulated to guide the study. Ex-post facto research design was considered most suitable for the study. A sample of 568 respondents was randomly selected for the study through stratified and simple random sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The instrument was faced validated by three experts in Test and Measurement and the research supervisor who vetted the items developed. The reliability estimate of the instrument was established through the Cronbach alpha reliability method. Simple linear regression statistical tool was used for data analysis. The results of the analysis revealed that, there is a significant influence of community participatory mobilization on attitude of farmers towards deforestation in rainforest zone in the study area. Based on these finding it was recommended among others that environmental educators and advocates should ensure community participation to empower them to develop more positive attitude towards eradication of negative environmental practices and actions. Keywords: community participation, environmental awareness, attitude , deforestation, rainforest DOI : 10.7176/CER/11-6-02 Publication date :July 31 st 2019

What’s in the Stomach is Used to Carry What’s on the Head: An Ethnographic Exploration of Food Metaphors in Efik Proverbs

Food and foodways are essential components of the Efik biocultural system, as the Efik people of Southern Cross River State, Southeastern Nigeria, are famous for their rich dietary history and cuisine tradition. Food and foodways are, therefore, quintessential aspects of the Efik cultural history and social structure, which are intergenerational. This article explores the use of food symbolisms (embedded in rich metaphors) in Efik proverbs, which are perceptual frameworks or conceptual grids that highlight fundamental cultural values and mores as well as reinforce and instill acceptable social behavior. The study is rooted in the Afrocentric paradigm, which re-asserts the interpretation of Efik proverbs based on African values, perspectives, and narratives, and adds relevant ontological and epistemological analytic dimensions in operationalizing the collective and contextual understanding of Efik (African) proverbs. In this context, the Efik view the world through the lens of food, exploring the role of food and eating correlates as means of addressing their society’s psychodynamic challenges, which paradoxically are not about food.