Rev Arioh Daniels urges Nso sons, daughters to rebuild unity before heritage slips away

Speaking at the opening of the 200 year commemoration of the transfer of the Nso Palace from Kóv Vífə̀m to Kimbo, Rev Arioh Daniels, Parish Pastor of PC Tobin urged sons and daughters of Nso worldwide to rebuild unity, revive ancestral values and return to the collective spirit that once made the Nso Nation a symbol of strength and pride. 

Here is a summary of the message

• Rev. Arioh described the bicentenary as a moment to reflect on the identity, values and future of the Nso Nation.

• He reminded Nso people to remain proud of their identity and heritage, stating that Nso people are recognised globally for their strength, culture and achievements.

• He recalled that the migration from Kóv Vífə̀m to Kimbo over 200 years ago was driven by unity, which he described as the greatest strength of the Nso people.

• Using the story of a communal grain store, he explained how each clan once contributed collectively for the common good. He lamented that individual interests later replaced community spirit, leading to division and decline.

• He said the empty communal store symbolises present day Nso society where unity has weakened and shared values have been neglected.

• Rev. Arioh urged Nso people to return to the spirit of collective responsibility and rebuild their traditional unity.

• He warned that a divided community cannot survive, stressing that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.”

• Drawing from both Christianity and Islam, he cited passages from the Bible and Quran to argue that unity is a divine principle while division goes against God’s purpose.

• He stressed that Nso people descend from common ancestors and should not allow conflict and personal interests to divide them.

• He argued that division is not the destiny of Nso people but rather a wound that can be healed.

• He called on sons and daughters of Nso to break down walls of pride, anger and selfishness and instead build bridges between communities and families.

• He said preserving ancestral identity is essential because material success outside Nso means little if cultural foundations are weakened.

• Rev. Arioh repeatedly stressed that the time for reconciliation is now and not tomorrow.

• He warned against allowing the Nso heritage to suffer neglect under the present generation.

• He called for renewed respect for traditional structures, institutions, elders and cultural practices inherited from ancestors.

• He reminded the audience that the Nso Palace symbolises authority and continuity and should remain the centre of identity and unity.

• He referred to past moments in history when Nso tradition asserted its dignity and authority, including protocol arrangements involving state leaders like the Queen of England and President of Cameroon.

• He described Nso not merely as an administrative division but as a nation united by shared ancestry, culture and identity.

Rev Ariol Daniel, Parish Pastor of PC Tobin preaching in Ntoh Nso

• He criticised growing materialism and personal interests, saying people are increasingly pursuing individual gain over collective wellbeing.

• He warned against attacking or disrespecting ancestral institutions and values regardless of disagreements.

• He urged younger generations to honour their ancestors and traditions, saying wise children do not desecrate the legacy of their forebears.

• He acknowledged that elders can make mistakes but insisted traditional structures remain important anchors of society.

• Rev. Arioh noted that families and societies everywhere experience disputes, but warned against destroying one’s roots.

• He argued that home and ancestral identity become important places of return during moments of crisis.

• He called on Nso people in Cameroon and across the diaspora to “come back home” physically and spiritually.

• Returning home, he said, means rebuilding the palace as a living centre of unity, reviving shared traditions and reconnecting with ancestral values.

• He urged people to abandon hatred, anger and old grievances and embrace reconciliation.

• He compared the moment to the biblical reconciliation of Esau and Jacob, saying disagreements should not permanently divide families.

• He concluded by calling on Nso people worldwide to reconnect with their origins and rebuild the unity that once made Nso strong.

• His central message throughout the address was that the bicentenary should become “not a memory of the past but a cradle of reunion.”

• He ended with a repeated declaration: “We are proud of who we are.”

By Hilltopvoices Team

Tel: +237 694 71 85 77