Dressing the Moment: An Ibibio–Efik Reflection on Comfort, Conduct, and Culture Among the Ibibio and Efik people, dressing has never been a casual afterthought. Long before modern fashion, what one wore spoke of character, upbringing, and respect for the community . Our elders understood that attire is language—silent, but powerful. In today’s world, easy-going dressing has found wide acceptance. T-shirts, jeans, slippers, and relaxed outfits reflect a fast, informal lifestyle. In informal spaces, this is not wrong. Even in Ibibio homes, elders recognize that comfort has its place. After all, “Idim ke idem,” a home is a place of ease. But our culture also teaches that comfort must never erase decorum . Traditionally, an Ibibio or Efik person knew the difference between inside the compound and outside before elders and the public . One would not appear before Mbong Ekpuk (family council) or attend a serious gathering dressed carelessly. Dressing properly was part of showing...