•Governor Umo Eno
Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has charged members of a foremost socio-cultural organisation in the state, Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, to continue to work the path of unity, love and togetherness.
The governor gave the charge at the installation ceremony of the new head of the organisation, Ntisong IV, Obong Pius James Okon, which was held along side the 44th anniversary of the body and the send-forth of Ntisong III, Obong (Engr) Essien Ekidem, at the Asan Ibibio, Uyo.
The governor noted that for 44 years, the Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, has championed the cause of the Ibibio Nation in the finest traditions of its progenitor, the Ibibio State Union, adding that the defining ethos of the Union, of which the founding fathers of Akwa Esop had their roots, was predicated on the noble ideals of unity and love.
“The narrow resort to parochialism or ethnic identity were absent in their daily engagements, everyone saw one another as representing the same kindred spirit. Ibibio State College, was founded and located in Ikot Ekpene, and the rallying force was not where the school was located, but the need to grow talents, shape minds and prepare them for growth within the larger Nigerian space.
“As you celebrate your anniversary today, I urge you to continue to work the path of unity, love and togetherness.
“Unity and peaceful coexistence have been the key elements of our governance philosophy and this has translated into the continuous peace we are enjoying in this state.
“In our playbook of governance, there are no Ibibio, Annang or Oro Agenda. There is only one agenda: The Akwa Ibom Agenda, which is shaped and defined by the spirit of inclusivity and togetherness.
“We will continue to work with both our traditional institution and the socio-cultural groups to deepen growth, expand opportunities and inspire in our people the spirit to Arise and conquer boundaries that may limit them to self -fulfillment.
“I know we can count on Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, to be part of the vanguard for the realisation of that goal,” he added.
The governor who congratulated the newly installed Ntisong Ibibio IV, and the organisation for the successful 44th anniversary, also presented a brand new Prado SUV to the Ntisong IV, a mobility he said, was to enable him build the bridges of peace and unity.
In his speech, the Chairman on the occasion, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel said it was necessary to consciously and continuously reemphasise the ethos of Ibibio culture, define and sustain its identity.
He harped on the need for peace, love and unity, stressing that Governor Eno who has, from inception of his administration, been an apostle of unity should be an inspiration for everyone, stressing that the governor’s disposition has been a testimonial to the undeniable spirit of unity that was characteristic of the famous Ibibio Union.
Emmanuel who was represented by a member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rt Hon Pat Ifon, congratulated the Ntisong IV, and the organisation for its anniversary and expressed the hope that the event will reposition the organisation to better realise its objectives while also boosting the identity of the Ibibio race.
Similarly, the Oku Ibom Ibibio, President General, Ifim Ibom Ibibio and President General of Akwa Ibom Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Etuk, represented by the Paramount Ruler of Etinan LGA, His Majesty, Edidem Aniefiok Akpanobong, said Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio was borne of the passionate desire to have a unifying platform for the Ibibio people, and urged them to maintain the dreams of its forebears, take the interest of Ibibio and the state very seriously.
In his address, the Ntisong IV, Obong Pius Okon, applauded Governor Eno for being an epitome of peace and unity, and assured that the organisation under his leadership, will foster inter-ethnic relationship that promote harmony and collective growth.
