Akwa Ibom Dep. Gov, SSG, Senators, Socio-Cultural Organisations Also Hail Oku Ibom

The 38th anniversary of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, featuring the installation of Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk, JP, CFR, as the 4th Grand Patron of the foremost socio-cultural organisation has attracted an outpouring of felicitations.

The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi in her goodwill message, said “It is heart-warming that our revered traditional father, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk, JP, CFR, is assuming office as the 4th Grand Patron of this frontline pan-Akwa Ibom socio-cultural organisation.

The Deputy Governor said: “Considering the antecedents, experience, and capacity of His Eminence, there’s no doubt that Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio will achieve even greater achievements under his guidance.”

The Secretary to State Government, Akparawa (Prince) Enobong Uwah, while congratulating the premier monarch, noted that “the momentous occasion marks not only the elevation of a true custodian of our customs and traditions, but the recognition of an indefatigable leader whose lifetime of service to our community and the larger people of Akwa Ibom nay our nation Nigeria, has been nothing short of exemplary.”

Prince Uwah said, “We therefore celebrate with you, the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, the people of Akwa Ibom State, and well-wishers worldwide on the significance of this occasion. With this new mantle, we are confident that your leadership will inspire greatness not only among the youth but all of our people across borders.”

Senator Aniekan Bassey, member representing Akwa Ibom North East, de-scribed the choice of Oku Ibom Ibibio as well deserved, adding that the “pres-tigious recognition by our very foremost socio-cultural organisation is a testa-ment to your towering stature as a royal father of great wisdom, a unifier, a cultural torchbearer, and a statesman whose reign has continued to embody peace, dignity and progress.”

Senator Bassey said that Oku lbom Ibibio has upheld and advanced the rich heritage of the Ibibio people, adding, “Your leadership as President-General of the Akwa lbom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers has brought unity to the traditional institution and further strengthened the cultural identity of our people. Mboho Mkparawa lbibio has indeed made a profound and wise choice.”

In his goodwill message, Senator (Pst) John James Akpanudoedehe PhD said the appointment was not only a recognition of his towering presence within the traditional institution in Ibibio, Akwa Ibom, and Nigeria at large, but also an affirmation of his lifelong dedication to peace-building, intergenerational leadership, and cultural preservation.

“Your reign as the Oku Ibom Ibibio and Patriarch of the Ibibio people worldwide, Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium and President-General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers has brought great pride and honour to us all as a people,” Senator Akpanudoedehe added.

Senator Ekong Sampson, PhD, representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, hailed Oku Ibom Ibibio on his esteemed installation, describing the elevation as a testament to his revered leadership, wisdom, and commitment to the affairs of the Ibibio race and our dear State – Akwa Ibom.

“Your Eminence, today, you have become part of a rich tapestry, also featuring the legendary jurist, Egbert Udo Udoma, former acting Governor-General and Chief Justice of Uganda; Dr Clement Isong, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and Air Marshal Nsikak Eduok, a two-time former Chief of Air Staff, who have been Grand Patrons of the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio,” he stated.

Ntisong Pius J. Okon, Ntisong IV of Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, said the installation of Oku Ibom Ibibio as the 4th Grand Patron of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio was a clear recognition of his steadfast leadership, deep-rooted commitment to Ibibio unity, and his consistent role in strengthening our traditional institutions.

Ntisong Okon noted that “Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio has, over the years, been a beacon for Ibibio youth across the globe. With your guidance as Grand Patron, we are assured that its mission will be further enriched and its impact even greater.

In a goodwill message, a business mogul, Mr Nsikan Johnny, chairman of Nsik Group of Companies, while hailing Oku Ibom Ibibio said that the “prestigious and well deserved recognition could not have come at a better time than now, taking into cognizance your selfless sacrifices towards uniting the people across the Ibibio race and other ethnic groups within Akwa Ibom State and beyond.”

“On behalf of my wife, the management and staff of Nsik Group of Companies Limited, I write to congratulate you on your installation as the 4th Grand Patron of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio; the foremost socio-cultural organisation of the Ibibios.

“We in Nsik Group of Companies are happy to identify with you on this epoch-making occasion as we pray the Almighty God to grant you long life and more wisdom to pilot the affairs of this exalted office, “ he added.