Thirty-three years after the creation of Akwa Ibom, traditional rulers in the state now have a befitting complex to hold official functions. The ultra-modern edifice constructed by the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel is to be commissioned today, Wednesday, September 23, as part of activities marking 33rd anniversary of the state.
The new edifice, which also doubles as the palace of the chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs, is strategically located at the site of former Ministry of Works Complex on Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo, a stone’s throw to the Akwa Ibom Government House.
The traditional rulers were hitherto using a multipurpose chamber at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for official functions.
READ ALSO: A’Ibom 33rd Anniversary: Gov Emmanuel Leads Citizens In Thanksgiving
The new edifice is considered as a befitting honour for the traditional institution which had played a pioneering role in the struggle for the state creation.
It could be recalled that traditional rulers in the then Mainland Area of Cross River State, on February 25, 1978, in a “Memorandum of Demand” sent to the federal military administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, demanded for the creation of present-day Akwa Ibom State for the sake of “balanced and even-development.”
Of the 10 paramount rulers that signed the memorandum, only one, Obong Cosmas Okon Akpan, the paramount ruler of Essien Udim Local Government Area, is alive.
The monarch signed the memorandum as the paramount ruler of old Ikot Ekpene LGA prior to the creation of present-day Essien Udim LGA.
The state chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs, His Eminence Ntenyin Solomon Daniel Etuk, Oku Ibom Ibibio and paramount ruler of Nsit Ubium, leads his counterparts across the state to attend the commissioning and formal handover of the complex to them for their use.
The event, according to a government statement issued earlier in the week, said attendance is strictly on invitation.
The release issued by the commissioner for information and strategy, Barr. Ini Ememobong, stated that the measure is in compliance with the protocols on Covid-19 prescribed by the WHO/NCDC and the state government.
The release also indicated that the commissioning would be preceded by the presentation of the emblem, coat of arms and anthem at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.
It further stated that the remodelled Emmanuel General Hospital, Eket, will be commissioned alongside internal roads in Eket by the governor by tomorrow, Thursday, September 24.
Friday, September 25 will witness the commissioning of General Hospital, Awa, ONNA LGA and Ikot Ebekpo – Ikot Ebidang Road, ONNA.
An anniversary thanksgiving service was held on Sunday, September 20, at the Banquet Hall of the Akwa Ibom State Government House, Uyo.
By Ofonime Honesty
