The Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, JP, CFR, has enjoined Akwa Ibomites to make unity and development their watchwords wherever they may reside in Nigeria or abroad.
Ntenyin Etuk gave the charge when the leadership of the Akwa Ibom Community in Adamawa and Taraba States of North Eastern Nigeria paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Ikot Ukobo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, recently.
The Akwa Ibom supreme monarch, while appreciating the leadership and members of the delegation for the visit, emphasised that indigenes of the state must be conscious of their bond of togetherness by loving one another and being interested in the welfare and development of one another, their state of origin, and the nation at large.
He also urged them to cultivate friendship across borders and utilise such to grow a strong inter-state agricultural economy at home to boost food production.
On a particular note, Ntenyin Etuk also commended them for their steadfastness and determination to uphold Akwa Ibom’s identity as ambassadors in the diaspora.
He reiterated that as the chief custodian of the culture and tradition of the people and the conscience of the people, he is always so concerned about the promotion of the unity and well-being of Akwa Ibom State and the people at home and in the diaspora.
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Oku Ibom Ibibio urged the delegation to support the administration of Governor Umo Eno, who has demonstrated immense commitment through the ARISE Agenda to develop the state as well as enhance the living standards of the people in all areas.
“I wish to let you know that I appreciate your visit and solidarity. It is my charge to all Akwa Ibom indigenes, wherever you are, to be united, love one another, and be interested in your welfare and development, as well as the progress of Akwa Ibom State and the country at large.
“In my sacred position, I stand for all Akwa Ibomites, irrespective of ethnic background, religion or political affiliation. Together with all the traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom, we work to ensure the well-being of the citizens by promoting peaceful coexistence, stability and harmony in the polity.
“I thank God, especially for a day like this, and also the leaders and members of the Akwa Ibom community in Adamawa and Taraba States, and their entourage. For this initiative of building a united Akwa Ibom front in the northern part of the country, you have our goodwill. We will join hands with you to promote the unity of our state out there.”
“I want to categorically state that Akwa Ibom is one and shall remain so; by so doing, we should love one another, care for one another, and live together as one,” he stated emphatically.
Speaking earlier, the President of the Akwa Ibom community in Adamawa and Taraba States, Chief Sunday Philip Okon, and the Clan Head of Oku in Uyo L.G.A., His Highness, Etebom (Dr.) Enefiok Okon, who accompanied them, lauded Oku Ibom Ibibio for granting them the audience and for his fatherly reception.
They praised the revered monarch for his laudable leadership of Ifim Ibom Ibibio and the state’s apex traditional stool, the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, describing the patriarch as sent to the people and the state.
In another development, the National Association of Akwa Ibom, USA, NAAKIBOM, has lauded the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, JP, CFR, for his pragmatic leadership and commitment to steering the traditional institution for the development of Akwa Ibom State.
The president of NAAKIBOM, Mr. Eyaema Anamdu, expressed his commendation when he led members of the association from the USA to pay homage to the Akwa Ibom Supreme Royal Father at his palace in Nsit Ubium LGA on Thursday.
He said the association, which came into being four years ago, has a positive interest in contributing to the development of Akwa Ibom in many areas, particularly healthcare and education, disclosing that the association has been offering grants to students across the 31 local government areas of the state.
“We were formed four years ago to help cultivate in our members love and interest in what goes on at home so as not to cut off completely from their roots. Areas of our investment in Akwa Ibom include healthcare programs and education. We offer Medicare to people and grants to beneficiaries in the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom.
“We are proud to have a partner in Oku Ibom Ibibio, as we have seen in him quality leadership in mobilising our chiefs for development. Our association’s home visit is further motivated by Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda. We are happy for the pace of progress the governor is recording in the state,” the president stated.
In his response, the Oku Ibom Ibibio, Ntenyin Etuk, commended the president and members of the association for their lofty objectives towards their roots, Akwa Ibom, emphasising that there is no place like home.
“I am happy that you have positive thoughts about home when you are still young and vibrant. It is not good to think about home only when one is old and incapable of being useful or being brought home at death. By coming home to contribute towards the progress of your state as members of NAAKIBOM, you have done well,” he added.
The monarch assured them that he would readily collaborate with the association in their healthcare and education programs and urged them not to relent in their efforts.
