In furtherance of its commitment to celebrating and rewarding the invaluable contributions of its founding members and past leadership to the organisation’s formation, continued growth, and expansion, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio has unveiled a Gallery of Legendary Ancestors in honour of 12 patriotic Ibibio sons whose foresight gave birth to Mboho.
The organisation has also named several strategic structures within its International Secretariat and the Mboho Unity School after some of its past leaders.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremonies, the International President of Mboho, Akparawa James Edet, stated that the establishment of the gallery, featuring portraits of the founding members, was to honour the immutable legacies of the 12 Ibibio torchbearers who, 38 years ago, conceived and brought the organisation to fruition.
Akparawa Edet lauded the 12 patriots, namely Akparawa Anietie Ekong, Akparawa Ikpong Essien-Udom, Akparawa Ntieyong Inyangme, Akparawa Ubong Nda, Akparawa Idongesit Udokpo, Akparawa Udo Sam Umoatan, Akparawa Udo Toby Udobot, Akparawa Amah T. Amah, Akparawa Akpan Micah Umoh, Akparawa Emman Umoh, Akparawa Itoro Umoh, and Akparawa Ntiense Mbosoh, describing them as heroes of the Ibibio race who proudly walked in the footsteps of the great leaders of the Ibibio Union of old, visionaries whose struggles ultimately culminated in the creation of Akwa Ibom State.
To also celebrate and preserve the memories of past leaders of the organisation for their patriotic and sacrificial service, Akparawa Edet announced that the Administrative Block at Mboho Unity School has been renamed “Akparawa Godwin Ntukude Administrative Hall” in honour of the 6th International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio and current Political Adviser to the Governor, under whose tenure the school was initiated and completed.
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Akparawa Edet commended Akparawa Ntukude for his sacrifices in ensuring that the institution, which today stands as a symbol of pride to both the organisation and the global Ibibio community, was completed in record time and delivered along with a coaster bus to ease the school’s transportation needs.
Equally, Mboho’s Central Working Committee (CWC) Hall and Executive Council Chambers have been renamed “Akparawa (Prof.) Sylvester Akpan’s CWC Hall” and “Akparawa (Elder) Nse Ube’s Executive Council Chambers”, after the 7th and 8th International Presidents of the organisation, respectively.
Unveiling the plaques, the honourees, Akparawa (Prof.) Sylvester Akpan and Akparawa (Elder) Nse Ube, expressed profound gratitude to the Akparawa James Edet-led 11th International Executive Council and the general membership of Mboho for the honour bestowed upon them.
The past Presidents of Mboho were unanimous in commending Akparawa Edet for providing inclusive, visionary, and purposeful leadership, which has reignited and strengthened the organisation, resulting in a surge in new Chapters, high-quality membership, and landmark achievements recorded during his tenure.
Now serving as members of the Mboho Advisory Council, the former leaders pledged to continually uphold the founding ideals of the organisation, encouraging an enduring, robust, focused, and united Mboho in the spirit of its motto, “Oneness for Service”—a mantra that defines the organisation’s bond and its selfless sacrifices for the advancement of the Ibibio cause.
It is noteworthy that the renaming of the various structures followed the approval of the Mboho General Assembly, upon the recommendation of the Central Working Committee, after a report from the Executive Council was presented to the Parliament.
It would also be recalled that in continuation of its tradition of honouring eminent Ibibio personalities who embody its ideals, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio recently installed its 4th Grand Patron, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR, the Oku Ibom Ibibio.
He succeeds past Grand Patrons: Sir Egbert Udo Udoma, Dr Clement Nyong Isong, and Air Marshal Nsikak Eduok, towering figures whose lives and service exemplified the highest ideals of Ibibio leadership and heritage.
