The premier socio-cultural organisation of the Ibibio ethnic nationality, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, has reaffirmed its support for the re-election of Governor Umo Eno.
Speaking during a special visit to the Governor at Government House, Uyo, led by its outgoing International President, Akparawa James Edet, the body noted that its position is based on the Governor’s outstanding achievements across all sectors.
Akparawa Edet, who is the 11th International President of the body, said the Governor Eno-led administration, through the ARISE Agenda, has been visionary, impactful, and people-centred, adding, “In a relatively short period, your administration has transformed governance in Akwa Ibom State through an inclusive, compassionate, and welfarist approach that has positively impacted every segment of our society.”
He noted that these strides are visible in the compassionate homes, expansion of the State Health Insurance scheme, sustained attention to the welfare of civil servants, prompt payment of salaries, gratuities, and pensions, strategic investment in youth and women entrepreneurship, food security, and intervention programmes, educational support initiatives, and numerous empowerment programmes that have restored hope, dignity, and economic opportunities to thousands of people.
The president enumerated the laudable development strides of the Governor to include the transformation of the Victor Attah International Airport into a modern aviation hub, the inauguration of international flight operations, the expansion of general aviation services, the reclamation of the gully erosion site and transformation to a world-class tourism facility – the ARISE Palm Resort, the revitalisation of the state tourism assets, the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, extensive road construction, rural development projects; and investment in healthcare and education.
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He appreciated the Governor for his love, fatherly affection, encouragement, and unwavering support for the body and for him as a person throughout his tenure and assured him of his continuous support.
In his remarks, Governor Eno commended the deep sense of unity, progress, and oneness of purpose exhibited by the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI) to galvanise the various tribes in the state for the overall development of the state.
He described the contributions of the MMI to the unity and development of the state as remarkable and heartwarming, urging the body to continue to support and collaborate with the government for a much more united and transformed state.
“I want to thank you for the unifying work that you have been doing in the state; always being there to draw all of us together. The Mboho Mkparawa is a vanguard for our young people, and it is a voice for the Ibibio nation. We really appreciate the great work that you have done by partnering with other socio-cultural organisations in the state.
“I see everybody working together. And the more we work together, the better it is for our state and our people to douse ethnic tension for our common good,” he said.
He urged the MMI to maintain the peace through sustained socio-cultural tolerance, stressing that individuals do not choose their birthplaces but are divinely ordained.
The Governor appreciated MMI for the support given his administration since inception, congratulated Akparawa James Edet on his successful tenure, and also felicitated with the incoming President, Akparawa IniAbasi Ekanem.
At the visit were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson, Commissioner for Works, Prof Eno Ibanga, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Inibehe Silas, Special Adviser, Political and Social Re-Orientation, Barr. Kufre Effiong Udosen, Political Adviser, Akparawa Godwin Ntukudeh, and other government officials.
