Obio Offot, Use Ikot Ebio Bubble For Paramount Ruler’s Royal Visit
Having reiterated the need for a relentless exhibition of Ibibio culture and tradition during his ongoing royal tour of villages in Offot Ukwa Clan, Paramount Ruler of Uyo Local Government Area and Clan Head of Offot Ukwa, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon watched in delight on Friday as his subjects delivered a stunning proof that his message has been fully adopted.
Ibibio traditional attires were donned, cultural displays exhibited and the Ibibio Language was used throughout the visit. Business centres were temporarily shut as indigenes and residents were implored to grace the royal visit.
These were enough to enthral the royal delegation and gave a sneak peek of what to be expected from Use Ikot Ebio Offot and Obio Offot communities during the Offot Ukwa Clan Festival of Arts and Culture slated for October 23, 2022, to October 29, 2022.
Both villages gave a good account of themselves and raised hopes about their preparedness for the festival. Statements of intent do not come much better than that, and it was glaring that the visiting royal delegation relished every second of it.
The Paramount Ruler’s speech at both villages featured a note of gladness that during his reign, the Ibibio culture and tradition have been promoted, the interest of Offot Ukwa Clan protected, Uyo Local Government Area projected and the traditional institution made to earn respect.
He said consistent promotion of culture and tradition is a cardinal objective of the traditional institution and advised his subjects to adhere strictly to it.
Related: Royal Tour: Jubilation as Atan Offot hosts Uyo Paramount Ruler, Entourage
The royal father stressed the need for both communities to remain a trusted entity where delicate national and state infrastructures are domiciled.
He saluted the communities for hosting the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), the Medical Hostel of the University of Uyo, and Akwa Ibom State Council of Arts and Culture, among other key government assets.
On the clan, HRM Sylvanus Okon noted that unity and progress of Offot Ukwa have always been his watchword.
He thanked Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel for citing some state projects in the clan and for appointing Offot Ukwa’s sons and daughters to serve in his administration.
He, however, added that all issues confronting the clan shall be compiled at the end of the tour and forwarded to Government for relevant action to be taken.
Village head of Use Ikot Ebio, Eteidung Enefiok Tom Udo congratulated the Paramount Ruler on his successful reign so far and for the successful unveiling of the Offot Ukwa Festival Logo which served as a curtain raiser for the tour.
“We promise to support you and your Clan Council of Chiefs to accomplish the celebration of the Offot Ukwa Festival of Art and Culture and we wish you a successful tenure in the office of the Offot Ukwa Clan,” the Eteidung declared in his speech.
Related: Succour For Offot Ukwa Villages As Uyo Paramount Ruler Embarks On Royal Tour
The community however informed the Paramount Ruler that despite being the host community for the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and 500 units Medical Hostel of the University of Uyo, the establishment has not treated them well in terms of employment and admission into the university.
“We wish to implore you to come to our aid so that our sons and daughters will be considered with a good quota in terms of employment and admission that befits the Host Community in these two Federal Government establishments,” they solicited.
Village head of Obio Offot, Eteidung Cyril Archibong Umana, in his address hailed the Paramount Ruler as “a man who is the symbol of the good cultural values and customs of the great people of Offot Ukwa Kingdom.”
“We are very happy about this visit. We want to use the visit to register our total solidarity with you and commend you for the accommodating leadership style which has brought about peace and harmony to every section of Offot Ukwa kingdom,” the community stated.
The community said the festival will become a veritable instrument for unity and mobilization of the people for greater development programmes.
They called for recognition and ratification of villages in Obio Offot, saying the community is too large and burdensome to be administered as a single entity.
“It is our prayer that our Edidem should step into the matter in the next exercise and work for the recognition of the five omitted villages in Obio Offot. We commend your bold efforts in this direction in previous governments exercise.”
They also highlighted issues like poor road network, erosion, and Motor Park/ market dispute with neighbouring Ikot Ekpe village.
Chairman of the festival’s Central Planning Committee, Elder Patrick Albert implored the villages to hoist the Offot Ukwa Clan flag, stressing that it sets the clan apart from others that are yet to realize the importance of having a such symbolic identity.
Giving a roll call of other items, Albert equally appealed for a wide use of the clan’s emblem and badge. At the festival, he showcased items like shoes, caps, mufflers and others.
Other village heads in the clan attended in solidarity.
Goodwill messages and a rendition of the clan anthem by the Offot Ukwa Mass Choir also took place.
The motto of the festival scheduled to hold between October 23, 2022, and October 29, 2022, is ‘Celebrating Unity & Cultural Legacy’ while the theme is ‘Offot Ukwa Festival 2022: Utilizing Arts and Culture for Socio-economic & Political Growth.’
