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 Ibom State Primary Healthcare Development Agency to prioritise the well-being of the state’s children, as they are future leaders.
Ntenyin Etuk gave the charge when a delegation from the Agency, in collaboration with Ministry of Health, UNICEF and C-WINS, paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Ikot Ukobo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
According to Mrs. Margaret Etim, Director of Health Promotion in Akwa Ibom and team lead, their visit to the palace of Oku Ibom Ibibio, was to sensitize traditional leadership on the planned introduction of Measles Rubella vaccine into the Routine Immunization program, set to commence in October 2025.
Also speaking, Dr. Rock Odeka, Zonal Consultant of C-WINS, further elaborated on their mission to the monarch, emphasizing that the organization’s commitment to safeguarding the growth of Akwa Ibom children, from 9 months to 15 years, as well as pregnant women, remains a top priority.
Dr. Odeka respectfully appealed to Akwa Ibom premier monarch for his royal support and blessing, trusting that it would confer divine grace and guarantee the success of the upcoming immunization campaign.
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In his response, the Oku Ibom Ibibio expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the team for their visit. He also conveyed his deep appreciation for their landmark initiatives in the state, which he believed would prioritize the health and development of Akwa Ibom children.
As the chief custodian of the people’s conscience, culture and tradition, the supreme monarch reaffirmed his commitment to forging strategic partnership with agencies, NGOs, and other key stakeholders in the best interest of Akwa Ibom across all ages and without discrimination on tribe or religion.
Ntenyin Etuk bestowed his blessings upon the initiative and enjoined the delegation to undertake necessary measures to safeguard the upbringing and welfare of every child in Akwa Ibom as their duties demands.
He said, “With due respect to the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, who is here present, and the Secretary to the Council, who is also among us, you are welcomed to the palace.
“There must be strong synergy between you, the stakeholders in the health sector, and us – the traditional institution.”
“The well-being and development of Akwa Ibom’s children are of paramount importance to us. Feel free to undertake your duties as it should be for the benefit of our state, and be rest assured that Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers will provide its unwavering support.”
The Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko LGA, who is also the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, was in attendance. Other personalities included Emmanuel Umontuen, PhD, Secretary to the Supreme Council; Mr. Anietie Peters, Secretary, Nsit Ubium Traditional Rulers Council; and Eteidung Ekom Jonathan, Village Head of Ikot Ukap.
