Nsit Atai Local Government Area came alive in a blaze of culture, tradition, and celebration as His Royal Majesty, Edidem (Prophet) Peter Okon Effiong, PPD, Amb. P, was formally crowned and presented as the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Atai amid widespread acclaim from government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, and community stakeholders.
The historic coronation ceremony, attended by a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Akwa Ibom State and beyond, marked a significant milestone in preserving the rich cultural heritage and traditional leadership structure of Nsit Atai LGA.
Speaking as the chief host of the event, the Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Anthony Nyong, described the coronation as a defining moment in the history of the local government area, symbolising unity, peace, continuity, and respect for ancestral institutions.
In an emotional reflection, the Chairman disclosed that during a consultation visit to the royal father in 2024, he made a personal commitment that if elected Chairman, he would work relentlessly to ensure the formal coronation and official recognition of Edidem Peter Okon Effiong as Paramount Ruler of Nsit Atai LGA.
According to him, the successful coronation represents not only the fulfilment of a personal promise but also the realisation of a long-standing aspiration of the people of Nsit Atai.
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“Today, we celebrate the fulfilment of that commitment and the enthronement of a monarch whose wisdom, integrity, and leadership qualities have earned him the confidence and respect of our people,” Nyong stated.
The Chairman used the occasion to commend Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for traditional institutions, noting that traditional rulers across the state have continued to enjoy enhanced recognition, dignity, and relevance under the Governor’s administration.
He further highlighted key developmental projects facilitated by the state government in Nsit Atai, including the ongoing Youth-friendly Centre, Model Primary School, modern Health Centre, six ARISE Compassionate Homes, the Odot–Ikot Ubo Road project, and the recently awarded Ikot Asua–Odot Road.
Representing Governor Umo Eno at the event, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, congratulated the newly crowned monarch, describing him as a peace-loving royal father, a God-fearing leader, and a symbol of unity within the traditional institution.
Archibong said the coronation was a fitting recognition of the monarch’s exemplary character, integrity, and years of selfless service to his people.
He reiterated the Governor’s commitment to infrastructure development across the state, citing the re-award of the Nsit Atai–Okobo Road project to HENSEK and other ongoing projects within the area as evidence of the administration’s dedication to grassroots development.
In his goodwill message, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR, congratulated the Paramount Ruler and called on leaders and youths to uphold traditional values, respect constituted authority, and embrace peace as a catalyst for sustainable development.
Also speaking, the Member representing Uyo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Mark Esset, alongside ACP Samuel Jeremiah, and Obongunwana Iniobong Obot expressed confidence in the capacity of the newly crowned monarch to provide visionary, inclusive, and purposeful leadership for the people of Nsit Atai.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and Member representing Nsit Atai State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Prince Aniefiok Attah, thanked Governor Umo Eno for his continuous support to Nsit Atai and prayed for a peaceful, successful, and prosperous reign for the monarch.
Responding, the newly crowned Paramount Ruler, HRM Edidem (Prophet) Peter Okon Effiong, expressed gratitude to God and the people of Nsit Atai for the honour bestowed upon him and pledged to lead with humility, wisdom, fairness, and the fear of God.
He assured the people of his commitment to promoting peace, unity, and sustainable development throughout the Local Government Area.
A major highlight of the colourful ceremony was the conferment of prestigious traditional titles on Governor Umo Eno, the Deputy Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Commissioner Frank Archibong, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of HENSEK, and other distinguished personalities in recognition of their contributions to the development of Nsit Atai and Akwa Ibom State.
The event drew members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, political leaders, clergy, community stakeholders, and sons and daughters of Nsit Atai from across the country, culminating in prayers for peace, unity, and continued progress under the reign of the newly crowned Paramount Ruler.
