The people of Ikot Ekpene local Government Area have resolved to unite and speak with one voice for the good of the people and generations yet unborn. They made this resolve on Easter Monday when a socio cultural organization in the area, the Ikot Ekpene Peoples Assembly (IKPA) organized a get together ceremony which had in attendance Senior Citizens from the area drawn from the academia, government, business, public service, Private Sector, military, traditional institutions and other human endeavours.
The paramount ruler of Ikot Ekpene in a keynote address HRM Okuku (Engr) A J E Asiak commended the group for the initiative to bring Ikot Ekpene people together stressing that he was physically present at the occasion to demonstrate his approval and support to the association. The monarch who was visibly elated stressed that his subjects who are the people of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area need to unite so that they can foster development and regain the lost glory of the area. He challenged Ikot Ekpene Peoples Assembly to sustain their vision and enjoined other indigenes to queue behind the organization.
In his opening remarks, the chairman on the Occasion and Special Assistant to the Governor on Interministerial and Derivative Matters, Very Rev (Dr) Otuekong Ukut expressed delight to be identified with the Assembly and enjoined all sons and daughters of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area to join hands with the leadership of the group to develop the area. The Governor’s aide expressed pleasure over the reconstruction of Urban roads and other intervention projects of the state government in Ikot Ekpene and expressed appreciation to the State Governor.
The Special Adviser to the State Governor on Technical Matters, Engr. Etido Inyang saluted the Assembly on the initiative to serve as a rallying point for Ikot Ekpene People and advised the group to remain apolitical in order not to lose relevance in the scheme of things. Engr. Inyang said with such stance the group can continue to serve as a pressure group and attract government attention and projects. He expressed optimism that the dualized Ikot Ekpene-Uyo road and the four Star Hotel in Ikot Ekpene when completed next year shall further open up the area.
Earlier in his speech, the President Ikot Ekpene Peoples Assembly (IKPA) Engr. U T Essien said IKPA is a socio-cultural organization of Ikot Ekpene People with the primary objective of providing a common Umbrella for the people of the Raffia City. Engr. Essien said the Assembly remained grateful to the Governor for appointing sons and daughters of Ikot Ekpene Origin into his government and also thanked the Governor for the infratstructural development of the Local Government Area.
Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, Engr. Samuel Edward Inyang, Prof. Felicia Etim as well as a former Telecommunication Minister, Dr. Udo Idung Okon among others saluted the idea behind the formation of the Assembly and pledged their support and membership.
They advised the leadership of the Assembly to create a platform where the younger generation in the area are groomed and mentored in order for them to contribute positively to the advancement of the society.
They re-echoed the need for the establishment of an international market and industries in Ikot Ekpene to further boost the economy of the area and the state as a whole.
On his part, Prof. Reuben K. Udo, drew the attention of the gathering to what he observed as falling standard of education, and challenged parents, teachers and the government to address the anomaly in order to safeguard the future of the younger generation.
Roll call at the get-together meeting includes, Prof U J Ibok, Prof Kingsley Akpabio, Engr. Gabriel UdoUmoh, Justice Ezekiel Enang, Otuekong Anthony Akpan, Pastor Ekerette Akangson, Obonganwan Ebinda, Mr. and Mrs. Ekong Ebienang.
Others are Prof. Akpan Ibanga, Justice Ekerette Ebienye, Dr. Prince Nyong, Mr. Emmanuel Umoh, Registrar Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic and Commodore Nsa among other illustrious sons and daughters of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
No comments:
Post a Comment