History was made on Saturday July 19, 2014 in Okopedi community of Eket Local Government Area when a new village council was inaugurated into office amidst pomp and traditional pageantry.
The inauguration, described as the first of its kind in the history of Eket Local Government Area witnessed a colorful display of traditional heritage including wrestling, poetry, ancient farm crops and dances.
In his opening remakes, chairman of the occasion, Engineer Donatus Akpe Assam gave insight into why a supposed low key event become a festival of traditional exhibition drawing dignitaries from all aver the state.
He said, “this event which is supposed to be low key is made to bear a semblance of a festival because for the past twenty three years the community has had a marathon reign of a council without a Village Head’’, adding that the swearing-in of a new Village Council is coming on the heels of a new Village Head, Chief Friday Peter Akpeini.
“Okopedi community, as the name implies is a land of rich historical documentation housing the Exxon Mobil Air-Strip and other facilities, hospitable, peaceful and serene’’, Engineer Akpe said while declaring the event opened.
Those sworn-in to pilot the affairs of the community for the next four years include Mr. Peter Edem Umoh, a retired Superintendent of police as Village Chairman, Mr. Victor Akpe Assam, Vice Chairman, Bishop Eshiet M. Okpok, Secretary, Elder Emmanuel Ekpa, treasurer, Elder Ben Eduok, financial secretary,Mr. Ekpa Samuel, Assistance secretary, Mr Jacob Okon, PRO, Mr. Victor A. Umoh, welfare and Elder Godwin Ikot, youth leader.
Administrating the oath of office, Barrister Akpan Micheal Akpa charged the newly inaugurated council members to see their new position as a call to service to avoid the long arm of the law in any breach of the law and oath of office.
Reading from the Bible book of Mathew 13:24, 25 and 28, a Cleric, Pastor Umoh Umoh called on the village council members to exhibit good morality, exemplary behavior and above all, the fear of God, for therein lies justice, equity, progress and development.
Contributing, the president, 5 villages youth movement, Prince Samuel Etukudo said the youth will always work hand in hand with Okopedi Village Council but called on the council chairman to always avail the youths of the community with relevant information for smooth administration.
Father of the day, Chief Friday Peter Akpeini, Village Head of Okopedi gave an exhortation on unity, love and sincerity of purpose among members of the village council and the entire community.
The Royal father extolled the qualities of the new Village Chairman as a diligent gentleman who served the Nation as Police Officer and retired as a Superintendent of police.
“I have no doubt that the administration of Mr. Peter Edem will bring the needed development of our community because he has a welter of knowledge and experience garnered during his many years of meritorious service to our country, Nigeria’’, Chief Akpeini said.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Peter Edem Umoh said “as we are sworn-in today, be assured that we are going to do our best in moving the village forward. We shall look at providing new roads to link with other villages, we shall also look at the problem of electricity, water and security’’.
He called on the youths to be law abiding and to be useful to the community as his administration will not tolerate indiscipline, while submitting that the village council will not work independently without the consent and authority of the Village Head.
Present during the event included Chief Friday Udoju, Obong Joseph Ikoedem, Chief Jack Jack, Rt. Hon. Victor Ikotokpo, Chief Martin Eshiet, Prince Samuel Etti, Barrister George Abia, Engineer John Mbre, Chief Monday Nku, Chief Friday Ekpa, Chief Samuel Maxuel, Village Heads, government dignitaries, women groups and youths among others.
BY RAPHAEL UDO
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