Uyo Leaders honour Ikono son

The political leader of  Ikono Local Government Area, Obong Emmanuel Ukpong Udo has been recognized, honoured and inducted as an honorary member of the Uyo Senatorial District Leaders’ Forum (USDLF). 

In a well attended ceremony which took place on Saturday at the special general assembly of the group, Obong UkpongUdo was honoured for his unprecedented contributions to promote the cause of the Ibibios. 

  Setting the tone for the event before the induction, the secretary general of the body, Obong Essien Esema in his remarks said “when a child washes his palms clean, he deserves to wine and dine with the elders,” adding that Obong Ukpongudo deserves the honour. 

Obong Esema, a lawyer, said the honour on the Ikono political leader, was indeed a matter of joy and pride for an exceptional leader like him and presented him for the induction. 

Before conducting the induction formalities, the leader of the political organization, Prince Peter Ekpe Atakpo, acknowledged that Ukpongudo was a great believer in Ibibio cause, patriotic Akwa Ibom son, who has provided opportunities for the youths to “Dakkada” in their chosen careers. 

  Prince Atakpo said the show of admiration and affection for him, arose largely from his own exceptional qualities, high intellect, ingenuity in political strategy and the consummate mastering of leadership ethos. 

  The Uyo senatorial district leader, used the occasion to re-emphaise the need to put in motion the process of reconciling the various interests in the state, by reaching out to Ibibio leaders in all senatorial districts to form a broader  “Ibibio political leaders’ council.”

 He stressed that the proposed “Ibibio political leaders’ council will serve as a bridge of hope to the people of Ibibio nation and made a clarion call to the Ibibios to support the present administration and use to the faith of greatness.

  Responding, the political leader of Ikono, said the induction was a great honour to the people of Ikono and thanked the group for the honour bestowed on him. 

Obong Ukpongudo pledged to uphold the integrity and vision of the group and contribute meaningfully always, in line with the vision of the body and donated a brand new 18 seater bus to the group. 

  Also speaking, the transition chairman of Ikono local government council, Mr Asuquo Nana Udo, lauded the Uyo leaders for recognizing Ikono as the oracle of the Ibibios, saying the honour on Obong Ukpongudo, was an honour bestowed on the entire Ikono nation.

  The council boss who stated the resolve of the Ikono council to join the political leader to liberate the area political, also vowed to support the cause of the Ibibios and pledged the sum of N100,000 for the fueling of the bus. 

  Others who spoke growingly on the honour, were the medical director, Saint Athanasius Hospital, Dr Emmanuel Akpanobong, former head of council and chairman Ikono people’s consultative forum, engineer Edet Umotong, Dr Godwin Udo Udo and the PDP chapter chairman, Chief Etim Inyang.