Ibibio, Etim Ibaba, Etim Usung Afere

Protocols
Introduction 

I find myself privileged and humbled by the invitation extended to me as Guest Speaker at this  epoch-making occasion, if  you permit me to hazard a guess, I would think that my choice as Guest Speaker may have been born out of my relationship with the Distinguished Senator. Otherwise, it is the extension of the common ancestry between Etefia Ikono and Anantia Ibiono. It is this ancestral affinity that explains our cultural bonding when we proclaim:

Ito Usung Idung Ke-ed
Inwongo Ukud Idim Ke-ed
Ikpono Iso ndem Ke-ed
Ita adukpok eku ke-ed

But what provided a greater impetus to my coming here today is the undisputed position of Ikono as the cradle of the Ibibio nation (Ntippe Ibibio) Noah (1994), Ukpong (2007) Umana & Eka (2012), Umoh – Faithman (1999), Udo (1983), Ettang (1987), Ukpon et al (2001).
Umoh- Faithmaqn (1999) succinctly captures the place of Ibibio genealogy when he said 

Flood: Uyo residents cry for help BY VICTOR UFOT

Flood can be described as an overflow of water which submerges dry land and properties. This natural disaster which has wreaked havoc on people in different places did it worst recently. The rain which began as usual in torrents lasted for hours and rendered hundreds of Uyo resident homeless. Properties worth millions of Naira were lost in the tragedy and vehicular movement was affected in those areas.

After the down pour, a visit around the State was that of a cry for help. Areas visited included: Mbiabong Housing Estate, Eniong Offot, Tabernacle road, Nsikak Edouk, Atan Offot and Urua Ekpa Road.