…….calls for greater unity, collaboration
His Excellency Pst. Akparawa Umo Bassey Eno has called for continuous unity across the length and breadth of Akwa Ibom State.
Pst. Umo Bassey Eno made this known during the installation of His Eminence Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR, as the 4th Grand Patron of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio.
The governor was represented by a former International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio and his Political Adviser, Prince Akparawa Godwin Ntuk Udeh, Ph.D.
Pst. Umo Eno congratulated His Eminence Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR, and thanked Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio for looking deep to choose a first-class monarch in the person of Oku Ibom Ibibio as their Grand Patron, which means that Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio has gained greater respect.
“The installation of His Eminence Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR, as 4th Grand Patron of this organisation has added a voice to Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio. He’s a man of unquestionable character and a monarch of great value.” – Akparawa Godwin Ntuk Udeh, Ph.D.
His Excellency values Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio and has advised that Mboho show the entire country that Ibibio is the 4th largest ethnic group in Nigeria through collaboration, understanding, and taking her rightful position, just as His Excellency has brought Akwa Ibom together in one fold, Udeh added. Pst. Umo Eno urged the organisation to preserve the Ibibio heritage, especially now that the entire world is focused on Akwa Ibom State through her tourism engagement.
In a tone-setting speech, the Chairman of the Advisory Council of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa Udo Sam Umoatang, stated that Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio was founded in 1987, and successive leadership has piloted the affairs of the organisation. “We are gathered here today to do two things: firstly, to celebrate the birth of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, and the installation of His Eminence Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR, as 4th Grand Patron of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio. We thank our elders who have stood by Mboho over the years.”
Land Grabbing Disguising as State Creation – Nduese Essien
…advises Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio against being used as political mercenary
By Samuel Anthony
The Attah of Eket, Chief Nduese Essien, has issued a stern warning against ongoing attempts to annex Ibibio ancestral lands under the guise of state creation, calling such moves “land grabbing in disguise.”
He made the statement while addressing the installation ceremony of the Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk, as the Grand Patron of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio in Uyo.
Speaking at the high-profile event, Chief Essien, a revered elder statesman and former federal legislator, recounted a century-long history of aggressive efforts to seize control of the Ibibio coastline, particularly the Stubbs Creek Forest, which he said had been lawfully defended by the Ibibio people up to the Privy Council in London.
”Today, the same people, with new allies from neighbouring states, are trying again this time under the guise of creating an Obolo State,” Chief Essien declared.
”Let me emphasise unambiguously: any attempt to appropriate Ibibio land must be vehemently rejected at all times.
“The ill-fated expedition has been exposed and must come to an end. No part of Ibibio land will be annexed.”
He decried the repeated attempts at encroachments, highlighting the second wave of aggression through violence in 1993, which was halted by the Justice Ephraim Akpata Commission of Inquiry, and a third in 2014 during the National Conference, where collaborators sought to merge the area with a part the neighbouring River State for a proposed “Oil Rivers State.”
Chief Essien’s remarks drew resounding applause from the audience, which included traditional rulers, top government dignitaries, professionals, youth leaders, and the press.
While the Grand Patron installation of the Oku Ibom Ibibio was the central event, the Attah of Eket used the opportunity to challenge Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio and other sociocultural organizations to rise beyond ceremonial functions and play a stronger role in protecting Ibibio heritage, advocating for justice, and influential opinions on national discourse.
He praised Mboho’s achievements since its establishment in 1987, including educational institutions, agricultural enterprises, tourism outfits and cultural initiatives, but urged its leadership to resist being used as a platform for personal political ambition.
“Mboho must develop the courage to speak truth to power,” he said. “Its loyalty must be to the people, not to any political establishment.”
Addressing the youth directly, Chief Essien emphasized the importance of cultural preservation and historical consciousness, calling on them to speak the Ibibio language fluently, uphold traditions, and reject vices such as cultism and disrespect for elders.
The installation of the Oku Ibom Ibibio as Grand Patron was hailed as a symbolic alignment between traditional authority and the aspirations of the Ibibio people.
According to Chief Essien, “the Oku Ibom now serves as a link between our glorious past, our beautiful present, and the promise of a bright future.”
The ceremony closed with renewed calls for unity among all Akwa Ibom people, with the Statesman’s call on sociocultural groups to pursue a collective identity and direct their energy toward national relevance and developmental programmes.
Earlier, the Chairman of Obot Akara, Rt. Hon. Simon Akpan, welcomed the governor’s delegation and lauded him as “a promise keeper and true son of the land,” citing the numerous ongoing projects in the local government and pledging continued support for the Eno administration “even beyond 2027.”
Also speaking, the Clan Head of Nto Ide, Okuku Jacob Afangideh, offered prayers for the governor, saying, “May God bless and illuminate the governor’s path.” He also appealed for more development projects, including roads and a general hospital to tackle maternal mortality in the area.
The commissioning of the model primary school marks another stride in Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, further cementing his administration’s focus on inclusive and community-based development.
The International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa James Edet, welcomed His Excellency Akparawa Umo Bassey Eno to the formal installation of His Eminence Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR. Akparawa James took time to acknowledge the great titans on whose shoulders the organisation stands: the first Grand Patron Bon. Justice Sir Egbert Udo Udoma, Dr. Clement Nyong Isong, and thirdly Air Marshal (Elder) Nsikak Essien Eduok, and now the installation of His Eminence Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR.
“We commend His Excellency Pst. (Akparawa) Umo Bassey Eno, an illustrious son and pride of Ibibio land and an esteemed member of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, for his inclusive leadership and unyielding commitment to unity, equity, and the progress of all in our dear state.” — Akparawa James Edet
His Eminence Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR, represented by the Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, HRM Edidem Clement Francis Ekpeyong, in his address, publicly accepted the honour bestowed on him by Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, noting that the event marks a milestone for the organisation as they celebrate 38 years of existence. His Eminence used the opportunity to call on Akwa Ibomites to give their total support to the governor and also called for unity to keep the state peaceful.
The Grand Patron thanked Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio for installing him as the 4th Grand Patron and pledged to move the vision of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio to another level.
Among those who gave goodwill messages were the President of Ekid Peoples Assembly; a representative from Ikot Abasi; Ntisong IV Obong Pius James of Akwa Esop Imasong Ibibio; and Akparawa Obong Michael Afahideh.
The event was witnessed by prominent sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom State, including Senator Ekong Sampson, Head of Civil Service Elder Effiong Essien, Members of the State Executive Council, Paramount Rulers, and many others.
The high point was the unveiling of His Eminence Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR, as the new Grand Patron of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, the unveiling of the gallery of Legendary Ancestors of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, and the cutting of the Anniversary cake.
The event was held at the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio secretariat along Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.
