Ukpum Minya Honours Lady Ebe

The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Valerie Ebe (r), being welcomed by a cross section of traditional rulers, during the conferment of a chieftaincy title: Eka Esit Ima Ukpum Minya, on the Deputy Governor by the Ukpum Minya Clan Union on Saturday.

Governor Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Lady Valerie Ebe, who bagged an Excellent Award and a chieftaincy title of ‘Eka Esit Ima Ukpum Minya’ from the traditional fathers of the area, has said “traditional rulers in the state have made his work and that of his deputy very simple.”

In her acceptance speech  at Q. I. C Secondary Commercial School, Minya, Lady Ebe expressed gratitude to the royal fathers for the honour bestowed on her, saying that she was impressed by warm reception accorded to her and described them as epitome of peace.

The Deputy Governor, who was also given a life virgin cow to groom as a sign of royalty, said no material gift could match the title on her, assuring that the honour will not be in vein and commended the traditional rulers for their contribution in ensuring lasting peace in the state.

She called on the area to support the administration of Chief Godswill Akpabio, maintaining that there was need to celebrate the Governor for his decision to keep to the zoning of the 2015 governorship to Eket Senatorial District by the party.

The traditional fathers led by the Paramount Ruler of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Edidem Akpan Ekpene, conferred the title on Lady Ebe recently during a grand reception in her honour by Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency in Mkpat Enin.

Edidem Ekpene said that the conferment of the title on the Deputy Governor was to further strengthen the bond of love, peace and harmony between Mkpat Enin, Federal Constituency and Senatorial District.

In his remarks, the Clan Head of Ukpum Minya, Etebom Archibong Umana, whose coronation was the same day, expressed appreciation and said the honour was the result of their selfless service to the people of the state, noting that “honesty and hard work were the basic requirements for the stool.”

He said he was humbled to be selected and crowned the Clan Head of Ukpum Minya and promised to uphold the dignity and integrity of the exalted office entrusted him by the people.

In a congratulatory message to Lady Ebe, a foremost socio-political group in the area, Uyio Iban Mkpat Enin, says the honour was done to a specially rounded Akwa Ibom personality who has done a lot to promote unity, peace and stability in the state.

The Secretary of the group, Mrs. Imeofon Udoh, in a chat with newsmen, also said the Deputy Governor, as a pioneer President of the group, was a mother to all and sundry.

Lady Ebe also holds the chieftaincy titles of Adiaha Nto Udo Akpabio, Ukai Ibibio, and Mme of Etoi Clan.

The Supreme Council of Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency Youth (SCIFECOY), a frontline youth group in the area, also congratulated Lady Ebe.

The Head of Protocol of the group, Iwaad Angel-Ini Udom, described the Deputy Governor as the Governor’s greatest benevolence to the area and said youths of the area were committed in their support of Akpabio’s choice of a successor in 2015.

Others who were also honoured included the Senator that represents Eket Senatorial District, Senator Helen Esuene (Mkpouto Ukpum Minya); the member representing Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, Dr Akpan Micah-Umoh (Excellent Award); the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elder Samuel Ikon (Ntata Offiong Ukpum Minya), and the member representing Mkpat Enin, Barrister Ekong Sampson (Eduek Eyeyin Ukpum Minya).

The event was attended by Senator Helen Esuene, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Udom Emmanuel; the Head of State Civil Service, Mrs. Cecilia Udoessien; the Chairman of Akwa Ibom Investment Company, Chief Senas Ukpana; the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Abasi, Edidem Udo Ntuk-Obom, that of Mkpat Enin, Edidem Akpan Ekpene; the member representing Mkpat Enin in the State House of Assembly, Barrister Ekong Sampson; that of Urue Offong/Oruko, Barrister Bassey Etienam; the Commissioner for Commerce and industry, Mr. Ufot Nkangudeh; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sir Adasi Ubolom.

Others were the Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Obong Paul Ekpo; the Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Professor S. W. Peters; former member for Mkpat Enin, Obong Udobong Ekpo; that of Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo, Dr Charles Mbong; the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council, Edidem Victor Noah Umoh, Chief Michael Afangideh; Mkpat Enin Local Government Council Chairman and his deputy, Mr. Ephraim Akpan and Miss Eno William; and a former Commissioner in the State, Mr. Martyns Udoinyang.

The event, which was jointly organized by the Ukpum Minya Traditional Rulers Council and Ukpum Minya Clan Union, featured cultural display and presentation by socio-political groups including Akwa Ibom Women League (AKIWOL) and Esop Mkparawa Mkpat Enin.