Uyio Ikpaisong, Kufre Etuk, Umana Umana, Bassey Albert, Sam Akpan, ors storm Ibibio Youth Summit in Uyo The apex youth body in Ibibio ethnic group, Supreme Council of Ibibio Youths has marked the third edition of its annual youth summit with the theme, ‘Akwa Ibom in 2015: Our position and the way forward.’ The event took place at Entry Point Hotel and Suites Ltd, Uyo. The event was witnessed by youths of Ibibio extraction from across the 14 local government areas of Ibibio nation, and other invited guests including Ibibio elders, Traditional rulers, Ibibio illustrious sons and daughters as well as friends and well-wishers. In his welcome address, the Etubom Iwaad Ibibio, Atauko Sammy Brown stated that the event was “a clarion call from youths of Ibibio to their fathers and mothers to come and hear what their children have to say about 2015 gubernatorial seat in Akwa Ibom State.” “The issue of who becomes Akwa Ibom State Governor in 2015 should concern everybody; no one should sit on the fence, every man, woman and institutions including churches in the state should actively participate because the character of any leader must affect the people either positively or negatively.” Brown, however, noted that the Supreme Council of Ibibio Youths is not a political association but a union of youths of Ibibio race aimed at unity of purpose and peaceful co-existence; protecting and defending the right of Ibibio youths; providing capacity building and possible employment for the unemployed Ibibio youths, amongst other noble objectives. He further requested for financial assistance to acquire a befitting National Secretariat for the group as well as Hiace bus for easy running of the organisation’s affairs, adding that the role the group has played to the betterment of Ibibio race merits them support and encouragement. Speaking, Uyio Ikpaisong I, HRM Edidem Ime Dickson Umoette, represented by the administrative secretary of Uyio Ikpaisong Ibibio, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, commended the youth group for projecting the true image of Ibibio race and maintained that the gesture was a step in the right direction to ensure the consolidation of Ibibio status as the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria. Edidem Umoette, who is the Paramount Ruler of Etinan LGA, called on Ibibio people to unite because togetherness is the only panacea for peace and progress. On 2015 gubernatorial election in the state, the monarch vouched for a person with the ability to deliver the dividends of democracy to the masses irrespective of the senatorial district such an individual hails from. While urging Ibibio people to embrace unity, Obong Okon Akpan Uko, Chairman, Ibibio Elders’ Forum, stated that it was high time Ibibios regain their rightful place in the country as the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria. He called on Ibibios not to be fooled by any external influence even as 2015 polls approach. Also speaking, Chairman of the occasion, Obong Kufreabasi Etuk, member representing Uruan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, expressed solidarity with youth group, adding that the event has made Ibibios to have a sense of belonging. Etuk, however, stressed that the Ibibios must always strive to chart a course for the state due to the mantle of headship placed on them (Ibibios) since time immemorial. Lecturing on the topic; “Who are the Ibibio?” Eloquent legal luminary, Barr. Mfon Ben traced the origin of the tribe to Usakedet, a settlement in the Bakassi Peninsula, now ceded to the Republic of Cameroon. According to him, after migrating from their homestead in Usakedet, Ibibios further descended and spread from the lineages of Itina Iman, Etefia and Anyang Nsit. Ben, however, called on Ibibios to retrace their footsteps by agitating for the reclaimation of Usakedet from the Republic of Cameroon, adding that such feat can be achieved if all Ibibios support the cause relentlessly. In another lecture titled; “Governorship Seat 2015: Why the Ibibio?” Presented by Rt. Hon. Ukata Akpan, the Ibibios were implored against retreating and not taking their rightful place as the leader of other ethnic groups in the state. Dr. Akpan, a former chief whip in AKHA, noted that the major problem hindering the progress of the Ibibio tribe is lack of unity even as he urged them to take a cue from ancient empires that collapsed as result of internal problems. Others who spoke at the event include: Rt. Hon. Jerome Isangedighi, member representing Oron/Udung Uko State constituency in the AKHA; Obonganwan Dora Ebong; Bishop C. O. Akpan, National President, Ibibio National Union; Ukai Lucy Okpon, amongst others. Others who were also represented at the event are; former commissioner for Finance, Obong Bassey Albert Akpan; former Special Adviser to Governor Godswill Akpabio on political Matters, Bishop Samuel Akpan; former Secretary to State Government, Obong Umana Okon Umana among others. The event also witnessed trophies presentation to winners of the first ever Ibibio Unity Cup competition organised by Supreme Council of Ibibio Youths. The first place team went to Ini Chapter of the body and was presented with a golden trophy by the Uyio Ikpaisong, Edidem Umoette; second place team, Onna LGA received silver trophy whilst third place team, Uyo LGA got a bronze trophy for their efforts. Radarpapers
Posted on: Fri, 06 Jun 2014 07:12:34 +0000
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