Udom Urges Wealthy Indigenes To Assist With Rural Development

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmanuel Udom has charged wealthy indigenes of the state to always show interest in the development of their communities.

He gave the charge during the end of year get-together and award of chieftaincy titles to deserving sons of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.

The event was held at the palace of the paramount Ruler of Ibiono Ibom, His Royal Majesty, Okuku Ime Inyang, yesterday.

Represented by the state Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Professor Eno Ibanga, Udom said it is God that lifts people to higher heights with the sole aim of them leaving footprints in their communities.

The four persons conferred with various chieftaincy titles are, Professor Essien Antia-Obong, Obong Emmanuel Udofia Ekpa, Obong Halo Eton and Mr Churchill Tom Udoh.

The governor’s representative commended the paramount ruler, Okuku Ime Inyang for always setting out time annually to recognise Ibiono Ibom indigenes who have contributed to the development of their communities, adding that, "it was good for communities to also show appreciation to men and women who have made; impact."

“I congratulate the people that have been conferred with chieftaincy titles as appreciation for their outstanding contribution in human capacity development and other community services in their various communities. This is a two-way activity; you make your community feel your impact and they give you recognition in return”.

Earlier, the paramount ruler, Okuku Ime Inyang, said for many years now, the traditional rulers of the council of the area have not honoured anyone with a chieftaincy title due to the covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, the Chief Executive Officer of Westgate Group of companies, Churchill Udo expressed his appreciation to the state government for the peace enjoyed in Akwa Ibom State.

Churchill further thanked the paramount ruler for conferring on him the traditional title of ‘Isantim’ Ibiono, saying that, the gesture will spur him to do more for the people of the area knowing that people are watching him and appreciative of his efforts.

“To show that I am very happy by this gesture today, I will be adding 10 Ibiono Ibom indigenes annually to my tertiary education scholarship list. So every year ten students who are studying in public tertiary institutions will be awarded scholarships by WestGate Group of companies," he said.