July 26, (THEWILL) – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has urged Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI) to maintain it’s pride of place as a foremost socio-cultural group in Nigeria, by actively participating and lending support to constituted authorities and traditional institutions in Nigeria.
The Governor gave the urge during the official inauguration of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Akparawa James Edet, as the 11th International President of the apex socio-cultural organisation, Ibibio, at the weekend.
Represented by the former commissioner of Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno, the governor said the voice of the MMI as a traditional institution of repute is always expected when issues arise in the state and the country in general.
In his inaugural speech titled: ‘Together, We Can’, Edet called for multi-directional support for the organisation, promising that his tenure would restore the vibrancy with which Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio was known for.
“As a leading socio-cultural organisation in Nigeria, it is our commitment to continually be at the forefront of driving and re-strengthening the bond of unity and brotherhood amongst our sister province in Oro nation, Anang nation, and other parts of Akwa Ibom State.
“Mboho shall continue to be heard on national issues as the voice of the masses. As the 11th International Exco, we are saddened by the capricious state of our nation, where criminal elements, bandits, boko haram forces, and unknown gunmen kidnap, maim, kill, as well as destroy properties of innocent Nigerians without any reasonable actions from the appropriate quarters”, he promised.
While declaring the event open, the Chairman of the Occasion, MD/CEO of Hensek Integrated Services, Engr. Uwem Okoko, acknowledged the efforts of the founding fathers of the group, adding that with James Edet, the organisation will continue to be focal in national discuss, as well as foster peace between the Ibibios and other ethnic groups in Akwa Ibom State, and Nigeria in general.
In his valedictory speech, the immediate past international President of the group, Akparawa Patrick Udofia, commended members of the out-going Exco for their valuable contributions toward the success of his tenure.
He called on all members of the organisation to support the new exco, adding that with their coorperation and that of indigenes of other extractions, Mboho will continue to be known for oneness, love and respect, which he emphasised as the true identity of an Akwa Ibom person.
The ceremony, which featured the induction of new members, including the wife of the new International President, Mrs Grace Edet, and Engr. Uwem Okoko, as the President’s first official assignment, also had as its highpoint, the placement of his official portrait and the ringing of the organisation’s bell to signal the beginning of a new administration.
The inauguration ceremony, which took place at the International Secretariat, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, attracted eminent sons and daughters of Ibibio extraction, including members of the political class, traditional rulers, and captains of industry.
Attached: Pic of Akparawa James Edet, 11th International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI)
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