Heritage Polytechnic boss tasks youths on peaceful coexistence beyond ethnic divides

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Founder and Chairman of the Governing Council of Heritage Polytechnic, Eket, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Emmanuel John Ekott, has made a passionate appeal to the people of Ekid and Ibeno Local Government Areas to embrace peace, dialogue, and reconciliation as a pathway to genuine and sustainable development.

The two oil-rich neighbouring councils have experienced intermittent communal crises for over two decades, largely driven by land disputes and ethnic tensions.

Speaking during the 17th matriculation and 15th convocation ceremonies of Heritage Polytechnic over the weekend, Dr. Ekott noted that entrenched positions built on suspicion, rivalry, and division no longer reflect modern realities or the aspirations of the present generation.

According to him, such attitudes belong to a past that must be deliberately left behind in the interest of progress and development.

“Let me be clear: no development has ever emerged from the womb of discord, and not all matters are best settled in the courtroom,” he stated.

He lamented that the protracted conflict between Ekid and Ibeno, regardless of its origins, has only produced sorrow, stagnation, and a negative image for the people in the wider society.

“It is time to end them all. These conflicts have yielded nothing but setbacks for our communities,” he added.

Dr. Ekott therefore called on traditional rulers, political leaders, and community elders from both sides to urgently initiate a genuine peace dialogue that would lead to lasting reconciliation.

He stressed the need to prioritize the future of young people over historical grievances.

“Let us invest in our children’s future rather than in our ancestors’ quarrels. Unity is not the absence of differences; it is the courage to rise above them,” he said.

Expressing optimism, he noted that the younger generation in both Ekid and Ibeno communities is ready for peace, urging leaders not to disappoint their expectations for a harmonious future.

“I believe the young people of Ekid and Ibeno are ready for peace. Let us not disappoint them,” he added.

Addressing students of the institution, the proprietor expressed appreciation that students from both communities have not allowed the external crisis to infiltrate the academic environment.

He commended them for maintaining unity within the institution, noting that Heritage Polytechnic remains a neutral ground where ethnic divisions have no place.

“Let me thank you for letting your parents know that Heritage Polytechnic is not a ground for ethnic division. When you walk through our gates, you leave behind tribal labels,” he said.

He emphasized that students are first and foremost scholars, not defined by ethnic identity within the academic space.

“Here, you are not Ekid or Ibeno. You are a scholar. Heritage Polytechnic is a place to discover your potential, collaborate, and grow intellectually,” he noted.

Dr. Ekott further reminded the students that knowledge transcends ethnic boundaries, pointing out that academic principles such as mathematics, physics, and commerce do not recognize tribal divisions.

He charged the students to become ambassadors of unity and a new narrative of peaceful coexistence.

“When you are in your hostels, classrooms, laboratories, and prayer groups, see the person beside you not through the lens of tribe, but through shared purpose,” he advised.

He encouraged them to eat together, study together, support one another, and reject divisive narratives, while promoting unity and understanding at all times.

Dr. Ekott also urged them to ignore misleading publications and directives from individuals or groups that may seek to deepen ethnic divisions, stressing that peace remains the only sustainable path to development in the region.