Eno reaffirms inclusive development as Awakama emerges Itai Afe Annang V

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has charged the newly installed Itai Afe Annang V, His Royal Majesty, Obong Blaise Udofia Awakama, to deploy his wealth of experience, wisdom and fatherly counsel towards strengthening peace, unity and development in Annang land and Akwa Ibom State.

Governor Eno gave the charge on Saturday through the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, at the 90th birthday celebration and formal installation of Obong Awakama as the fifth Itai Afe Annang.

The Governor described the institution of the Itai Afe Annang as a revered traditional institution with a significant place in the history, culture and identity of the Annang people.

He said the installation of Obong Awakama was not only a significant milestone for the Annang people but also a recognition of the monarch’s decades of service, leadership, commitment to peaceful coexistence and contributions to the development of society.

According to Eno, the monarch’s attainment of 90 years was a testimony to God’s grace and a reflection of the wealth of wisdom and experience he had acquired over the decades.

“At 90, we thank God for the grace He has bestowed upon you and for the wisdom and experience with which you have continued to contribute to the growth, unity and peaceful coexistence of our people.

“This installation is not just a significant milestone but an acknowledgement of the selfless service you’ve offered and the leadership you’ve provided for several decades,” the Governor said.

Eno expressed confidence that the new Itai Afe Annang would bring his wealth of experience and fatherly counsel to bear on the responsibilities of his new office.

He particularly urged the monarch to use the revered position to promote unity among the Annang people and foster stronger collaboration among traditional rulers, government and other stakeholders.

“As you formally assume this revered position, I have no doubt that you will continue to deploy your wealth of experience and fatherly counsel in promoting peace, unity and development, while working with other traditional rulers and stakeholders for the advancement of the Annang nation and Akwa Ibom State in general,” he stated.

The Governor also reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to balanced, inclusive and equitable development across Akwa Ibom State.

He assured the people that his government would continue to pursue development across all the 31 Local Government Areas in accordance with the aspirations of the people and the ideals of the ARISE Agenda.

According to him, the traditional institution remains an important partner of government in the maintenance of peace, promotion of social cohesion and advancement of grassroots development.

He therefore called for sustained collaboration between government and traditional rulers, stressing that the partnership was essential to building a peaceful and prosperous state.

Governor Eno also prayed God to continue to grant the new Itai Afe Annang robust health, sound mind, strength and wisdom to provide purposeful leadership and guidance to his people.

Awakama seeks unity among the Annang people

In his post-installation remarks, the new Itai Afe Annang V, Obong Blaise Udofia Awakama, expressed appreciation to the Annang people for the confidence reposed in him by entrusting him with the revered traditional position.

Awakama described his elevation as both a great honour and a weighty responsibility, saying he accepted the responsibility with humility and a firm commitment to serve the people to the best of his ability.

He prayed to God to guide him with wisdom and enable him to lead the Annang people aright throughout his tenure.

The monarch expressed gratitude to the elders of Annang land for finding him worthy of the traditional office and appealed to Annang sons and daughters to unite behind his leadership.

He equally called on members of his executive to work with him in the collective effort to rebuild, reposition and restore the glory of Annang land.

According to him, the development of the Annang nation could only be achieved through unity of purpose, collective responsibility and commitment from all stakeholders.

Awakama, therefore, urged the people to put aside differences and work together towards placing the Annang nation in an enviable position.

The monarch also commended Governor Eno for what he described as the great work being carried out across Akwa Ibom State through the ARISE Agenda.

He expressed appreciation for the Governor’s support to him personally and his administration’s attention to the development of Annang land.

Etiebet commends Eno

Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Otuekong Don Etiebet, commended Governor Eno for what he described as an unprecedented commitment to the unity and development of Akwa Ibom State.

Etiebet said the Governor had demonstrated an inclusive approach to governance by treating citizens of the state as one people irrespective of their ethnic or political backgrounds.

“He has recognised everyone as an Akwa Ibomite. If we had this kind of interest in all Akwa Ibomites, Akwa Ibom would have been more developed than we have today. Thank you for bringing all the development to Annang land,” Etiebet stated.

The former minister urged the people of Annang land to rally around the new Itai Afe Annang and provide him with the support and cooperation required to succeed.

He stressed that the success of the traditional institution would depend largely on the ability of the people to work together and support their traditional leadership.

Stakeholders pledge support
Goodwill messages were also received from the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council and Paramount Ruler of Abak, His Royal Majesty, Akuku Saviour Udofia; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong; and the representative of the Senate President and Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area, Hon. Ntiedo Usoro.

Chairmen of the eight Local Government Areas that make up the Annang nation also congratulated Obong Awakama on his installation and 90th birthday.

The chairmen, who spoke through the Chairman of Abak Local Government Area, pledged their support and cooperation to the new traditional leader.

They described his emergence as an opportunity for the Annang people to strengthen unity, consolidate peace and pursue development with renewed commitment.

Governor honoured
The highpoint of the colourful ceremony was the conferment of the honorific title, “Akwa Obong Emem,” on Governor Umo Eno by the Itai Afe Annang.

The Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, was also honoured and ceremonially kitted as a friend of Annang land.

The ceremony attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials, community leaders, stakeholders and people from different parts of Akwa Ibom State.

The event also featured the cutting of the birthday cake by the newly installed Itai Afe Annang V as part of activities marking his 90th birthday.

The celebration therefore combined the solemnity of a traditional installation with the joy of celebrating the remarkable milestone of a nonagenarian whose new role is expected to further strengthen the unity, peace and development of the Annang people and Akwa Ibom State.