By Iyoho Emmanuel
ABUJA — The Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja has adopted traditional leaders representing nine federal constituencies into its Council of Chiefs, in a move aimed at strengthening unity, preserving cultural heritage, promoting peaceful coexistence and improving the welfare of indigenes residing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The nominees were formally presented by the First Obong of Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja, Mkpisong Jackson Ndueso, during the community’s monthly general meeting at Akwa Ibom House, Central Business District, Abuja.
Their adoption followed deliberations at the meeting, with no objections raised before a motion for their adoption was moved by Akparawa Emem Kanico and seconded by Mr Anthony Ita, an engineer.
Presenting the nominees, Ndueso described them as trusted and experienced individuals expected to contribute meaningfully to community development and the preservation of Akwa Ibom’s customs and traditions.
He was grateful to God for the successful selection process and charged the newly adopted chiefs to uphold honesty, accountability, commitment and transparency in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The First Obong stressed that traditional rulers were custodians of the people’s cultural heritage and should use their positions to promote unity, responsible leadership and community development.
He urged the chiefs to serve as ambassadors and role models in their respective constituencies, noting that their conduct and commitment would be crucial to building public confidence in the traditional institution.
Ndueso also called on Akwa Ibom indigenes living in Abuja to uphold the positive values of their state wherever they found themselves, including their neighbourhoods, churches and other social settings.
He encouraged them to be honest, hardworking, neat, dependable and responsible, stressing that the collective image of Akwa Ibom depended significantly on the conduct of its people.
According to him, the Council of Chiefs is expected to work closely with the wider community leadership to strengthen relationships among indigenes, improve their welfare and promote constructive engagement with the Akwa Ibom State government.
The nine nominees presented for adoption represent nine of the 10 federal constituencies identified by the community, while a nominee for Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency was yet to be submitted.
Those adopted are Chief Joe Ekaette, representing Eket Federal Constituency; Obom Iniobong Jackson, Etinan Federal Constituency; Chief Francis Iba, Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency and Obong Boniface Usoro, Abak Federal Constituency.
Others include: Professor Etimbuk Akpan Okpokpo, Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency; Chief Effiong Nsingusi, Oron Federal Constituency; Obong-Emem Essien Akpan Nyang, Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency; Chief Akpan Saturday Frank, Ukanafun/Oruk-Anam Federal Constituency; and Elder Patrick Edem, Uyo Federal Constituency.
In his remarks, the President of Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja, Mkpisong Gabriel Fan, commended Ndueso and the respective constituency leaders for the selection of the nominees.
Fan, a lawyer, urged the council’s leadership to coordinate arrangements for a formal celebration and recognition of the newly adopted chiefs at a date to be agreed upon.
Speaking on behalf of the nominees, Professor Okpokpo appreciated the community’s leadership for the confidence reposed in them and pledged their commitment to working with Ndueso and other stakeholders to advance the interests of Akwa Ibom indigenes in the FCT.
He described the integration of traditional rulers into the community’s leadership structure as an important step towards strengthening cooperation between traditional institutions and community executives.
Photo: Iyoho Emmanuel
Okpokpo said the FCT’s unique position as the nation’s capital, with residents from different states and cultural backgrounds, provided an important platform for Akwa Ibom people to preserve and showcase their cultural identity.
He explained that the council would be expected to safeguard cultural values, promote peaceful coexistence and encourage traditional methods of dispute resolution among Akwa Ibom indigenes.
Okpokpo emphasised that traditional institutions and community leadership must work together, noting that neither could effectively address the people’s concerns in isolation.
According to him, the council’s responsibilities would extend beyond the central community structure to districts, villages and other community formations across the FCT where Akwa Ibom indigenes reside.
He was optimistic that closer collaboration would strengthen the capacity of traditional leaders to mediate disputes, promote understanding and foster peaceful relationships among community members.