From Udo Udoma, Clement Isong And Nsikak Eduok To Solomon Etuk As Grand Patron Of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio
By James Edet
Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio – a foremost socio-cultural organisation committed to the unity, progress and cultural renaissance of the Ibibio Nation – is marking another historic milestone with the installation of Ntenyin Solomon Daniel Etuk, Oku Ibom Ibibio, President General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers and Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, as its fourth Grand Patron.
This exalted position is reserved for the most distinguished sons of Ibibioland whose lives exemplify national service, character, honour and cultural pride. Etuk succeeds three revered icons who left indelible legacies of visionary leadership and enduring patriotism.
The first Grand Patron, Sir Egbert Udo Udoma, was a towering legal luminary, nationalist and one of Africa’s most respected jurists. A man of exceptional intellect and integrity, he served as the first Chief Justice of Uganda and later as Acting President of that nation. He played pivotal roles in constitutional development across the African continent and the wider world.
The second Grand Patron, Dr Clement Nyong Isong, was a globally-respected economist, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and later Governor of Cross River State. Renowned for his intellectual discipline and economic foresight, he contributed immensely to Nigeria’s fiscal stability during a defining era in country’s development.
The third Grand Patron, Air Marshal Nsikak Essien Eduok (retd.), Nigeria’s former Chief of Air Staff and Minister of Aviation, embodied military professionalism, discipline and an unshakable commitment to national defence. His humility and unwavering belief in the Ibibio cause elevated the stature of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio during his lifetime.
Now, history continues with Etuk, a traditional institution builder, peace advocate and cultural unifier of national acclaim. As Oku Ibom Ibibio, he stands as the apex symbol of Ibibio identity and dignity. His reign has been marked by stability, inter-ethnic harmony and sustained advocacy for good governance. He is widely respected across Nigeria and beyond for his stately wisdom, moral authority and progressive engagement with youth, traditional councils and the wider polity.
His installation as Grand Patron on August 1, 2025 (incidentally, the foundation date of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio) is not only a recognition of his personal accomplishments and towering stature but also a reaffirmation of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio’s enduring commitment to the values of honour, heritage and nation-building. With him as Grand Patron, the Mboho, and by extension Ibibio Nation, is assured of continued guidance, inspiration and representation at the highest socio-economic, cultural and national levels.
On behalf of the global membership of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, I heartily congratulate His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, on this well-deserved honour. May his tenure as Grand Patron usher in a new chapter of wisdom, unity and holistic advancement for our people. We pray for continued strength, divine guidance and enduring legacy as he leads with distinction and dignity.
*_Edet, NPOM, a recipient of Nigeria’s National Productivity Order of Merit award, is the 11th International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio._*
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