… Bags “Akwa Obong Emem Annang” Chieftaincy Title
By Timothy Ekpo
ABAK
The Akwa Ibom State governor has charged the Itai Afe Annang V to exhibit his wealth of wisdom and fatherly disposition to strengthen peace and unity towards the growth of the state and Annang land.
Governor Eno gave the charge at the official installation of Obong Blaise Awakama as the Itai Afe Annang V, and his 90th birthday anniversary at the secretariat of the Afe, at Abebit Afaha Obong, Abak Local Government Area.
Represented by the deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Eno in his goodwill message said the Itai Afe Annang was a revered traditional institution with a significant position in the history, culture and identity of the Annang people.
At the event which featured the honour of the governor with a chieftaincy title of Akwa Obong Emem Annang by the new Itai, and the ceremonial robe of the deputy governor, Senator Eyakenyi, as the Friend of Annang, the governor stressed that the installation of Obong Awakama was both a significant milestone and recognition of his decades of service, leadership and commitment to peaceful coexistence and development.
“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,” the governor said.
He expressed his confidence and satisfaction that Awakama would bring his experience and fatherly counsel to bear on his new responsibilities, especially in the promotion of unity and working with other traditional rulers and stakeholders in the state to advance the Annang ethnic nationality in particular Akwa Ibom in general.
“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 state chief executive reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to balance and inclusively develop the state, even as he assured that his government would continue to pursue growth and equitable distribution of projects across all the 31 local government areas in line with the aspirations of the people and the ideals of the ARISE Agenda.
Eno urged for sustained collaboration between government and the traditional institution, noting that traditional rulers remain critical partners in maintaining peace, social cohesion and grassroots development.
In his remark, the Itai Afe Annang, Obong Awakama, expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him by the entire Annang people, describing his elevation as both an honour and a weighty responsibility.
He said he had accepted the responsibility and in humility, saying that he needed the support and encouragement of his people to serve, while praying God to guide him for effective and efficient service delivery in the state.
The monarch thanked the elders of Annang land for finding him worthy of the revered position and appealed to Annang sons and daughters as well as members of his executive to unite and work with him towards rebuilding and restoring the glory of Annang land.
He called for collective efforts to reposition the Annang nation and lift it to an enviable position, stressing that the task of development required unity of purpose and commitment from all stakeholders.
Awakama also commended Governor Eno for what he described as the great work being done across the state through the ARISE Agenda, as well as his support for him personally and the Annang people.
Chairman on the event, Otuekong Don Etiebet, commended Eno for what he described as an unprecedented commitment to the unity of Akwa Ibom State.
He acknowledged Eno’s demonstration of an inclusive disposition by recognising every citizen as an Akwa Ibomite, regardless of ethnic or political background.
“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 developments to Annang land,” he said.
He urged the people of Annang land to rally around the new Itai Afe Annang and give him the necessary support to succeed in his new role.
Goodwill messages were also received from the chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council and paramount ruler of Abak, Akuku Saviour Udofia; commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Mr Frank Archibong; representative of the Senate president and chairman of Essien Udim, Ntiedo Usoro; and the chairmen of the eight local government Areas of Annang extraction, who spoke through the chairman of Abak Local Government Council, Mrs Ime Charles.
They congratulated Obong Awakama on his installation and 90th birthday while pledging their support for his leadership.
The colourful ceremony, which attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials, community leaders and people from all walks of life, featured the cutting of the 90th birthday cake of the Itai Afe Annang.
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