Royal Father Endorses Abasi People Movement Of Unity For Sustainable Devt

UYO
The chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, HRM, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, has endorsed Abasi People Movement and called on Abasi People to remain united and committed to their collective self-emancipation, stressing that unity is a key to progress.
Edet, who is also the paramount ruler of Udung Uko and holds the title Eti Oyo Okpo II, made this call during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Abasi Peoples Foundation to the Traditional Rulers Council Secretariat along Wellington Bassey Way  in Uyo.
Receiving the delegation, led by the Foundations President, Engr. Victor Udo,  the royal father, emphasised that marginalisation is a reality of human society, but it must be met with courage, organisation, and a collective pursuit of excellence.
We must unite and push for emancipation without fear of marginalisation, HRM Edet declared. No one will hand you space; you must claim it with clarity, unity, and purpose.
The Eti Oyo Okpo II praised the vision of the  foundation and agreed to serve as a patron of the group.
He also urged support for the administration of Governor Umo Eno, praying that the Ibom Deep Seaport project  a key driver of economic development  becomes a reality. Additionally, he offered royal blessings for the President of the 10th Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his contributions to national and state development.
In his remarks, Engr. Udo stated that the Abasi Peoples Movement was born out of a desire to empower and unify the Abasi People (Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekid, Ekoi and Obolo) who rank as the fourth largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria. He traced the movement’s origin to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when it began as an online community seeking to confront both internal and external forces of exploitation.
Our mission is clear, Udo said. APF aim is to lead Abasi People Movement to unite Ndito Abasi – Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekid, Ekoi and Obolo for collective and individual self-emancipation from both internal and external marginalization and exploitation towards equitable sustainable development. This require enlightenment and awareness on our shared identity as a people who call God; Abasi”.
He emphasised that strong, organised communities are vital for development and urged all Abasi sons and daughters to take pride in their heritage and work together for a better future.
The royal father commended the groups vision and reiterated the importance of leadership in all spheres  political, traditional, and cultural. He encouraged continued dialogue, capacity building, and collaboration as tools for progress.
The visit marks a significant step in the Abasi People Foundations outreach to traditional, religious, political, business and academic leaders to  further positions the movement as a growing force for cultural unity and socio-political advocacy.