Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr Udom Emmanuel has spoken of socio cultural organisations as catalyst of development saying that the patriarch of Ibibio Union had contributed tremendously in the creation, unity and development of the state.
Governor Emmanuel stated this shortly after his induction as member of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio during the 29th Anniversary of the Socio – cultural organisation held at Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio International Secretariat/Community Centre, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.
Governor Emmanuel observed that Socio cultural -organisations like Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Esu Ulap Oro, Ati Annang, Afigh Iwaad Ekid and others are progenies of the Ibibio State Union and described the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio is an iconic off- shoot of our celebrated fore runners who placed service above self for the collective benefit of the people.
Mr Emmanuel reiterated his administration’s commitment to stimulate the economy to enable it generate employment and create wealth by exploring the abundant resources in the state and said that concerted effort has been made to ensure uninterrupted power supply to drive the industries which foundation has been laid in the state.
He expressed appreciation to the organisation for the honour done him saying that his administration would continue to partner with Socio-cultural organisations to take the state to its envisaged destination.
The Governor announced that construction of a parameter fence at the Mboho Unity School would soon take off and that a Certificate Of Occupancy in favour of the Mboho’s Community Centre is ready for delivery to the organisation.
The Executive Director, Exxon- Mobil, Mr Udom Inoyo who was the Chairman on the occasion congratulated Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio on it 29th Anniversary noting that the organisation has positioned itself in the fore front to foster the unity of all ethnic groups in the state and urged the youths to emulate the precedent set by the founding fathers of the union and come up with viable initiatives to enable them key into the industrialization programmes of the present administration.
He commended the group for identifying with the visionary leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel and for taking a bold step to induct the Governor as member of the Ibibio appex Organisation.
Welcoming the guest to the event, the International President, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio Akparawa Monday EtokAkpan, said that the Organisation, after due consideration of the visionary, political inclusive and developmental programmes of Governor Udom Emmanuel, deemed it fit to organise a grand reception in his honour and induct him as a as a worthy son of Ibibio into the organisation.
He used the occasion to assure the Governor of the Mboho ‘s support to enable him accomplish his mandate within the eight year tenure which he has to stay in office.
In a goodwill message, the Senate Minority Leader Senator Godswill Akpabio, congratulated the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio for sustaining the vision of it forebears and for the support given to the Udom’s administration.
He thanked them for having stood by him throughout the period of his administration and sued for more of such support to enable Governor Emmanuel deliver on his promises .
Similarly, the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke and State Chairman of PDP Obong Paul Ekpo, congratulated Mr Udom Emmanuel and urged the people to support an eight – year tenure for the incumbent Governor from Eket Senatorial District as was the case for Governors who served from Uyo and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial Districts of the state.
The colourful event which drew personalities from all walks of life climaxed with the cutting of the 29th Anniversary Cake, presentation of shield, sword as well as a Certificate Of membership to Governor Udom Emmanuel.
The State Council for Arts and Culture, Akwa Obio Theatre Troupe, Unik Brodaz, the Redemption Chorale, Pupils of Mboho Unity School Idu Uruan and a highlife music mastreo, Sir Wilker Jackson, held the guests spellbound with spectacular performances.
