Stephanie Peter
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has been honoured with the chieftaincy title of “Akwa Obong Emem Ikot Ekpene” by the newly coronated Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Okuku Okon Udo Ukut.
The title was conferred on the governor on Friday during the monarch’s colourful coronation ceremony at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, which also marked his 82nd birthday.
Eno, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, congratulated the monarch, describing his coronation as the culmination of years of service and commitment to the people of Ikot Ekpene.
According to him, the new royal reign presented an opportunity to consolidate peace, unity and development in the local government area and the wider senatorial district.
“Your coronation is a culmination of the great service you have been rendering to the people of Ikot Ekpene,” the governor said, expressing confidence that the monarch would be inspired to do more for his people.
Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions, which he described as indispensable custodians of the state’s culture, customs and values.
“We treasure and deeply appreciate our traditional institutions as custodians of our culture, customs and ethos. We remain dedicated to working collaboratively with you to bring more development and deepen peaceful coexistence among our people,” he stated.
The governor also pointed to ongoing development projects in Ikot Ekpene, particularly the International Market, which he said would unlock the economic potential of the local government, the senatorial district and the state.
“We will continue to advance growth and equitable development across all the 31 Local Government Areas. Work is ongoing at the Ikot Ekpene International Market, a game-changing project that will unlock the economic potential of the people,” Eno said.
He listed roads, model primary schools, model primary healthcare centres and compassionate homes among projects executed by his administration in the area, while pledging continued attention to the council.
The governor also thanked the people of Ikot Ekpene for their support and expressed hope that, with their backing, his administration would continue its development agenda beyond 2027.
Archibong, speaking on behalf of the governor, described the Paramount Ruler as a peace-loving royal father who was deeply respected and cherished, while commending Governor Eno for prioritising the welfare and relevance of traditional institutions.
He also commended the Executive Chairman of Ikot Ekpene LGA, Hon. Elder Aniefiok Nkom, for his role in facilitating the formal coronation of the monarch, nine years after his certification as Paramount Ruler.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Ibok Essien, urged the new monarch to deploy his wealth of experience to promote peace, unity and development in the council area.
Nkom, in his remarks, thanked Governor Eno for assenting to the formal coronation and commended his administration for its development strides in the area. He pledged the support of the people of Ikot Ekpene for the governor’s bid to retain office in 2027.
The ceremony also featured the conferment of chieftaincy titles on distinguished personalities and the presentation of a ₦100 million solar-powered borehole project to Ikot Ekpene LGA by Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, member representing Ini/Ikono Federal Constituency.
The event attracted members of the National Assembly, commissioners, local government chairmen, paramount rulers, clan and village heads, family heads, the Secretary of the Supreme Council, Dr. Emmanuel Umontuen, and officials of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
