December 15, (THEWILL) — The President-General of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers in Akwa Ibom State and Okuibom of Ibibioland, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, has called on Akwa Ibom indigenes to unite in support of the administrations of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno, describing their efforts as crucial to repositioning Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State for greater prosperity.
The foremost traditional ruler made the call at the 58th General Assembly of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI), the leading socio-cultural organisation of the Ibibio people.
Speaking as the organisation’s 4th Grand Patron, Ntenyin Etuk stressed the importance of unity among the Ibibio, warning against internal divisions, backstabbing and disunity, urging members to support one another and work collectively for the growth and advancement of the Ibibio nation.
The monarch also commended the historic role played by Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio during the struggle for the creation of Akwa Ibom State, offering royal blessings to the organisation and its members for sustaining the Ibibio heritage.
In his welcome address, the 11th International President of MMI, Akparawa James Edet, praised the vision of the organisation’s founding fathers and highlighted key achievements of his administration.
These include the upgrade of facilities at the Mboho Unity Schools and the International Secretariat, the clearance of salary backlogs, salary increments, and the restoration of prompt salary payments across both arms of the organisation.
Akparawa Edet further applauded intervention projects at the Mboho Unity Schools executed by various local and diaspora chapters, including Houston, New York, Dallas, London and Connecticut.
He also outlined significant strides in global expansion and diaspora integration, with new chapters established in Phoenix, New Jersey, Ireland, Ikorodu, Uyo Metropolitan, Toronto, Calgary and Connecticut, describing the expansion as “a formidable pillar of unity, growth and international visibility.”
He expressed sadness over the destruction of Mboho legacy property in Lagos but appealed for calm, assuring members that the matter was being handled at the highest level of authority in the country.
Addressing newly inducted members, the President reminded them that membership of MMI is a call to service, in line with the organisation’s motto, “Oneness for Service.” He charged them to uphold its ideals, participate actively in chapter activities and contribute meaningfully to community development.
On national issues, Akparawa Edet decried the persistent challenges of banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and violent crime, while commending President Tinubu for appointing retired General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence, describing the appointment as “a round peg in a round hole.”
He also lauded Governor Umo Eno for the historic upgrade of the Victor Attah International Airport to full international status, noting that the development would boost global visibility and unlock opportunities in aviation, tourism, commerce and international partnerships.
The event climaxed with a Presidential Night of Distinction and End-of-Year Gala.
