The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has charged the newly installed Itai Afe Annang V, His Royal Majesty, Obong Blaise Udofia Awakama, to deploy his wealth of experience and fatherly wisdom to strengthen peace, unity and development in Annang land and the State. The Governor, who spoke through the Deputy Governor Senator... The post Eno Tasks New Monarch On Peace, Unity In Annang, A’ibom appeared first on New Telegraph .
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has charged the newly installed Itai Afe Annang V, His Royal Majesty, Obong Blaise Udofia Awakama, to deploy his wealth of experience and fatherly wisdom to strengthen peace, unity and development in Annang land and the State.
The Governor, who spoke through the Deputy Governor Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, gave the charge on Saturday during the 90th birthday celebration and formal installation of Obong Awakama as the fifth Itai Afe Annang.
He described the institution of the Itai Afe Annang as a revered traditional institution with a significant place in the history, culture and identity of the Annang people, describing the installation of Obong Awakama as both a significant milestone and a 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.
“This installation is not just a significant milestone but an acknowledgement of the selfless service you’ve offered and the leadership you’ve provided for several decades.” the Governor noted.
He expressed confidence that the traditional leader would bring his experience and fatherly counsel to bear on his new responsibilities, particularly in promoting unity and working with other traditional rulers and stakeholders to advance the Annang nation and Akwa Ibom State.
“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 Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to balanced and inclusive development across the state, assuring that his government would continue to pursue growth and equitable development across all 31 Local Government Areas in line with the aspirations of the people and the ideals of the ARISE Agenda.
He further called for sustained collaboration between government and the traditional institution, noting that traditional rulers remained critical partners in maintaining peace, social cohesion and grassroots development.
Eno prayed God to continue to grant the monarch robust health, sound mind, strength and wisdom to provide purposeful leadership and guidance to his people.
In his post installation remarks, the new Itai Afe Annang, Obong Blaise Udofia 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 wholeheartedly and in humility, while praying God to guide him to lead the people aright and successfully to the end of his tenure.
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 of the occasion and former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Otuekong Don Etiebet, commended Governor Eno for what he described as an unprecedented commitment to the unity of Akwa Ibom State.
Etiebet said the Governor had demonstrated 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 development 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, His Royal Majesty Akuku Saviour Udofia; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong; representative of the Senate President and Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area, Hon. Ntiedo Usoro; and the Chairmen of the eight Local Government Areas of Annang nation, who spoke through the Chairman of Abak Local Government Area.
They congratulated Obong Awakama on his installation and 90th birthday, while pledging their support for his leadership.
The highpoint of the event was the conferment of the honorific title of “Akwa Obong Emem” on the Governor by the Itai Afe Annang, while the Deputy Governor was honoured and ceremonially kitted as a friend of Annang land.
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 birthday cake by the new Itai Afe Annang as part of activities marking his 90th birthday.
