Critical stakeholders and elders of Ikot Eko Ibon community in ONNA Local Government Area have denied negative media report against the community.
At a well attended meeting at the community’s town hall on Sunday, September 1st 2024, the leadership of the community decided to put the issues raised in the report in perspective
“The purpose of this meeting is not only to clarify the issue but also to enlighten the public and establish a pathway for development in the area”
The meeting, organized by the Ikot Eko Ibon Elders/Stakeholders Forum, expressed dissatisfaction with recent media reports allegedly sponsored by certain individuals with the intention of tarnishing the reputation of Ikot Eko Ibon and its elders.
They warned that such acts, which are perpetrated by persons who do not wish Ikot Eko Ibon well, will no longer be tolerated.
Representatives from various groups, including the Political Class, Youths, Elders, women and Village Council of the community, namely Otuekong Iniekpo D. Ekpo, Prince Ikpe Bob, Rocky Emem Daniel, Obongawan Eno E. D Nwa and Chief Friday Christopher Ukpong, etc all spoke during the meeting. The gathering which provided a vital platform for the discussion of key issues resolved the way forward especially towards settling the outstanding debt of N4.9M to PHEDC, empower the youths in the community through training in the oil and gas sector, support the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, prepare themselves for Local Government Council elections, ensure peace and maintain a strong focus on security and finally, show respect for the elders and uphold a godly disposition.
The meeting had in attendance important figures such as the Transition Chairman of ONNA LGA, Elder (Hon) Iniabasi Akpan Ekanem, Godwin Nwa, Secretary of the Forum, Pastor Charles Alfred, Otuekong Iniekpo D. Akpanekpo, Prince Ikpe Bob, Chief Friday Owen, PDP Councillorship candidate for Oniong West Ward One, Mr Joseph Bassey Nkanang, a PDP Chapter officer, Mr Isong Effiong, Hon. Aniefiok Ekanem, a former Councilor, the youth president, Nsisong Akpabio Thompson, Obongawan Eno E. D. Nwa, as well as various youths and women. Meanwhile, the Village Head Etidung Benard Bassey Ekpo, who was unable to attend the meeting due to an earlier engagement sent his apologies. Other notable personalities who were also absent include, Dr. Ikpe and Prof. E. D. Nwa, they both sent in their apologies.
The people agreed to reconvene for another meeting in order to continue discussing the way forward for the community in a united manner.
