Otobong Nsekpong
It was a roll call of who is who in Etinan Local Government Area at the Unity Park, venue of Akwa Ibom Christmas Unplugged 2.0.
From the political class, traditional and religious class, socio-cultural organizations, political parties, the arena was filled with enthusiastic people united by a common cultural heritage.
Dressed in a green Ankara outfit carefully chosen as the uniform for the day, the people of Iman Ibom blended together as a one clan local government.
At the head of the political class was the Executive Chairman of Etinan Local Government Hon.Uko Umoh and his dear wife Emily, the Vice chairman, Hon Imaobong Michael, herself who acted the queen mother with a young charming king by her side.
A member of the National Assembly representing Etinan Federal Constituency, the very popular Obong Paul Ekpo, member of the State House of Assembly, Hon Uduak Ekpo-ufot, a member of the Executive Council in charge of the Justice Ministry, Uko Udom SAN and the Political Leader of Etinan, Rt. Hon. Kenneth Okon and his beloved wife.
Critical stakeholders including past political office holders like Dr. Okon Emah, Akpan Iman Ibom, Otuekong Sunny Jackson Udoh, Rt. Hon Cletus Ekpo, Hon Donald Uko, Hon Kufre Ikono, Hon Tony Eboh, Dr. Inemesit Itinan,the PDP vice chairman for Uyo Senatorial district, Hon Pius Emmanuel John, PDP chapter chairman for Etinan Local Government Area, Secretary of the Local Government Area,Hon Idorenyin Udo.
Leading the major opposition party in the area was the chapter chairman of All Progressive Congress, Mr. Israel Tommy with stakeholders like Obong Ini Ekpo in the entourage.
The traditional institution was ably led by the Paramount Ruler of Etinan, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Aniefiok Monday Akpanobong with a great number of Village Heads in attendance.
There were at display, various cultural delicacies found in Iman Ibom, cultural dance like Ubom Ukpuk Isong, mbre Ikid, Akokod uba, ntok odiodio, abang, mbre Iban, ndoko, Obio okpo and Ibom.
There was also on display traditional wrestling known as Mbok. The way of life of the people of Iman Ibom was also displayed such as traditional health system, ways and manners of processing food, palm wine tapping, raffia making and many others.
It was a moment of excitement for the people of Etinan as they proudly showed off their rich cultural heritage.
Credit must also go to the leadership and members of Mboho Afaha Iman Ibom who unanimously postponed their well planned day celebration to accommodate the Etinan day celebration at the Christmas park. It would have been an empty tent at the Christmas park if they had insisted in holding their day’s celebration.
Their action was in line with the clarion call of the Executive Chairman, Honourable Uko Umoh, that the people of Etinan Local Government Area should come together for the development of the area.
The turn out was massive, and the level of participation was thrilling and exciting .For those who had their first time experience on the 7th of December 2024,it is a memory well cherished that will last them till next time.
Indeed, Hon. Uko Umoh remained the best choice in running the affairs of the local government as he has shown capacity in mobilizing the people into one indivisible unity for economic development and prosperity.
