Thursday 26 June 2014

For A Better Society, Overhaul Our Value System and Revamp Our Traditional Institutions – Gov Akpabio

The Akwa Ibom State Government has said the only way to build a society that can sustain the tempo of the uncommon transformation, put in place by the Chief Godswill Akpabio-led administration, was to overhaul our value system, revamp our traditional institutions and knit them together into a quilt of brotherhood.

Governor Akpabio, who stated this at Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio Unity Hall, Uyo, during the 91st birthday celebration of the Paramount Ruler of ONNA, His Eminence, Akwa Edidem Akpabio Ukpa, stressed the need for togetherness, saying “the only way we can continue to maintain a front burner in national affairs in the like manner which His Royalty Majesty serves today as Life Patron of Traditional Rulers of oil and Mineral Producing communities of Nigerian (TROMPCON).”

Represented by his deputy, Lady Valerie Ebe, the Governor said it was good to celebrate those in positions of leadership, especially while they were alive, instead of vilifying and disparaging them.

In his words, Chief Akpabio said: “Celebrating our hero, the royal father while alive should therefore provide a paradigm shift in our long held attitude and cause us to begin to embrace and honour our leaders.  This is the only way our leaders can be inspired into selfless service that would produce democracy profits.”

“As we gather today to celebrate this nonagenarian, let us use his life as a point of contact that would renew our faith in the State.  Let us resolve to stand together, work together, and pray together knowing that only under such circumstance would our general well-being be guaranteed. Let me proclaim that just as you have come to honour him, people would also honour you,” he said.

The event, chaired by Sir Valentine Attah, had goodwill messages from Senator Aloysius Etok; Senator Helen Esuene; Lady; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elder Samuel Ikon; the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Udom Emmanuel; the House members for ONNA and Mkpat Enin, Mr. Godwin Charles, and Barr. Ekong Sampson; former State Deputy Governor, Dr Chris Ekpenyong; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uwem Ita-Etuk; Chairman of ONNA Local Government Council, Obong Ufot Akpan; Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, among others, that described Akwa Edidem Ukpa as a man of proven distinctions.

“Your life bears eloquent testimonies of God's grace, love and compassion. Your worthy antecedents of unbridled patriotism, clarity of thought, and selfless service to humanity have come to signpost your life of fulfillment and distinguished service to God. Attending this noble age in good health and sound mind is no mean feat. We pray to God to continue with his good works and perfectly finish that which He started in you and members of your family,” some of the messages said.

In appreciation, the Chairman of the event's Central Planning Committee, Obong Boniface Ekwere, expressed gratitude to the State Governor, who was the Special Guest of Honour and other well wishers, saying their supports and prayer made the ceremony a success.

The event, which was themed “Celebrating a Hero While Alive,” featured paper presentation, goodwill messages, cutting of cake, heritage exhibition, lecture and presentation of the book: Leadership, Legendary and Legacy – Focus on His Eminence, by the SSG, Mr. Emmanuel and reviewed by Akparawa Sylvester Akpan.

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