Mbiabong Ekpene Oton gets New Village Head

By Emmanuel Sampson

Mbiabong Ekpene Oton group of villages in Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has entered a new chapter with the election and swearing-in of a new village head, Etteidung Promise Effiong Ukpabio.

Etteidung Ukpabio alongside other 16 village heads were on Friday October 24th presented with certificates of recognition by the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council through HRM Edidem Etim Nnana Itang, Paramount Ruler, Ikono Local Government Area.

Addressing the newly elected village heads, Edidem Etim Nana charged them on the maintenance of peace, unity and development as they takes over the mantle of leadership of their villages.

The Ikono PR while extending his warm congratulations to them on their emergence as Village heads, implored them to rule their subject with the fear of God and to uphold the culture and traditions of their community as well as abide by the laws governing the traditional institution.

Speaking shortly after his installation, Etteidung Ukpabio thanked the people for the honour done him and promised to lead the community on the path of peace and prosperity for the benefit of all, while pledging his unalloyed commitment in service the people with utmost sincerity.

Etteidung Ukpabio, who succeeded Chief Sunday Akpan, as the 4th substantive chief, stated that his formal installation as the Village Head of Mbiabong Ekpene oton complies with the dictates of the Mbiabong Ikon 1 community, and appealed to every member of the village to join hands with him to advance the collective aspirations and dreams of the village, aiming to make it one of the shining examples of progressive communities in Ikono and by extension Akwa Ibom State.

According to Etteidung Ukpabio, “Since I have the backing of the Governor His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, that of Rev. Godwin Amaowo and Barr. Moses Akpan who are illustrious sons of this kingdom i know i will succeed. I want to use this opportunity to request the Akwa Ibom State Government to help my community with a secondary school because my children walked 21 miles before attending secondary school making learning difficult for them.”

In his brief remarks, minister Okon Sampson, described the event as being unique and fulfilled and wished him a successful reign.

Also in their separate remarks, Mr. Stephen Ikpeme and Effiong Ime, expressed optimism that Mbiabong Ikon 1, under the leadership of Etteidung Promise Effiong would witness tremendous strides in many areas of life, and called on people to rally support and cooperate with him to succeed for the betterment of the community.