By Isaiah Eka
Mr Iniabasi Ekanem, the 12th International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI) has urged Akwa Ibom people to live in unity and togetherness for the growth of the state.
Ekanem made the remark at his inauguration as the 12th International President of MMI and other executive members in Uyo.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ekanem took over from James Edet, the immediate past president of MMI, a socio-cultural organisation formed to uplift the Ibibio nation, and Akwa Ibom people.
He said his administration would actively engage other socio-cultural organisations across the state to strengthen understanding, rebuild trust and promote unity.
Ekanem added that the organisation would forge partnership with other like organisations to drive programmes that would benefit the people socially and economically.
“Therefore, under my leadership, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio will actively engage other socio-cultural organisations, traditional institutions, youth bodies and community stakeholders across Akwa Ibom State.
“This is to strengthen understanding, rebuild trust and promote genuine unity, in line with Ibibio Union tenets of old.
“Our differences must never be allowed to outweigh the values, history and aspirations we share,” Ekanem said.
He appealed to all members, especially the leaders, to promote inclusivity, and deploy their privileged position and resources to enhance the growth of Ibibio across the world.
Earlier in his valedictory speech, the outgoing president, James Edet, stated that he had repositioned the organisation as the foremost socio-cultural group in the state.
Edet said he was handing over a strong, united and purposeful organisation to the new executive council, adding that all secretariat and Mboho Unity School staff had been paid their salaries and welfare packages.
He called on the new executives to uphold the unity and progress of the organisation as well as use their position for the good of all.
In his remarks, Gov. Umo Eno commended the Mboho and its leadership for sustaining unity and progress in the state.
Eno, represented by Godwin Ntukudeh, Political Assistant to the Governor, urged the new president to continue to propagate unity among all ethnic groups in the state, stressing that unity was necessary for development.
He assured the president and Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio that he would continue to support the organisation to enhance the growth of members.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka