…As Etebom (Barr) Efik Crowned Clan Head Of Oniong
The Akwa Ibom state governor, His Excellency Udom Gabriel Emmanuel has reaffirmed his administration commitment to partner with the royal fathers in the state to rewrite their narratives in glowing and sparkling colours in line with his second term completion agenda
The governor stated this in an address presented on his behalf by the Honourable Commissioner for Works, Akparawa Ephraim Inyang Eyen at the coronation ceremony of HRH Etebom (Barr) Samuel Johnson Efik as the Clan Head of Oniong in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state held at the Akpabio Udo Ukpa Sports Stadium, Ikot Abasi Oniong
The governor exalted the sterling qualities of Barr Efik which he noted, will benefit the Oniong Community and indeed the entire Onna Local Government Area
“This great and inspiring qualities of yours contributed hugely in your selection as a clan head. I have no doubt in my mind that the Oniong clan, a clan of solid and highly accomplished sons and daughters of the larger Onna local govt area will benefit immeasurably from your reign“ Gov Emmanuel further prayed that peace, development and abiding sense of unity and concord will continue to permeate the nooks and crannies of the clan and the whole LGA as according to him “the celebrant in a man of peace”.
The state Chief Executive commended the Oniong clan council for what he said was rancour free selection process that unanimously picked Barr Efik as the clan head. Deacon Emmanuel said he was hopeful that the same spirit of unity and oneness will illuminate and define the celebrants reign and the manner he will engage his colleagues and other members of his clan council.
The governor further counselled Barr Efik thus: “even if there have been objection to your emergence by any individual or group, I urge you to embrace everyone and let peace, unity and development be the watch word of your reign”, he declared
The governor made it clear that his administration holds the traditional institution in very high esteem and so will give them every necessary support to achieve set goal.
In his welcome address, the chairman of the occasion and Paramount Ruler of Ikot Abasi LGA, HRM Edidem Udo J. Ntuk Obom XII said he is overwhelmed over the coronation activities adding that Barr Efik is eminently qualified to occupied the throne going by his performance at the village level.
He used the opportunities to appeal for support and encouragement for the benefit of all. He also thanked the State Chief Executive for the support extended to the stool and the traditional institution in general, reaffirming the support of his people to the state administration.
Earlier the Executive Chairman of Onna Local Govt Area, Rt. Hon lmo Attat said history was being made on that day, appealing for the support of everyone to ensure that the dividend of democracy in amicably distributed to the grassroots.
Responding the celebrant, Etebom Barr. Efik recalled that the race to the throne was quite turbulent and almost chaotic but that in the end God Almighty spoke and determined the result.
He said the administration of Gov Udom Emmanuel has ushered in a wind of change into Akwa Ibom State.
“The ‘Dakkada initiative’ has provided a much needed tonic or catalytic effect on the discerning minds of the peoples of Akwa Ibom State”.
Barr. Efik made it known that the “House boy” mentality that pervaded the state and the inferiority complex that ruled the peoples psyche has become a thing of the past .
He further disclosed that the time has come when the states elite must complement the effort of government by stepping up the “Dakkada campaign” the people.
He maintained that the people must be enlightened to do away with some of their anachronistic way of belief and practices , some of which he noted, they have held unto as tradition and custom, under the delusion that they have been doing the bidding of the gods or ancestors.
Highlight of the event was the formal coronation of Etebom Barr. Samual J. Efik as the clan head of Oniong by the monarchs present led by his Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk (JP), Oku lbom lbibio, Chairman Akwa Ibom Council of Chiefs, Paramount Ruler, Nsit Ubium Local Govt Area.
Thereafter the Oniong Clan Head, Etebom Efik in his first assignment conferred traditional chieftaincy titles to some qualified persons who have contributed to the society. Various cultural troupes performed at the event.
