Eno Urges Annang Monarch To Tackle Ethnic Tensions, Foster Unity

Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Eno, has urged the newly-installed Itai Afe Annang, Obong Blaise Udofia Awakama, to use his traditional authority and experience to promote peace, unity and cohesion among the various ethnic groups in the state.

The governor’s appeal followed concerns over ethnic tensions involving the majority Ibibio and minority groups, including the Oro, Obolo and Ibeno people.

Eno made the call through his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, at the weekend during the 90th birthday celebration and formal installation of Obong Awakama as the fifth Itai Afe Annang at Ebebit Afahaobong in Abak Local Government Area.

He described the Itai Afe Annang institution as a revered traditional stool with an important place in the history, culture and identity of the Annang people.

The governor said the installation of Obong Awakama was not only a significant milestone but also recognition of his decades of service, leadership and commitment to peaceful coexistence and development.

“At 90, we thank God for the grace He has bestowed upon you and for the wisdom and experience with which you have continued to contribute to the growth, unity and peaceful coexistence of our people.

“This installation is not just a significant milestone but an acknowledgement of the selfless service you’ve offered and the leadership you’ve provided for several decades,” Eno said.

He urged the new traditional leader, who presides over the eight Annang-speaking local government areas, to deploy his experience and fatherly counsel towards strengthening peace and unity in Annang land and the state.

“As you formally assume this revered position, I have no doubt that you will continue to deploy your wealth of experience and fatherly counsel in promoting peace, unity and development, while working with other traditional rulers and stakeholders for the advancement of the Annang nation and Akwa Ibom State in general,” he stated.

Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to balanced and inclusive development across the state, saying his government would continue to pursue equitable growth across the 31 local government areas under the ARISE Agenda.

He also called for sustained collaboration between government and traditional institutions, describing traditional rulers as critical partners in maintaining peace, strengthening social cohesion and driving grassroots development.

The governor prayed for continued good health, strength and wisdom for the monarch to provide purposeful leadership to his people.

In his remarks, Obong Awakama expressed gratitude to the Annang people for entrusting him with the revered position, describing the elevation as both an honour and a weighty responsibility.

He pledged to serve with humility and called on Annang sons and daughters, including members of his executive, to unite and work with him towards rebuilding and restoring the glory of Annang land.

The monarch said the development of Annang nation required collective commitment and unity of purpose, urging stakeholders to work together to reposition the area.

Awakama also commended Governor Eno for his administration’s development projects under the ARISE Agenda and his support for the Annang people.

Chairman of the occasion and former minister of petroleum resources, Otuekong Don Etiebet, commended Eno for what he described as an unprecedented commitment to the unity of Akwa Ibom.

Etiebet said the governor had demonstrated an inclusive disposition by recognising citizens across ethnic and political lines as Akwa Ibomites.

“He has recognised everyone as an Akwa Ibomite. If we had this kind of interest in all Akwa Ibomites, Akwa Ibom would have been more developed than we have today. Thank you for bringing all the development to Annang land,” he said.

He urged the people of Annang land to support Obong Awakama and give him the necessary cooperation to succeed in his new role.

Goodwill messages were also delivered by the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council and Paramount Ruler of Abak, Akuku Saviour Udofia; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong; representatives of the Senate President and Essien Udim Local Government Chairman, Ntiedo Usoro; and chairmen of the eight Annang local government areas.

The dignitaries congratulated Obong Awakama on his installation and 90th birthday and pledged their support for his leadership.

The ceremony ended with the conferment of the honorific title of Akwa Obong Emem on Governor Eno by the Itai Afe Annang, while the deputy governor was honoured and ceremonially kitted as a friend of Annang land.

The event, attended by traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials and community leaders, also featured the cutting of the birthday cake by Obong Awakama.