By Ime Silas
As part of activities to mark the Ikot Ekpene Annual Day Celebrations 2023, the Village Head in conjunction with the Village Council last week, bestowed on deserving indigenes and other individuals various categories of Awards of Excellence and titles in recognition of their respective contributions and humanitarian roles in the society.
The event celebrated annually is participated by the Heads and members of the thirty-two (32) families constituting the famous Ikot Ekpene Village. Marked by display of rich cultural heritage, the 2023 edition of Ikot Ekpene Day under the Distinguished Chairmanship of Mrs. Roseline Michael Inyang and Engr Emmanuel Etteh as Vice Chairman was held at the Methodist Central School, Anwa Udo Aka, Uyo Road on December 26. It featured amongst others, 40 Million Naira fund launch for the construction of ultra modern Skills Acquisition Centre for the community and conferment of Awards of Excellence and Titles.
Presenting during the occasion an Award of Excellence to one of the recipients; Engr. Emmanuel Etteh, the Village Head of Ikot Ekpene; Eteidung Edet Okon Akpan noted that the award was in recognition of his immense contributions and supports toward the growth and development of Ikot Ekpene Village.
Eteidung Akpan while commending Engr. Emmanuel who is the Uyo Chapter Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers for the successes he has recorded so far in his chosen Engineering career as well as his numerous humanitarian services, urged others to emulate him.
Responding, Engr. Emmanuel Etteh thanked the Village Head and his Council for the honour done him. He noted that the award was a testament to the fact that his little efforts were being acknowledged and pledged to contribute more within his capacity for the benefit of mankind.
Also honoured during the occasion with the title of Nfiok Nkakad Ikot Ekpene Village was the Senator representing Akwa Ibom Northwest (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District and President of Nigeria’s 10th Senate; His Excellency, Distinguished Sen Godswill Obot Akpabio (CON), while Mrs. Roseline Michael Inyang was conferred with the title of Obonganwan Otuekongabasi Ikot Ekpene Village.
The wife of Engr. Etido Inyang – Chairman of Ibom Power Plant; Mrs. Nse Etido Inyang was also honoured with an Award of Excellence.
Others were Honourable member representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/ Obot Akara Federal Constituency; Dr. Patrick Umoh (Obong Uforo Ikot Ekpene Village), member representing Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency at Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly; Jerry Otu (Obong Uko Ikot Ekpene Village) amongst others.