… pledges continued collaboration with traditional institutions, congratulates Ikot Ekpene Paramount Ruler at 82, coronation
Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has been honoured with the prestigious chieftaincy title of “Akwa Obong Emem Ikot Ekpene” by the newly coronated Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Okuku Okon Udo Ukut.
The honour was conferred on the Governor on Friday, August 28, 2026, during the colourful coronation ceremony of the Paramount Ruler held at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium.
Governor Umo Eno, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, congratulated the monarch on his 82nd birthday and formal coronation as the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene LGA.
Delivering the Governor’s congratulatory message, Mkpisong Frank Archibong conveyed the Governor’s appreciation for the honour bestowed on him and described the monarch as a man deeply loved and cherished by the Governor, as well as a peace-loving royal father committed to ensuring peace and development in his domain.
Governor Eno expressed optimism that the reign of the new Paramount Ruler would usher in greater peace, development and unity across Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
He further eulogised the monarch for his remarkable service, hard work and dedication to the people, noting that his coronation marked the culmination of years of service to his community.
“Your coronation is a culmination of the great service you have been rendering to the people of Ikot Ekpene, a local government that has produced great sons and daughters who have done our state and nation proud in many areas of growth and development.
“I have no doubt that this coronation will inspire you to do more for the people of Ikot Ekpene and, indeed, the larger Senatorial District,” the Governor stated.
Speaking further, Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to continue working closely with the traditional institution, describing traditional rulers as critical custodians of the state’s culture, customs and values.
“We treasure and deeply appreciate our traditional institutions as custodians of our culture, customs and ethos. We remain dedicated to working collaboratively with you to bring more development and deepen peaceful coexistence among our people.
“We will continue to advance growth and equitable development across all the 31 Local Government Areas.
“Work is ongoing at the Ikot Ekpene International Market, a game-changing project that will unlock the economic potential of the people of this great local government area, the Senatorial District and the entire state,” he said.
The Governor also commended the people of Ikot Ekpene for their steadfast support for his administration, highlighting some of the projects executed in the area to include road projects, model primary schools, model health centres and compassionate homes, among others.
He pledged to do more for the people if given the opportunity to continue his administration beyond 2027.
“We have undertaken and commissioned road projects, model primary health centres, as well as compassionate homes for the poor and vulnerable.
“I remain dedicated to doing more when, by the grace of God and with the support of the people of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, we are returned to continue our work of advancing our shared growth and development next year,” the Governor stated.
Pastor Umo Eno thanked God for granting him good health, sound mind and strength, while extending warm felicitations to the Paramount Ruler on his 82nd birthday and formal coronation.
In his remarks, Commissioner Mkpisong Frank Archibong thanked Governor Eno for consistently prioritising the welfare and interests of traditional institutions in the state.
He described the Governor as a father who deeply treasures and appreciates the traditional institution and its role in promoting peace, unity and development.
Archibong also commended the Executive Chairman of Ikot Ekpene LGA, Hon. Elder Aniefiok Nkom, for his commitment to grassroots development and persistent efforts towards the actualisation of the formal coronation of the monarch, nine years after his certification as Paramount Ruler.
He urged the people of Ikot Ekpene to continue supporting Governor Umo Eno’s second-term bid and the Arise Agenda towards building a greater, peaceful and united Akwa Ibom State.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Ibok Essien, welcomed Governor Umo Eno, other dignitaries and the people of Ikot Ekpene, commending them for turning out en masse to celebrate and support their own.
He charged the newly coronated Paramount Ruler to deploy his wealth of experience towards promoting peace, development and unity in the local government area.
On his part, the Executive Chairman of Ikot Ekpene LGA, Hon. Elder Aniefiok Nkom, commended Governor Umo Eno for assenting to the formal coronation of the monarch.
He lauded the Governor for the giant strides recorded across the council area and pledged the unalloyed support of the people of Ikot Ekpene for his re-election bid in 2027.
Elder Nkom also appreciated the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Engr. Etido Inyang, and members of the committee for organising what he described as a historic coronation ceremony.
He congratulated the monarch on his 82nd birthday and formal coronation, and pledged to continue working in collaboration and synergy with the traditional institution for a more prosperous and peaceful Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
The high point of the colourful and well-attended ceremony was the coronation of His Royal Majesty, Okuku Okon Udo Ukut, as the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, alongside the conferment of chieftaincy titles on other distinguished personalities and the award and presentation of a ₦100 million solar powered borehole to Ikot Ekpene LGA by Rt Hon Emmanuel Ukpong Udo, member representing Ini/Ikono Federal Constituency
The event was attended by members of the National Assembly, Commissioners, Local Government Council Chairmen, Paramount Rulers, Clan Heads, Village Heads, Family Heads, the Secretary of the Supreme Council, Dr. Emmanuel Umontuen, as well as the management and staff of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
© Mfon Bassey
