… As Int’l President Akparawa James Edet Becomes Latest Pillar of A.R.I.S.E Ambassadors
Akparawa James Edet, the International President of the foremost socio-cultural organization in the Country, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, has hailed the revolutionary progress made by Governor Umo Eno, since taking office just five months ago.
Akparawa Edet, who is the 11th International President of the Ibibio group, the fourth largest ethnic nationality in the Country, gave the commendation yesterday at his office in Uyo, during a meeting with the Board of Trustees and Executive Council of the A.R.I.S.E Ambassadors, a leading advocacy group that promotes and defends the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno.
Flanked by a cross section of the International Executive Council of Mboho, the Itu born multiple award winning media and PR expert, specifically eulogized members of the A.R.I.S.E Ambassadors for their patriotism and selfless service to promote the Umo Eno led administration.
Akparawa Edet noted that the people of Akwa Ibom see Governor Eno as a leader that understands their needs and is committed to improving their lives. He pointed to the governor’s ARISE Agenda as a source of great enthusiasm and support among the citizens, with even those who were previously undecided now expressing their support. Edet highlighted the governor’s unique ability to connect with people on a personal level, which he said has contributed significantly to his success.
Akparawa James Edet shared the history of the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, which was founded 37 years ago as a way to continue the legacy of Ibibio Union. He described Mboho as a crucial force for peace and unity in Akwa Ibom, with a focus on fostering understanding and cooperation among all ethnic groups in the state. He pointed to Mboho’s many achievements, such as the establishment of a world class model School at Idu Uruan and the provision of scholarships to students.
In addition to the school and scholarship programmes, Edet hinted that Mboho, which currently has 66 Chapters all over the world, has implemented a wide range of other initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the entire people of Akwa Ibom. These include the provision of healthcare services and other social amenities as well as organizing various social activities to promote unity and cooperation in the State.
The International President of Mboho used the occasion to issue a strong warning to politicians, urging them to refrain from interfering in the affairs of the Traditional Rulers in the State. He stressed that the recent Traditional Rulers law, which was passed by the State House of Assembly and signed by the Governor, is a positive step towards raising the status of traditional rulers and bringing them in line with their counterparts in other states.
Edet, who is also the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, urged politicians to refrain from using the TRC law to create divisions among the people of Akwa Ibom. He emphasized that the law was not intended to cause conflict and urged everyone to work together for the common good. He pledged Mboho’s commitment to work with the ARISE Ambassadors to promote the interests of all Akwa Ibom people and ensure good governance in the state.
Earlier, Chairman of the Executive Council, A.R.I.S.E Ambassadors, Rev. Richard Peters, in an emotion-laden address, spoke of the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio’s International President as a true blessing from God, a man whose strength of character and faith had enabled him to survive the most challenging of circumstances. With a voice full of reverence and hope, Rev. Peters implored God to watch over Akparawa Edet and guide him in all his endeavours.
The revered Clergyman hinted that the A.R.I.S.E Ambassadors are staunch supporters of Governor Umo Eno, who had campaigned tirelessly for him across the state during the last general elections. He expressed gratitude for God’s grace in bringing about Governor Eno’s victory, and emphasized the importance of partnership between government and citizens. According to Rev. Richard Peters, the ARISE Ambassadors was formed to promote, project, defend and advance the policies and programmes of Governor Eno as encapsulated in his A.R.I.S.E Agenda.
The Cleric of the African Church Nigeria, among several other feats, praised Governor Umo Eno for his decision to appoint Personal Assistants in all 329 wards of the state. He also commended the Governor’s plan to kick off one project per ward, which is he said was an indicative of his commitment to reach all nooks and crannies of the state with development and progress. Rev. Richard Peters went on to explain that the ARISE Ambassadors’ mission is to spread the message of the Governor’s good governance to every corner of the state, from the cities to the most remote villages.
In their separate speeches, Comrade Ernest Akpan and Hon. Quincy Ukpong, Chairman and Secretary of the A.R.I.S.E Ambassadors Board of Trustees respectively, both expressed admiration for Akparawa Edet’s leadership as the 11th International President.
They emphasized the need for the Ambassadors to partner with Mboho to continue to support Governor Umo Eno’s administration. They pointed to the many achievements of Akparawa Edet since taking office, and expressed their confidence in his ability to continue making positive changes.
The highlight of the meeting was the investiture of Akparawa Edet as a Pillar of the ARISE Ambassadors, a prestigious honour bestowed on those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to the organization’s values.
However, the momentous occasion was marked by the presentation of a custom-made outfit, bearing the ARISE Ambassadors logo, to Akparawa Edet. The outfit symbolized his new role as a pillar of the organization, and his dedication to advancing, promoting and defending the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno.
Meanwhile, the occasion which took place at the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio Hall, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, was attended by the leadership of the Board of Trustees and members of the Executive Council alongside top echelons of the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio.