The Ibeno Traditional Rulers Council has formally admitted four newly certified village heads by the Akwa Ibom State Government into its council.
The newly admitted traditional rulers are: the Village head of Upenekang, Obong Joseph Eshiet; Village head of Itio Esek, Obong Mbipom Akpan; Village head of Okomita, Obong Ukalom and the Village Head of Itak Abasi, Obong Isemin Enyina all in Ibeno Local Government Area.
The Oath of Allegiance was administered to the new chiefs by Barrister Diamond Akpanika, who charged them to uphold the dignity of their offices and faithfully discharge the responsibilities entrusted to them as traditional leaders and Chief securities of their domains.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Paramount Ruler of Ibeno Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Owong (Dr.) Effiong B. Archianga, who is also the certified Village Head of Okposo 1, and Clan Head of Ibeno Local Government Area.
Also present were his wife, Obonganwan Theresa Archianga; the Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area, Deaconess Glory Ekah, who was represented by her Vice, Pharm. Ukpong Okon, and other members of Ibeno Traditional Rulers Council.
In his remarks, the Paramount Ruler congratulated the newly sworn-in traditional rulers, and emphasized the important role of traditional leadership in maintaining peace, promoting unity, preserving cultural values and advancing community development.
He urged the new village heads to regard their positions not merely as marks of honour, but as a solemn responsibility to serve their people with wisdom, integrity, justice and compassion.
He further encouraged them to work collaboratively with other traditional rulers, government authorities and community stakeholders in promoting peace, unity and sustainable development across their respective communities and Ibeno Local Government Area as a whole.
Speaking through her Vice, the Council Chairman, Deaconess Glory Ekah expressed appreciation to the Paramount Ruler for his gracious remarks and commendation of her administration during the ceremony.
She noted that, such words of encouragement from the traditional institution would further inspire the council administration in its pursuit of purposeful leadership, and strengthen collaboration between the local government and traditional rulers.
According to the Chairman, the partnership between the local government council, and the traditional institution remains essential to achieving sustainable development, effective community engagement and lasting peace across Ibeno.
She further reiterated the administration’s resolve to work closely with the traditional institution towards building a more peaceful, secure and prosperous Ibeno, in line with the ARISE Agenda of the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
The swearing-in ceremony therefore, represents not only the formal admission of the four village heads into the Ibeno Traditional Rulers Council, but also a renewed commitment to strengthening the traditional institution as a vital partner in grassroots governance, peacebuilding and community development.
