…As Ibibio Summit in Abuja Champions Cultural Revival and Global Connectivity
By Patrick Titus, Uyo
The Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, one of the forefront socio-cultural organisations in Akwa Ibom State rose from its summit in Abuja with a renewed call for unity among all and support for Governor Umo Eno-led administration in the state.
Mboho described Governor Eno as a visionary leader whose people-centred administration embodies the ideals of the legendary Ibibio Union and other forerunners of Akwa Ibom State.
The summit which was the maiden Ibibio in the Federal Capital Territory which held at Gracious Hotel, Garki II, Abuja, had the theme “Presevering Ibibio Heritage in a Globalizing World.”
The event, organised by Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Nasarawa 1 Chapter, in collaboration with the North Central High Commission and the International Headquarters, attracted distinguished Ibibio sons and daughters, scholars, friends of the Ibibio Nation, and cultural advocates.
The International President of the organisation, Akparawa James Edet, in his address, urged unity and loyalty among Ibibios, noting that Governor Umo Eno’s humility and inclusiveness reflect the very essence of good leadership. His message was warmly received, with participants pledging full support for the Governor’s ARISE Agenda.
The Chairman of the Nasarawa 1 Chapter, Akparawa Bassey Udo-Ekong, described the summit as a milestone in rekindling cultural awareness among Ibibio people in Northern Nigeria.
He commended the International President’s proactive leadership and reaffirmed the chapter’s commitment to strengthening unity, discipline and cultural pride.
Also speaking the Special Assistant to the Governor on Mobilisation in Abuja, Mr. Kingsley Iwok, praised the International President’s dynamic leadership and the renewed vibrancy he brought to Mboho Mkparawa Ibibi, urging Ibibios in Abuja, the North, and Akwa Ibom people in general to remain steadfast in supporting Governor Umo Eno’s administration, which he said embodies the collective aspirations of the people.
A keynote paper on “Culture, Tradition, and Modernity”, presented by an Abuja-based legal luminary, Barr. Eme Daniel, underscored the need to preserve the Ibibio language as the foundation of identity.
Recalled that Akparawa Edet introduced the concept of “Cultural Osmosis” — the infusion of Ibibio values and identity into daily life, education and governance — and called for the teaching of the Ibibio language in schools, alongside the promotion of indigenous cuisine, attire and creative expressions as instruments of cultural identity and economic empowerment.
During the event, the International President visited the Abuja Ambassadorial Chapter of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, where he addressed members and other Ibibio people living in the Federal Capital Territory.
He reiterated his call for Ibibio unity, peaceful coexistence in Akwa Ibom State, loyalty to the Patriarch of the Ibibio Nation and Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Daniel Etuk, support for Governor Umo Eno and greater federal presence in Akwa Ibom State — particularly the actualisation of the Ibom Deep Sea Port Project and the urgent rehabilitation of the Calabar – Itu Road, which he noted has become a death trap.
Welcoming the International President, the Chairman of the Abuja Ambassadorial Chapter, Akparawa Emem Kaniko, commended his proactive and unifying leadership, pledging the loyalty and cooperation of members to his administration.
Other speakers, included Akparawa Gabriel Fan, President of the Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja; Akparawa Jackson Ndueso, Obong 1 of the Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja; and Akparawa Tommy Etim Okon, a veteran labour leader who, at different times served as National President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria and Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria. He applauded Akparawa Edet for his sterling leadership and unwavering commitment to promoting unity and progress in the Ibibio nation and Akwa Ibom State.
To strengthen Mboho’s presence in the North Central Region and enhance global interconnectivity, the International President announced key appointments into the Mboho International Executive Council, which includes Akparawa Emmanuel Umo, a retired Assistant Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, as Special Adviser on Security.
Dr. Tommy Etim Okon as Special Adviser on National Affairs; Akparawa Jackson Ndueso as Special Adviser on Agriculture and Entrepreneurship; Akparawa Gabriel Fan as Special Adviser on Maritime Matters, as well as Akparawa-Anwan Blessing as Assistant on Media, among others. The appointed officers were sworn into office to commence their duties immediately.
It would be recalled that earlier in June 2025, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, held its first Ibibio Summit in Canada, inaugurating new chapters in Toronto and Calgary, and later the 73rd chapter in Connecticut, United States of America.
Later this year, the organisation will further extend its global network with the first Ibibio Summit in Germany, the inauguration of the 74th chapter in Berlin and the induction of new members across Europe.
