• Eteidung Essien Umoh, the village head of Ikot Usen (m), formally bestowing the title ‘Akpan Ikot Usen’ on Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Okon (R)
A grand ceremony held on Friday, January 12, 2024, in the Community Townhall of Ikot Usen, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, to honor Rt. Hon. Ime Bassey Okon, the representative of Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The event marked the official conferment of the highest traditional sonship title, ‘AKPAN IKOT USEN’, on the lawmaker by his community.
Etteidung Essien I. Umoh, the village head of Ikot Usen, formally bestowed the title ‘Akpan Ikot Usen’ (First son of Ikot Usen) on Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Okon, acknowledging his significant contributions to the community’s development and welfare.
The ceremony was a formal recognition of the title, which had been granted to him by the community four years prior.
“In 2020, we assembled here under the leadership of the Late Etteidung Edem Udofia Akpan to honor Rt. Hon. Ime Okon with the highest sonship title in Ikot Usen Community ‘Akpan Ikot Usen’. Today, it is my divine duty to decorate him accordingly,” said the Village Head in his speech.
Etteidung Essien Umoh, accompanied by the Village Heads of Ibiaku Ikot Udom, Usuk Ibiaku, Ikpa Ikot Ubo, and Use Ndon, urged the people to respectfully address the Federal Lawmaker as the ‘First Son of Ikot Usen’.
He lauded the legislator as a peaceful and commendable son of the community, whose exemplary leadership qualities are an inspiration to all.
Hon. Gordon Etop Idung, former Commissioner for Information in the State and Chairman of the occasion, praised the event’s organizers and extolled the honoree’s character.
He highlighted Rt. Hon Ime Okon’s impressive journey from a practicing lawyer to a prominent political figure.
“I want Ikot Usen to know they have an humble man who has been consistent with good works, distinguishing himself from other politicians. Humility is his sterling attribute.
“I admonish the people of Ikot Usen to emulate these good qualities. He has gone through many political phases and politics demand courage and bravery.”
The ceremony was graced by several dignitaries who shared goodwill messages and accolades for the legislator, who also holds the traditional title “Utenge Ibiono Ibom.”
In response, the honoree, flanked by his wife, Deaconess Victoria Okon, pledged to unite the community and foster peace across the three villages of Ikot Usen, Ibiaku Ikot Udom, and Usuk Ibiaku, as well as Ikpa Ikot Ubo and Use Ndon. Rt. Hon Ime Okon urged everyone to join him in building the Federal Constituency, emphasizing that the elections were behind them.
“My first duty as the first son of Ikot Usen is to strive for peace to reign amongst the group of three villages. God will grant me wisdom to reconcile them and extend same to Ikpa Ikot Ubo and Use Ndon. I will set up a committee that will help in the selection of youths for skill acquisition.
“I will also make arrangements for sponsorship of indigent students in the University. I will reach out to the women in the first quarter of the year and I will strengthen Home Support Group to enable the group to support women in their various businesses”, he said.
The event reached its climax with the decoration of the lawmaker in the traditional regalia of his new title, followed by prayers for his future success.
The occasion was further enlivened by cultural dances and performances by women, youths, and children.
Among the dignitaries present were Hon Dr. Iniobong Essien, Chairman, Ibom Airport Development Authority; Hon NsikakAbasi Ukobot, Transition Chairman Ibiono Ibom LGA; Obong Nsima Umoh, alias ‘Abai- Ibiono’; Otuekong Godwin Okon, International President Ibiono Ibom Welfare and Development Union (IWADU); Mr. Bassey Bassey Okon, Chairman of the Planning Committee of the event; Mrs Ntiabong Ekong, and other distinguished sons and daughters of Itu and Ibiono Ibom LGAs.
• Photos of the occasion
