• Senator Ita Enang
By Itoro Bassey
In a resounding chorus of admiration and pride, accolades poured in, at the weekend, for Senator Ita Enang (OFR), a former National Assembly member and ex-Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly Matters–Senate.
During a grand reception held in honor of Senator Enang at Ikpa Pavilion, the people of Ibiono Ibom local government area hailed the former federal lawmaker as a worthy ambassador of their community and a role model for all.
Senator Enang served as a member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (1992-1993), three-term member of the federal House of Representatives (1999-2011), four-year tenure in the Senate (2011-2015). He equally served as former Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on Niger Delta Affairs.
At the occasion, the people of Ibiono Ibom said Senator Enang, at each level of his engagement, demonstrated unwavering commitment to serving his constituents and exhibited the ability to attract federal projects to rural communities of the area.
Dignitaries from various walks of life convened at the ceremony to pay tribute to Senator Enang whom they described as an exceptional statesman.
Eminent figures such as the Paramount Ruler of Ibiono Ibom, Okuku Ime Udousoro Inyang; Barr Ime Okon, the member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom federal constituency in the House of Representatives; and Mr. Ekopimo Edet, Chairman of Ibiono Ibom local government area, lauded Senator Enang’s meritorious service, even as they applauded his impact on Ibiono Ibom, Akwa Ibom State, and Nigeria.
Speaking at the occasion, the Paramount Ruler, Okuku Udousoro Inyang, expressed admiration for Senator Enang, describing him as a loyal son of Ibiono Ibom who has consistently prioritized his constituents.
The royal father said throughout Senator Enang’s tenures in various political offices, he continuously maintained connection with his people, and was always ready to extend a helping hand whenever the need arose.
He acknowledged that Senator Enang has made Ibiono Ibom proud for his role in the Nigerian political arena especially during his days in the Akwa Ibom State House of assembly, federal House of Representatives and the Senate where he was Chairman of the Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics, and Privileges.
“Senator Ita Enang, apart from the police station, engineered the establishment of other vital federal institutions in this state. He facilitated the bringing of Federal Polytechnic, Ukana and the University of Science and Technology to this state, and most recently; the Federal College of Education in Ibiono Ibom local government area.
“We are, therefore, delighted to celebrate and honour this exceptional statesman for his commitment to the progress and development of Ibiono Ibom local government area and Akwa Ibom State as a whole.
“My message to all Ibiono Ibom people is that, anywhere you find yourself; don’t forget to remember where you come from. Do your best to improve the lives of our people,” he said.
Also in his address, Barr Ime Okon, the member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom federal constituency in the House of Representatives, referred to Senator Enang as a shining beacon who has brought immense blessings to Ibiono Ibom, Akwa Ibom State, and Nigeria.
Barr Okon commended Senator Enang for his dedication to reaching out to his constituents and people from all walks of life throughout his political journey.
Mr. Ekopimo Edet, Chairman of Ibiono Ibom LGA, acknowledged the impact Senator Enang has made on Nigeria’s unity and prosperity.
Edet expressed gratitude for Senator Enang’s humility, loyalty, and devotion to the people, which, he noted, has been instrumental in the tangible transformation of the local government area.
Overwhelmed by the honor bestowed upon him, Senator Enang, who expressed gratitude to the people of Ibiono Ibom, acknowledged that their recognition and celebration would serve as a continuous source of motivation that would propel him to accomplish even more for his community, state, and country.
Enang said: “I want to say that words cannot express the gratitude I have and the surprise I have received from the people of my local lovernment area, my clan and my lineage to hold a ceremony to celebrate me and reload me for more services.
“I want to thank Ibiono Ibom people. Today is like my birthday. And, It is like all the cumulative birthdays I have ever celebrated in my life put together.
“So, I want to tell every person wherever you are and commissioned to serve the people, please serve them sacrificially.
“Don’t think of the pains, don’t look for gains because they are watching you, and in your lifetime; if God honours you, as He has honoured me today, people will honour you when you do what is right.
“So, I take this ceremony as a great honour, and I take it as a challenge for me to do more for them. Wherever I find myself at all times, I will be loyal and sacrificial, and be very serving to the people of Ibiono Ibom, Itu, Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria”.
High point of the ceremony was the presentation of a traditional gift to Senator Ita Enang by the Paramount Ruler, Okuku Udousoro Inyang, symbolizing the deep gratitude and honor felt by the community for their son.
