EPU sets blueprint for rapid development. Indiscriminate chieftaincy titles abolished

The Evangelist edition, By Joseph Ekong, July 29, 2022

Ekid People’s Union, EPU, apex socio-cultural organization of Ekid Nation has restated her commitment to defend the 1918 Privy Council Judgement, address security challenges and strengthen bonds of unity of Ekid Nation, for rapid development.

This was disclosed during the general meeting held yesterday at the Union’s secretariat, Ikot Ibiok, Eket.

The President General of EPU, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, while giving his opening remarks, expressed pleasure at the great turn out and welcomed everyone to the meeting, disclosing also that, the meeting will be interactive so that new ideas will be arrived at on how to move Ekid Nation forward.

Dr Udonsak noted that,

“One of the major assignment of the Exco was the task of how to unify Ekid Nation. Ekid Nation is a proud nation, it seats from the Atlantic coast through Esit-Eket and Eket down to the mainland and we must know this. The Privy Council Judgement has rightly defined this in a map and this Union will defend that to the very end”.

Reporting on the decisions of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Udonsak informed the people that, committees that will drive the development course has been set up to include; Ekid Investment Company Limited, Ekid Education Trust Fund and others, adding that documentations has been concluded and the committees will swing into action very soon.

He recalled that, the Union had earlier engaged the youths, women and Village Heads in a meeting to address security issues. The resolutions of the security meeting, he said would be implemented, hinting that the Investment Company Committee could serve as off takers to all goods arriving Eket, to stem the proliferation of illegal markets.

Accordingly, the President assured that the Union is on top of all the issues and are consulting with experts on critical engagements like the PIA implementation, and would interface properly with other agencies, adding that, no stone will be left unturned. He pleaded with everyone to remain united.

In the same vein, the BOT Chairman, Rt. Hon. Chief, Nduese Essien thanked everyone for attending the meeting and expressed pleasure for the huge turnout, saying that, with such revival Ekid Nation will build stronger again.

The BOT Chairman pleaded with everyone and members of the Executive of the Union to support the President General and the Union, to maintain the current pace of work so that vital goals will be achieved.

Speaking further he advised the Village Heads under the umbrella of Esop Mbong Ekid to be vigilant, organize the village Council and engage the youths on specific roles.

Emphasizing on the unity of Ekid, The Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Government and Grand Patron Ekid People’s Union, HRM. Edidem E. C. D. Abia, fcn, maintained that, unity is our only strength and the bases upon which the Union finds encouragement to drive the course of our common goals.

Speaking further, he stressed on security issues pointing that the nation’s security architecture has failed and it is alarming.

The Royal father, warned against conferring any other traditional titles to residents of other ethnic groups, nations or culture; saying that Abong is the only title in Ekid Land. “You can bear President or Chairman but not Eze Ndigbo, Emir or other such strange titles in Ekidland.

Chief Iniobong Idem, Daniel Essien and Lady Jane who also spoke during the meeting assured that the Union will at all times have the support of the youths and women; noting the level of progress recorded by this Executive especially, on the aspect of security and an appeal for adjustment on marriage list and burial expenses were all considered.

High point of the meeting was the inauguration of Esop Mbong Ekid ably led by Nsoduok Eteudo Ikot and the establishment of Security Information Desk to officially commence duty on Monday.