In a remarkable display of cultural exchange, the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, has conferred the honorary chieftaincy title of Ada Idaha Ke Efik Eburutu on Chinese national and CEO of Skyrun International Home Appliance, Mr. Wu Fuqiang.
The conferment ceremony, which was held at the historical palace of the Obong of Calabar, natural ruler, treaty king and grand patriarch of Efik Eburutu kingdom, drew attendees from the Efik community and Chinese nationals.
During the ceremony, an Efik cultural dance troupe ushered in Mr. Wu Fuqiang and his circle of friends and well wishers to a warm reception by the natural ruler and his wife as well as members of the Etuboms Council and their spouses, symbolizing the deepening ties between the Efik kingdom and global partners.
Speaking at the occasion, Etubom Bassey Okor Bassey-Duke, Chairman of the Etuboms Traditional Council, described Mr. Fuqiang as “a lover of Efik culture and traditions, a distinguished gentleman, and an accomplished international businessman.”
Bassey-Duke highlighted that the title “Ada Idaha Ke Efik Eburutu”, meaning “pillar of strength of the Efik Eburutu kingdom,” reflected Mr. Fuqiang’s contributions and admiration for Efik heritage.
“This event underscores the Efik kingdom’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural relationships and celebrating mutual respect,” he stressed.
Highpoint of the event was the capping and presentation of the staff of office as well as award of certificate of recognition as Ada Idaha Ke Efik Eburutu kingdom to the Chinese businessman, Wu Fuqiang amidst pump and pageantry.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Sky run International Home Appliance Company, operating in the Calabar Free Trade Zone, has commended the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu for creating an investment friendly climate in the state.
Mr. Fuqiang, who visited Governor Otu prior to the conferment of chieftaincy award on him by the Obong of Calabar, expressed gratitude to the government and people of Cross River for the support given Skyrun International over the past 20 years
Fuqiang hinted that the company, which has more than one thousand Nigerians in its employ, was recording success implementing its technical collaboration programme tagged ‘Skill-In-The-Hands’ initiative with the Cross River State government.
The CEO explained, “the ‘Skill-In-The-Hands’ initiative is aimed at empowering youths in the state and repositioning them as valuable assets to society.
This initiative, which is in line with your ‘People First’ agenda also aligns with our company’s philosophy of ‘build the youth, build the nation, and make a better life.”
He further disclosed that so far, 20 youths were successful in first phase of the programme, while another set of 20 have commenced the second batch training.
Impactful knowledge transfer
In a remark, Governor Bassey Otu expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Skyrun International in Cross River State, particularly the impact of the technology and knowledge transfer initiative on the youths.
Governor Otu also appreciated the company for taking the state government’s ‘Skill-In-The-Hands’ initiative higher by offering successful participants automatic employment in the electronics manufacturing company.
Otu said, “I applaud you and assure that we are solidly behind you. Your corporate social responsibility has shown the true quality and character of Skyrun International as a serious business conglomerate. Your mandate is totally in line with the ‘People First’ mantra of our administration.”
He assured the Chinese businessman and his team of his administration’s commitment to building a virile sub-national economy that would pave the way for more private sector investments
Victoria Ibanga
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