Akwa Ibom State has marked its 38th anniversary with a colourful convergence that brought together government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders, celebrating nearly four decades of peace, unity, and progress.
The event, held in Uyo, the state capital in southern Nigeria, underscored the role of traditional institutions in the state’s evolution, while also highlighting Governor Umo Eno’s people-centred leadership.
Speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong, described the anniversary as ‘a celebration of collective achievements and resilience.’
“This year’s celebration fills our hearts with overwhelming joy and satisfaction. We are joyous because we are not just marking an anniversary, but celebrating 38 years of consistent growth in every region, peace and prosperity,” he stated.
Archibong paid special tribute to the state’s royal fathers for their stabilising role since 1987, saying:“Our Royal Fathers were the very pillars upon which the new state stood to galvanise our people for collective action, champion community ownership of development projects, and provide the cultural, social, and political stability that allowed our state to find peace.”
The Commissioner lauded Governor Umo Eno for fostering unity across political divides.
“The prevailing peace, political tolerance, and bipartisan disposition of your administration have further created an atmosphere where citizens can thrive regardless of their political leanings,” he said.
Archibong also commended the Governor’s recent initiatives, describing them as visionary:
“The Security Summit will undoubtedly equip our security agencies and fortify our cities as an incredible haven of peace. Similarly, the Electricity Summit has set a clear and actionable pathway towards achieving stable and sustainable power, which is the lifeblood of industrial growth and economic prosperity,”he said.
Transition in the Traditional Rulers Council
As part of the programme, Archibong presented Akuku Sylvester Udofia as the new Chairman of the Supreme Council of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers, succeeding His Royal Majesty Odidem Bassey Edet.
He assured the people that the new leadership would “discharge very effectively the role that has been entrusted, guided by the older members of the institution.”
The Commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the welfare of traditional rulers.
Archibong noted that: “Our Royal Fathers are deeply appreciative of your benevolence, especially in the sustenance of welfare packages and quarterly medical allowances.”
Speaking to Voice of Nigeria, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Akwa Ibom and Uyo Local Government Chairman, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, highlighted the role of local governments in delivering development directly to the people.
“The third tier of government is actually the closest to the people. Development thrives in communities, and our people live in communities. Therefore, you cannot underestimate the role of local government in development,” Udo explained.
He spotlighted interventions in healthcare, water supply, student bursaries, and rural infrastructure, noting that Chairmen across Akwa Ibom State have been “roundly commended as people who have utilised the resources of the local government for the greater good and benefit of the people.”
On financial Autonomy in the Local Government autonomy, the Chairman emphasised that the local government system “has always operated independently,” dismissing claims of financial strangulation.
Udo explained that the recent rise in allocations is simply “a direct outcome of the removal of fuel subsidy,” noting that the subsidy had long consumed a huge chunk of national resources.
“With its removal, councils now have greater access to funds to drive development at the grassroots,” he stated.
Reflecting on the milestone, Udo saluted past leaders who fought for the state’s creation.
“We salute their efforts, we salute their gallantry, and of course, we wish Akwa Ibom well. We wish Akwa Ibom to be more developed, more prosperous, for our people to live in more peace and enjoy more development across all sectors of our state’s life,” he stated.