The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Akparawa James Edet, has been sworn-in as the 11th International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, MMI, amidst fanfare and cultural presentation.
The inauguration ceremony which took place on Sunday, at the International Secretariat of the apex Ibibio youth socio-cultural organisation , Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, attracted eminent sons and daughters of Ibibio extraction, including members of the political class, traditional rulers, and captains of industry.
In his inaugural speech titled: 'Together, We Can', Edet called for multi-directional support for the organisation, promising that his tenure would restore the vibrancy with which Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio was known.
" As a leading socio-cultural organisation in Nigeria, it is our commitment to continually be at the forefront of driving and re-strengthening the bond of unity and brotherhood amongst our sister provinces in Oro nation, Anang nation, and other parts of Akwa Ibom State ".
" Mboho shall continue to be heard on national issues as the voice of the masses. As the 11th International Exco, we are saddened by the capricious state of our nation, where criminal elements, bandits, boko haram forces, and unknown gunmen kidnap, maim, kill as well as destroy properties of innocent Nigerians without any reasonable actions from the appropriate quarters, " he said .
While declaring the event open, the Chairman of the Occasion, MD/CEO of Hensek Integrated Services, Engr. Uwem Okoko, acknowledged the efforts of the founding fathers of the group, adding that with James Edet, the organisation will continue to be focal in national discussion, as well as foster peace between the Ibibios and other ethnic groups in Akwa Ibom State, and Nigeria in general.
Addressing the gathering in Ibibio Language, the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, represented by Pst. Umo Eno, urged the organisation to maintain its pride of place as a foremost socio-cultural group in Nigeria, by actively participating and lending support to constituted authorities and traditional institutions.
In his valedictory speech, the immediate past international President of the group, Akparawa ( Obong ) Patrick Udofia, commended members of the out-going Exco for their valuable contributions toward the success of his tenure.
He called on all members of the organisation to support the new exco, adding that with their cooperation and that of indigenes of other extractions, Mboho will continue to be known for oneness, love and respect, which he emphasised as the true identity of an Akwa Ibom person.
The ceremony featured the induction of new members, including the wife of the new International President, Mrs Grace Edet, and Engr. Uwem Okoko, as the President's first official assignment, also had as it's highpoint, the placement of his official portrait and the ringing of the organisation's bell to signal the beginning of a new administration.