By Archibong Jeremiah
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC Chairman Senator Bassey Ewa Henshaw, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Hon. Essien Ayi, member Federal House of Representatives representing Calabar South/Akpabuyo/Bakassi federal constituency and Hon. Nkoyo Toyo who is also a member, Federal House of Representatives for Odukpani/Calabar Municipality Federal constituency and other dignitaries were among the crowd that graced the installation of Elder High Chief (Mrs.) Minika Etim James as Obonganwan of Henshaw Town (Nsidung) Henshaw Town Traditional Rulers Council, HTRC, Calabar Cross River State over the weekend.
While admonishing the Obonganwan, His Royal Highness, HRH Elder Etubom Inyang George Duke Henshaw, the Henshaw Town Traditional Rulers Council President maintained that the position of Obonganwan in the Efik Kingdom is very important which is why there can be no two persons holding the title at a time in a house and before meriting the honor, such a person must have in many ways distinguished herself among the multitude in service of the Efik Kingdom.
The Etubom (President) of the Council who spoke through his deputy His Royal Highness, HRH Etubom Nyong Effiom Okon prayed that Abasi (God) grant the newly installed Obonganwan the fortitude to rise through the challenges that lies ahead because her task is herculean.
Responding after being installed as Obonganwan, Elder High Chief Minika Etim pledged to lead by example maintaining that “I believe I am been sent on an errand by my people and I shall gladly go”.
The Obonganwan of Henshaw Town spotted love and truth as the only bond that can keep the Efiks together and concluded that if those virtues are imbibed by the people, it will help to foster peaceful coexistence amongst all.
The Henshaw Town Traditional Rulers Council was established in 1901 making it the oldest community administration in the Efik Kingdom;
It comprises of 6 houses, they include: Ewa Ekeng, Ekeng Iwatt, Effanga Offiong, Andem Ankoi, Ewa Nsa and Edet Nsa.