By Deborah Obot
The Obong of Calabar HRM Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu (V) has for the creation of two more Local Government Area from present day Odukpani.
He also called for peace and tranquility among the Efiks and other tribes in Cross River State.
He made the call during the 2nd Eburutu day celebration with the theme “Globalizing Our Potentials” which held at Atan Onoyom in Eniong Abatim Odukpani local government area.
The monarch who was clearly amazed by the organization and how much work was put in for this year’s event, praised the organizers and the people of Eburutu. “I am impressed with what I have seen here today and I am glad to be a part of it, I thank all those involved in resurrecting this festival as I have been made to understand that the last time it held was in 2010.”
Continuing, the Efik King said “I have been given full assurance by the Chairman of the occasion,
High Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong that going forward, this festival will be sustained and I promise to lend my support whenever I am needed.
“This is a festival that promotes unity, love and togetherness amongst our people and I charge all of you to stay as one.
“Odukpani is such a massive Local Government and in reality another two can be carved out from Odukpani but I urge you all not to despair as festivals such as this will bring the needed attention to Odukpan.” He said.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Eburutu Assembly, High Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong enumerated why the Eburutu day is important to the people of Odukpani.
According to him, “As a people we are not just here for show or to make fun, but to showcase the rich economic potentials and cultural heritage of the Eburutu people.”
Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong who opined that Eburutu has been silent for too long advised the people to participate fully in the political process to elect leaders that can bring developments to the area.
“Eburutu has been silent for too long and we want that to stop, we have already started and you can see that by the political appointments that are already coming to Eburutu. You also have developments in terms of infrastructure coming into Eburutu and I am happy to announce to you that in this year’s budget in Cross River all the 5 mother Clans of Eburutu have been captured with one project or the other.”
Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Odukpani, HRM Otu Asuquo Otu Mesembe (V) praised the organizers of the event and advised that the invitation should be extended to other Efik communities to ensure a larger assembly.
“I sincerely want to thank the organizers and the good people of Eburutu for this day, my wife is from Atan and I know Atan Onoyom boast of an array of beautiful women. This festival is such beauty to behold and I would like to advise that other Efik communities be invited for the next edition, the event should be held bi- annually so that it can be more recognized.” He said.
Highlights of the day include presentation of awards to deserving sons and daughters of Eburutu for their outstanding service to the community and the formation of Eburutu Traditional Rulers Council which will be headed by High Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong.
Accordingly, a Staff of Office was presented to him by the Obong of Calabar as a symbol of authority.
The awardees include Mr. Asuquo Ekpenyong, State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. James Ekpenyong Okon, Dr. David Okon, Elder Esu Ayara, HRH Etinyin Asuquo, Rev. Augustine Eyibio
Dr. Mrs Edisua Ita, Engr. Chief Essien Ntung and Chief Edet Bassey.
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