Unity is Key: A’Ibom Council Leader Urges Residents to Uphold Founders’ Legacy

The Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Aniefiok Nkom, has called for stronger unity and collective effort among stakeholders to preserve and advance the legacy of the council’s founding fathers.

He emphasized that a shared sense of purpose would be vital not only for the success of the ongoing jubilee celebrations but also for shaping a sustainable future for coming generations.

Nkom made the appeal during a world press conference held on Friday in Ikot Ekpene, where activities marking the council’s diamond jubilee were unveiled under the theme, “Celebrating Heritage, Inspiring the Future, Making the First, the Best.” He urged residents and stakeholders to move beyond mere words and demonstrate unity through meaningful actions that honour the past while building for the future.

Established in 1951, Ikot Ekpene holds the distinction of being the first experimental local government council in Nigeria and across British West Africa, with leadership transitioning from colonial administration to indigenous authority under Chief Robert Umoinyang on April 11 of that year.

Reflecting on the milestone, Nkom described the 75th anniversary not simply as a celebration of age but as a moment of renewal. According to him, the council’s history represents both a proud legacy and a call to sustained excellence.

He noted that while being the first confers prestige, maintaining that standard requires continuous responsibility, innovation, and visionary leadership. The anniversary, he said, should inspire progress rather than remain a ceremonial event.

Highlighting the broader significance of the celebration, the chairman said the jubilee would go beyond festivities, serving as a platform to drive economic growth, revive cultural heritage, and position the council for greater national and global relevance.

He unveiled a lineup of activities scheduled from April through December 2026, beginning with the official launch and culminating in a grand finale later in the year. One of the major highlights, he revealed, will be the coronation and installation of the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene in August, a move he described as crucial to restoring the area’s traditional identity and authority.

The final phase of the celebration in December will include the commissioning of a modern shopping mall aimed at boosting commercial activity, alongside a large-scale exhibition showcasing the area’s famed raffia craftsmanship and creative industries.

Nkom described Ikot Ekpene as a longstanding symbol of cultural richness, economic vitality, and community resilience, stressing that the jubilee is focused as much on the future as it is on the past.

He added that the council intends to leverage the celebration to attract investment, enhance its visibility both nationally and internationally, and strengthen collaboration across sectors. Key areas of focus include infrastructure development, agriculture, and the creative economy.

Calling on investors, he encouraged them to take advantage of emerging opportunities within the council, assuring them of a conducive environment for growth. He also appealed to indigenes in the diaspora to reconnect with their roots and contribute meaningfully to the development of their homeland.

The chairman further urged traditional rulers to continue safeguarding the cultural heritage of the people, while calling on the media to play an active role in projecting a positive and accurate image of Ikot Ekpene to the wider world.