The remarkable contributions of former educationist, late elder statesman, Chief Harry James Etukudo, and other illustrious sons and daughters of Ibiaku Clan took centre stage at the 2026 Retreat of the Ibiaku Clan Development Association (ICDA), as Senator Ekong Sampson called on the people to embrace unity and collective development to secure the clan’s future.
The retreat, held at Villa Hilton Hotel, Uyo recently, drew political leaders, traditional rulers, professionals, youths and community stakeholders under the theme, “Ibiaku: Reclaiming Our Story,” with participants reflecting on the clan’s rich heritage and charting a course for sustainable socio-economic advancement.
A major highlight of the gathering was the Memorial Lecture in honour of late Chief Harry James Etukudo, whose enduring legacy of selfless service, courageous leadership and commitment to community development was celebrated as a model for future generations.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Senator Sampson, the Permanent Secretary in the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, Dr. Patrick Essiet, described Ibiaku as “a land of giants,” noting that the clan has consistently produced exceptional personalities whose contributions have shaped the political, educational, religious and socio-economic development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
He paid glowing tribute to Chief Etukudo, describing him as an elder statesman whose life exemplified principled leadership and unwavering dedication to public service. According to him, preserving the late icon’s memory through an annual memorial lecture would continue to inspire generations of Ibiaku sons and daughters to place community interest above personal ambition.
The Senator also honoured several departed Ibiaku patriots whose sacrifices laid the foundation for the clan’s growth. They included the late Chief Patrick Ememe, Hon. (Barr.) Aniefiok Udo Ekpo, Akparawa Eseme Jeremiah, Hon. (Dr.) Nseobong Nkanta, Chief Udo Akpan Ekarika, His Royal Majesty Justin Amankop and Chief Ime Usen Charles, among others.
He noted that their patriotism, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to community service remain enduring pillars upon which the clan’s progress continues to rest.
Sampson equally celebrated several living Ibiaku achievers for distinguishing themselves in religion, education, healthcare, law, politics, public service and community development.
Those recognised included; Rev. Fr. (Monsignor) Prof. Iniobong Udoidem, Apostle John Okoriko, Dr. Patrick Essiet, Pastor Bassey James, Dr. Umoren Simeon Akpan, Your Worship Monday Ebong, Obonganwan Maria Oton, Obonganwan Cecilia Umanah, Hon. Victor Ekwere, Hon. Ephraim Akpan, Dr. (Mrs.) Idara Ephraim Akpan, Dr. Friday Akpabio, Dr. Martins Ikono, Hon. Anietie Sunday and Hon. Utitofon Jeremiah.
Describing Ibiaku as a community richly endowed with exceptional human capital, the Senator urged the people to invest more in education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation and institutional development, while rejecting every form of division capable of undermining progress.
He also appreciated the consistent support the people of Ibiaku have extended to him over the years and appealed to them to sustain the spirit of unity in supporting the administration of Governor Umo Eno and the APC-led Federal Government.
Highlighting his interventions across the clan, Sampson listed the facilitation of electricity projects, road construction, educational and healthcare facilities, water schemes, market development, skills acquisition programmes and employment opportunities for Ibiaku indigenes in both the public and private sectors.
He disclosed that the 2026 Federal Budget provides for the restoration of electricity to Ibiaku Esa Ekpo, Ibekwe Akpanya and neighbouring communities, while new projects, including street lighting and facilities at St. Fintan’s, Ikot Ntot, are expected to commence this year.
The Senator further reaffirmed his commitment to facilitating the construction of the Ikot Ebak–Ikot Aka–Ikot Ekpenyong–Ikot Abasi Akpan Road and extending the ongoing Ibekwe–Akpanya–Ikot Unya–Ekpuk Road project to other strategic communities within the clan.
Commending the Ibiaku Clan Development Association for sustaining the ideals of community development, Sampson described the memorial lecture as a fitting platform for preserving the values exemplified by Chief Harry James Etukudo, while promoting dialogue, unity and collaboration among Ibiaku people.
He expressed confidence that, the annual retreat would continue to strengthen communal harmony, foster stronger partnerships with neighbouring clans in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area and accelerate the socio-economic transformation of Ibiaku for generations to come.
The VIEWPOINT on Ibiaku Clan Development Association’s Retreat 2026 was written by Dennis Udoma, a frontline journalist in Akwa Ibom State.
