UYO – The newly inaugurated 12th International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa (Elder) Iniabasi Ekanem, has unveiled an ambitious blueprint aimed at strengthening the socio-cultural organisation, preserving Ibibio heritage, empowering youths, and fostering greater unity among the people of Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking during his inauguration at the Mboho International Secretariat and Community Centre, Uyo, at the weekend, Ekanem pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors, while positioning Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio as a stronger voice for the Ibibio nation and a catalyst for social and economic development.

In his inaugural address titled, “Advancing the Cause of Mboho, Re-Echoing the Voice of the Ibibio People,” the new president described his emergence as a defining moment in the organisation’s history and reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive leadership, transparency, accountability and service.

He paid glowing tribute to past leaders of the organisation, particularly the immediate past International President, Akparawa James Edet, for restoring the prestige and relevance of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio as a leading socio-cultural body in Akwa Ibom State and the Niger Delta region.

Ekanem outlined five key pillars that will guide his administration, including unity and inclusive leadership, transparency and accountability, preservation of Ibibio culture and heritage, strategic partnerships, and youth development and empowerment.

According to him, the new executive council would work towards strengthening the bond of brotherhood among members, promoting the Ibibio language and cultural values, engaging development partners, and creating opportunities for youths through mentorship, skills acquisition, technology, innovation and leadership programmes.

The Mboho leader also announced plans to improve the fortunes of the organisation’s Unity Schools, with a long-term vision of upgrading the institution into the first Ibibio-owned tertiary institution.

He disclosed that efforts would be made to enhance academic standards, maintain infrastructure, sustain scholarship programmes and establish a greenhouse farm within the school to generate revenue and expose students to modern agricultural practices.

On infrastructure, Ekanem pledged to modernise the Mboho International Secretariat, improve staff welfare, install solar power facilities and complete office spaces initiated by the previous administration for elected officers.

He further revealed plans to digitise records of members and chapters worldwide, expand the annual Mboho Unity Football Competition to include grassroots football clubs across Akwa Ibom State, and provide recreational facilities at the secretariat for members.

The new president also stressed the need for sustained membership growth, revitalisation of dormant chapters and expansion of the organisation’s

presence both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.

Beyond organisational development, Ekanem used the occasion to make a passionate appeal for greater unity among the people of Akwa Ibom State, drawing lessons from the history of the Ibibio Union and the sacrifices of the state’s founding fathers.

He recalled how early leaders of the Ibibio State Union promoted fairness, equity and merit in educational opportunities and development initiatives, insisting that the spirit of inclusiveness and shared destiny must be revived.

Warning against the dangers of ethnic and sectional divisions, he said internal rivalries had historically undermined the collective aspirations of the people, citing the failed bid for the creation of an additional state in 1976 as a painful example.

Ekanem particularly expressed concern over the controversies surrounding the Ibom Deep Seaport project, lamenting that debates over its nomenclature and location had diverted attention from its immense economic benefits.

“What ought to unite us around a transformational economic project has instead become a source of needless division,” he said, cautioning that continued disagreements could weaken the state’s economic prospects while benefiting competing interests elsewhere.

He urged stakeholders, traditional rulers, socio-cultural organisations and community leaders to work together in rebuilding trust, promoting understanding and advancing the common interests of Akwa Ibom people.

Reaffirming Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio’s commitment to its founding ideals, Ekanem pledged that the organisation would continue to serve as “a living movement of identity, unity and service” dedicated to preserving the dignity, culture and aspirations of the Ibibio people.
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He called on members at home and in the diaspora to support the new executive council in its mission to strengthen the organisation and secure a brighter future for generations to come.