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Gov Eno Hails Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio's Peace-Building Efforts, Congratulates Akparawa James Edet on Successful Tenure as 11th International President

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commended the leadership of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, led by the outgoing 11th International President, Akparawa James Edet, for its contributions to the promotion of peace, unity and development in the State.

The Governor gave the commendation when he received the leadership of the socio-cultural organisation on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Uyo.

Welcoming the delegation, Governor Eno described Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio as a strong voice for the Ibibio nation and a dependable platform for mentoring young people.

"We thank you for the great work you are doing. Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio has always been there. It has remained a vanguard for our young people and a strong voice for the Ibibio nation," the Governor said.

He applauded the organisation for working closely with other socio-cultural groups in the state, to foster peaceful coexistence and strengthen unity across ethnic lines.

"We appreciate your partnership with other socio-cultural organisations in the state. The more we work together, the better it will be for our state and our people as we continue to eliminate ethnic tension.

God did not make a mistake in placing people where they are. The best we can do is to choose to live together as one people in one state."

Governor Eno thanked the organisation for its consistent support for his administration and assured the delegation that the issues presented during the visit would receive due attention.

"Thank you for promoting peace. Thank you for the support you have given my administration. We are truly grateful. We have heard all that you have said and we will carefully distill your requests and give them the necessary attention."

The Governor also paid tribute to the outgoing International President, Akparawa James Edet, whose tenure is officially winding down, following the organisation's General Assembly which will be held later today being July 11, 2026.

He noted that although James Edet was completing his tenure as International President, his wealth of experience remained invaluable to the state.

"Even though today marks the end of your journey of service as the 11th International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, you are still part of the Akwa Ibom family.

“Whether in the civil service or not, you are now a senior citizen of the state, and we still expect you to continue working with us."

Governor Eno wished him success in his future endeavours and congratulated the incoming International President, Akparawa Ini-Abasi Ekanem, expressing confidence in his ability to build on the achievements of his predecessor.

"No one person can finish everything. You simply do the part God has assigned to you and leave the rest for the next person. I pray that, by the Grace of God, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio will continue to be a strong voice for the unity and progress of our people."

Earlier, the outgoing International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa James Edet, said the delegation visited the Governor to express profound appreciation for his exceptional support, fatherly care and encouragement throughout his four-year tenure.

"Your Excellency, we have come first and foremost to thank you for your exceptional love, fatherly affection, encouragement and unwavering support to Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio and to me personally throughout my tenure as the 11th International President. I do not take your kindness for granted."

"When I was sick, you kept calling to check on me, and when I was discharged from the hospital, you personally received me. I sincerely thank you for that uncommon gesture."

James Edet described Governor Eno's leadership as inspiring, noting that his commitment to peace, unity and development had greatly influenced the organisation's activities.

According to him, under his leadership, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio expanded its global presence by inaugurating chapters in Canada and the United States, holding international conventions in Europe and America, while consistently projecting the positive image of Akwa Ibom State and the ARISE Agenda on the global stage.

He also informed the Governor that the organisation had successfully conducted a peaceful, transparent and credible leadership transition and formally briefed him on the emergence of a new executive.

"We considered it proper and respectful to formally brief Your Excellency on the successful transition in our organisation and to invite you to the official handover ceremony."

James Edet further commended Governor Eno's inclusive and people-centred leadership, saying the ARISE Agenda had positively impacted every segment of society, including Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio.

He reaffirmed the organisation's endorsement of Governor Eno's second-term aspiration, noting that the position adopted by the group last year remained unchanged.

He urged members of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio across the state to return to their wards and villages, mobilise eligible voters to register, and actively participate in the electoral process to sustain the Governor's leadership.

The outgoing President announced that the formal handover ceremony to the incoming International President, Akparawa Ini-Abasi Ekanem, will take place on July 24, 2026, while the July 11 General Assembly will feature the presentation of his final scorecard and a review of the organisation's activities during his tenure.