By Onwa Ekor, Calabar
In recognition of their contributions to humanity as well as the community at large, the Eyum Onun Ekim Mgbari-Gbari, (Ntufam’s council in Mbarakom community, Akamkpa local government area of Cross River), recently honoured thirteen illustrious sons and daughters.
The event which took place at Ocham Mgbe playground, Mbarakom saw the honourees being decorated with the prestigious Ntufam and Ntunkae titles, by the Mfona Fang Fang Onun Ekim/Echi-Atui Mbarakom, Ntufam Sylvester Itagbor Nnumgbe the second.
Chairman of the occasion, Ntufam Ignatius Ayamba, remarked that the event remains an indication that the community has a penchant for acknowledging and encouraging hardwork, achievement and excellence.
Admonishing the honourees to remain good ambassadors of the Ejagham cause, Ayamba reminded them that the prestigious Ntufam title which is of Ejagham origin is obviously the most renowned chieftaincy title in the land.
According to him, “it is bestowed only on people of proven integrity, good relationship with others, readiness to forgive, tolerance, humility, respect and community interest.”
Continuing, he explained that “Ntufam is the overall custodian of the tradition and culture of the people which also includes the language as a means of communication and identity,” adding that “the Ntunkae’s responsibility are subtler and therefore less visible as she bears the contact with the deity (ANIM) upon which the royal institution is anchored.”
The Chairman, a 1992 beneficiary of the title, informed that the Ejagham ethnic nationality is identified in three clusters of the Qua, Akamkpa/Etung as well as Bakor which includes the Bassang people of Obanliku.
Responding on behalf of the honourees, a three-term House of Representatives member for Akamkpa/Biase federal constituency, Rt. Hon. Daniel Asuquo, thanked the organisers for finding them worthy for such exalted positions, affirming that as forebearers, the new title holders would do the community proud.
“We will adhere strictly to the tenets guiding this honour, we are proud and very distinguished people, we are a contented people who know our history and what we represent,” Asuquo remarked.
In an interview, a honouree and Permanent Secretary, Cross River Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Ekpe Bassey Bassey, applauded the Ntufam’s Council and community members for the honour bestowed on him.
Bassey who was honoured with the title of Irunandu-Onun Ekim (Star light of the community), maintained that when you are honoured by your people, it is worth more than other honours because they are the people that know you.
“This is my community and having been found worthy to be honoured this day by my people, I feel really great.
“As a leading personality in the community development, this will spur me to do more,” Bassey who doubles as President of Mbarakom Unity Forum and Ntui-Mgbe of Nkad Dibu, said.
Not leaving without an advise to the citizenry, Irunandu-Onun Ekim, averred that, “it is good to live a good life, to think peace, to attract development and always remember that you alone cannot be happy, so be happy with others.”
Those honoured were, Rev. Fr. Christopher Okpu, Chief Patrick Effiong, Hon. Victor Okon, Prof Patrick Asuquo, Lady Evelyn Effa, Hon. Felix Akposi and Mrs Josephine Ayamba.
Others were Engr Christopher Anom, Mr. Ekpe Bassey, Rt. Hon Daniel Asuquo, CP Bassey Ewah, Barr. Francis Anom and Rt. Hon Itaya Nyong.
The event which featured display of cultural dances and goodwill messages was graced by many dignitaries including the Permanent Secretary, Cross River Ministry of sports development, Mr. Sam Egbala, First Bank Regional Manager, Alvin Ochang, Priests of the Catholic Church, Commissioner for fisheries and aquaculture, Ntufam Emmanuel Anom including the Chairman of Yakurr who is the Chairman of Forum of local government chairmen in Cross River, Inyang Yibala Igri, among others.
