WARRI BRANCH
PRESENTED BY
HON (BARR) ODIANA WILLIAMS ERIATA
EKPON DAY
“In search of Ekpon Unity, A litmus Test By EUM.’’
A speech by barrister Odiana Eriata on the 1st day of October, 2021 at the “Ekpon Day” celebration by the Ekpon United Movement, Warri Branch.
The President Ekpon Development Union, The Special Guest of Honour and all other invited guest And the press.
Today I salute the Ekpon United Movement (EUM) Warri Branch for the celebration of “ Ekpon Day” on this special day the 1st of October, 2021 which is also the 61st birthday of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
I wish to thank you for the invitation and an honor to deliver a speech which I personally captioned “EKPON DAY”, In search of Ekpon Unity.
It is important to note that “Ekpon Day” which is being marked today by the EUM Warri Branch is designed to bring together the Ekpon sons’ and daughters’ together in unity and love.
It also has a part of its mandate to organize prayers for Ekpon Community Development, growth, creating awareness among Ekponians and amongst other good intentions.
Permit me to state that this is the first of its kind and a promising special purpose vehicle for social, cultural and political re-energizing of Ekpon community and the organizers must be well commended for this unprecedented feet.
In no particular order you will graciously permit me to highlight and discuss some of the steps to further foster and fester the unity of Ekpon beyond the euphoria of today’s event.
First we must as a people dare to love ourselves and resolve all family communal and traditional issues in our land.
Under this heading I would like the traditional institutions at all levels in Ekpon to be strengthened and made strong by all those who are concerned.
I intentionally would expect the various families and committees
clans who are in charge of our various ruling institutions to rise to the occasions and make Ekpon proud again.
Secondly, the community land disputes which has spanned over decades should be withdrawn and subjected to a renewed mediation process by the feuding quarters and save the upcoming generation of narrative that is not rewarding.
Ladies and gentlemen my assignment today is very simple and not complicated.
First we must acknowledge that this gathering is not one for planning evil against any person or constituted authority.
I believe strongly it is a soul searching exercise to rejuvenate an Ekpon Agenda definite and precise for the common goals of our people without taking a pound of flesh from others or any other community or clans.
Another clarification is that this August gathering which is taking place in October is meant to bring the Ekpon sons and daughters together in unity and love and for the purpose of engendering growth and development.
I am also confident that at the end of this ceremony we would agree to do our bit to map out and nurture a viable and sustainable cause in our mission to harness the greater good for our people.
We use to be very strong politically and otherwise, but we keep on speaking discordant tones and display variant political tendencies that tend to undermine the progress and prosperity of our town.
I believe this must change and its changing by the grace of God.
We must thank God for the resourceful efforts of our sons and daughters in their individual capacities especially in the area of entrepreneurship.
Permit me to mention *Engr(Dr) Osaro Odiase JP FNSE* *who is doing well in the oil & gas sector and who have employed Ekpon sons and daughters in his company in an unprecedented manner.*
We say God will continue to strengthen him in Jesus name. Amen.
We have Dr. Larry Izamogie who has distinguished himself nationally and internationally in the area of sports, broadcast and pioneering, we say God bless you.
There is no doubt that radio is one of the channels of mobilization and marketing all over the world and we hope Ekpon will partake from this dividends now and in the nearest future and we most humbly call on Dr. Larry Izamogie to close the gap and put Ekpon on the front burner again.
We can’t but mention our array of distinguished sons in the academics and chosen professions like Prof. Ike Eriator, Prof. Julius Iyasele, Dr. Lawrence Iwebuke Emohanre and of recent our amiable Engr. Uche Nwoko who just bagged a first class in robotics engineering in the UK. We salute our admirable and indefatigable political leaders, starting with our foremost leader, Chief Mike Obohmense, Hon. R. E. Ozabor, Mr. Felix Utubor, Dr. Justin Okonoboh and all others who have genuinely made efforts to emancipate Ekpon within the dynamics of Esan, Edo and Nigeria politics we say God bless you all. I also believe that God would enrich and strengthen Ekpon more and more in the politics of today and the future.
In the judiciary we have My Lord, Hon. Justice Okey Emmanuel Ahamioje who is a jurist and an astute administrator of justice in the bench.
We thank you for your incorruptibility and forthrightness.
Gentlemen and ladies, let us stand up to clap and commend the contributions of Chief Raphael Akowe Foundation and the Chairman Chief Raphael Akowe for making us proud at all times.
Raphael Akowe has shown uncommon virtue and beholds our collective admirations in the way and manner he has contributed to education, sports and entertainment in our community. We say thank you.
Permit me to recall the memories of late Mr. James Oyekwonu Umbhoriaro who assisted over 25 Ekpon indigenes into the defunct NITEL before he retired in 1997.
We have my Late auntie Mrs. Regina Otabor Iwensi who transversed this mother earth between 22nd November to 6th August, 2014.
Otabor Iwensi Regina retired from the Ministry of Defence and before she retired as an admin officer she ensure that 22 Ekpon indigenes were gainfully employed. She is one of our unsung heroines and you can understand while there was no comment or memories shared about her except that of Mr. Victor Otabor and a few of us on our
WhatsApp page of EFA because majority of us don’t celebrate our heroes even at death.
I think the attitude should change. Let us celebrate our illustrious sons and daughters while on earth and even when they have departed.
We also remember today Late Mr. G.I.E. Okundia who recruited over 30 Ekpon indigenes into FAAN before his retirement as a Director of Operations.
The president of Ekpon Development Union Mr. Chuks Celestine Edobor had also made his mark in the organization and infrastructural development of Ekpon and we say thank you. For your information Mr. Chuks Celestine Edobor, Chief Mike Odiase (the Odolebho of Ekpon) Dr. Smart Igbeta and a host of others constituted the committee that drove the construction of the Ekpon Divisional Police Station.
This idea was pioneered by the EDU Lagos branch under the chairman of Mr. Julius Asota a.k a ‘Senator’, majority of Ekpon sons and daughters home and abroad, and clubs or association contributed towards the project and we say God bless them all.
Now I understand Mr. Chuks Celestine Edobor and his EDU team has set up another task to facilitate the reconstruction of Ekpon Grammar School and other infrastructure in our community and I am using this medium to call on all Ekpon sons and daughters to collaborate and work with the EDU national to ensure the building becomes a success within the next two years.
I believe sincerely, that the Ekpon Grammar School old Students Association should be regigged and retool to partner with this project.
For this reason I am therefore calling on Engr.(Dr) Osaro Odiase JP, Engr. Uche Nwoko. Mr. Agbonmero, Mr Victor Eloke, Mr. Festus Osunbor, Mr. Dominic Eriata and a host of others [mostly between 1986 set to 1999 set to rebrand and rebuild the old boys association for the purpose of this newest Ekpon challenge and we urge them to take Ekpon to the four walls of the earth in all positive sense.
Permit me to mention the *Engr. Matt Okonoboh* upcoming talent hunt and the invaluable social economic importance to the development of Ekpon community and the need for all Ekpon sons and daughters to contribute and ensure the entertainment stunt becomes another *BB Ekpon Reality Show* in its maiden edition billed for the *25th day of December, 2021* and in the nearest future.
Nonetheless, I would also appreciate some other individuals like *Magnus Echejile, the Chairman, EDANEH GROUPS OF COMPANY, Mr. Beneth Odiase* our learned friend in equity, our brothers and sisters in the abroad (USA, UK and EUROPE) for their contributions in the upliftment of the health facility in our town, the provision of solar energy lights across the community and provision of academic learning materials to mention but a few.
Also permit me to mention the efforts of *Pastor Chuks Ozabor in South Africa* who singlehandedly installed boreholes in Olenokhua and Ogbe quarters in Ekpon.
Thanks to Jubilee Otabor for influencing installation of borehole in Ijedumar community also.
*Economic front*
We now have apartments and accommodation in Ekpon for the purpose of our social, economic activities, to this end, we thank *Professor Julius Iyase* for building the upper room facility in Ekpon, Club 20 for the state of the art Club 20 Guest House in Ekpon which would be commissioned on the 24th day of December, 2021 and other upcoming apartments and guest houses to mention but a few.
*Ekpon market*
The economic activity in Ekpon is slowed down by the descript nature of our market which has been abandoned by the Igueben Local government except for the purpose of collecting consumption taxes and I believe the EDU committee on market and social activities should step up and redefine the Ekpon market narrative.
Efforts must be made to interface with the local government authorities to ensure the Ekpon market is reconstructed and rescued without further delays.
*Education*
Regrettably, Ekpon is on the downward slide in terms of education pursuit, if viewed comparatively from the community setting.
I will say without contradiction that some of our sons and daughters at home (in the village) no longer show much interest in the quest for basic primary and post primary education.
They don’t want to learn skills and they don’t want to go to school. They also do not want to go to farm.
In some part of the community they have all resorted to hunting, okada riding and other undefined menial jobs.
You cant find a good number of committed pupils or students in our community schools. You cant find a good number of artisans.
You cant find a good number of everything good for the future of Ekpon. Crime and criminality blossomed; who do we blame? Parents? Lack of basic educational facility(s) or what? …
I think the education committee of EDU should develop a road map for the rejuvenation of our education in Ekpon.
The quest to repair Ekpon Grammar School and the other primary schools is very pertinent and must be taken seriously.
The EDU must include as part of its mandate to ensure teachers are posted to Ekpon Grammar School and to the various primary schools in Ekpon community.
I do not intend to speak on *Engr. Matt Okonoboh* proposition’s that the location of Ekpon Grammar school should be revisited and reviewed.
At the same time its an ingenious argument that cannot be faulted in view of the security situation in the country and other economic challenges associated with an isolated learning environment which original concept has been challenged by the security situation in our country.
I therefore, challenged the EDU as a body to approach our representatives in the National Assembly and the State Government to take advantage of the UBE assisted programmes which has benefited most communities.
We also thank our past and present gladiators in the community who had at one point or the other attempt with little or huge successes at creating a unity forum for the Ekpon project.
First we thank our fathers who founded and registered the defunct Ekpon Progressive
Union in 1944, and their several achievement.
We had the Ekpon contact group which was more of a special purpose vehicle for Ekpon emancipation.
This contact group which was founded in the early 80’s was driven by Chief Mike Obohmense who in his moving train had *late Otabor Inwensi, Late Raphael Eloke, late John K. Emahare, Late Samuel Osunbor, Mr. John Jatto, Late Willy O. Alapa, Mr. Ernest Abaku, late Henry Iyasele, Mr. Felix Utubor and Engr. Dennis Iyasele. Chief Mike Obohmense’s team* and his formidable Hone team and patriots achieved so much for our community, and one of the achievement is the establishment of Ekpon grammar school in 1983 and a lot other development in our community mostly the opening of the entire community through community roads.
We have also had other conversational intentions such as the Ekpon summit which was held on the 11th and 12th day of August 2019 with the sole mission to set an agenda for the People of Ekpon town thereby making it an unparalleled community of peace, freedom, security and shared values in Esan land and the state in general.
I hope *Engr. Douglas Eriata, Mr. Samuel Osimahon, Mr. Fred Isichie Emefile, Mr. Chuks Edobor, Mr. Sunny Igbeta* and other participants in that conference would ensure the resolutions of that conference are pursued to the latter with serious collaboration with the EDU.
Our graduates and other youths who are skilled need to be employed and/or empowered and a database of our graduates needs to be developed and circulated amongst our leaders in the community who we believe could assist in getting jobs or empowerment for our sons and daughters.
Building & cost of building in Ekpon
Its important to also mention that our fathers and family land owners in Ekpon should encourage Ekpon sons and daughters to come home and build and perhaps invest in our community.
This support ranges from the availability of affordable lands and other building or construction support requirements.
We hope the various quarters in Ekpon should have an arrangement to encourage people to build in
Ekpon without much or scaring cost lands which is now becoming alarming.
*Ekpon culture*
Without mincing words I would like to thank Mr. Ernest Abaku for the attempts he has made in interrogating the various cultural practices in Ekpon in his books Nigerian Integrated Cultural heritage, Sustaining institution and Diverse cultural Heritage published in 2005 and particularly chapter 2, 4 and 5 of the Revised edition where he introduced several social cultural practices and what used to be festivals in Ekpon.
He talked about INI UGHE, IKPUIJIE, AJOKUN FESTIVAL, IRUAUMO, ALAPA, UGBA UGHE,
ABOBOKO and ILI-OZUN (BURIAL) though at chapter 6 of his book he stated the reasons for abandoning of festivals which ranges from mass literacy to embrace of Christianity.
Your sincerely witnessed majority of this cultural practices and festivals and I believe very sincerely that it is not all festivals that admits fetish practices.
In otherwords, the Ekpon community should review the various practices and select ones or two that is less involving and that could be admitted by majority of Ekponians for the purpose of having a festival without any attempt to infringe on peoples right of freedom to practice and propagate their Christian believe or other faiths.
I believe the EDU committee on culture should look into this. Mention other festivals’
*The Churches*
I also wish to thank the ECA and all other Christian groups and prayer teams in Ekpon for all their prayers for the progress and Development of Ekpon.
I sincerely urge you to continue to stand in the gap and you should know that your prayers are all well being answered. God bless you all.
Ekpon must develop friendship and Jettison the old thinking.
We have come a long way and we know that our old ways of thinking amongst ourselves and towards the sons’ and daughters’ from Ekpon has not helped the community.
Regrettably those who had the opportunities but refused to be kind to each other or help; have now seen the reality of not supporting their younger ones or community boys and girls because of fear of either being betrayed or being overtaking by such benefactor.
As we speak some of our elites are still wallowing in such thinking but we also know those who have taken up the challenge to empower and/or employ Ekpon sons and daughters irrespective of the present economic realities. We know such individuals and we believe God Almighty will continue to lift them up in Jesus name.
*Politics*
I really would restrain from talking about politics in this presentation because of its volatile nature in our community.
However, permit me to state that no community can develop without the involvement of her sons and daughters in the politics of their nation, state or local government.
We must come together and harness our ideas in uplifting Ekpon politically in spite of our political differences or party affiliations.
We must call out our people to register in the on-going voters registration and I am really surprised that Ekpon community is not taking the ongoing registration process very serious.
I expect that the EDU and the various political Leaders in Ekpon community should form a synergy for the purpose of encouraging every eligible voters who is of age to get his or herself registered; I expect the EDU branches across the country, the social clubs and family meetings should announce to their members to get themselves registered in Ekpon now that we have about twelve (12) units (pooling booths) in Ekpon community.
I believe its not late for Ekpon to come together and agree to do their bit to map out and nurture a viable and sustainable cause in our mission to harness the greater good for our people.
It is no doubt that we are individually and collectively formidable but our major challenges is the cruel discordant tones and politics of pull down.
Our next door neighbors are more politically united; I believe that the next Ekpon day would be taken over by the EDU with the collaborations of all other family meetings, clubs, and associations of Ekpon people.
I thank Ekpon united Movement for this opportunity.
God bless you all.*EKPON DAY* *CELEBRATION BY EKPON UNITED MOVEMENT,*
*WARRI BRANCH*
*PRESENTED BY*
*HON (BARR) ODIANA WILLIAMS ERIATA*
*EKPON DAY*
“In search of Ekpon Unity, A litmus Test By EUM.’’
A speech by barrister Odiana Eriata on the 1st day of October, 2021 at the “Ekpon Day” celebration by the Ekpon United Movement, Warri Branch.
The President Ekpon Development Union, The Special Guest of Honour and all other invited guest And the press.
Today I salute the *Ekpon United Movement (EUM) Warri Branch* for the celebration of “ *Ekpon Day”* on this special day the *1st of October, 2021 which is also the 61st birthday of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.*
I wish to thank you for the invitation and an honor to deliver a speech which I personally captioned “EKPON DAY”, In search of Ekpon Unity.
It is important to note that “Ekpon Day” which is being marked today by the EUM Warri Branch is designed to bring together the Ekpon sons’ and daughters’ together in unity and love.
It also has a part of its mandate to organize prayers for Ekpon Community Development, growth, creating awareness among Ekponians and amongst other good intentions.
Permit me to state that this is the first of its kind and a promising special purpose vehicle for social, cultural and political re-energizing of Ekpon community and the organizers must be well commended for this unprecedented feet.
In no particular order you will graciously permit me to highlight and discuss some of the steps to further foster and fester the unity of Ekpon beyond the euphoria of today’s event.
First we must as a people dare to love ourselves and resolve all family communal and traditional issues in our land.
Under this heading I would like the traditional institutions at all levels in Ekpon to be strengthened and made strong by all those who are concerned.
I intentionally would expect the various families and committees
clans who are in charge of our various ruling institutions to rise to the occasions and make Ekpon proud again.
Secondly, the community land disputes which has spanned over decades should be withdrawn and subjected to a renewed mediation process by the feuding quarters and save the upcoming generation of narrative that is not rewarding.
Ladies and gentlemen my assignment today is very simple and not complicated.
First we must acknowledge that this gathering is not one for planning evil against any person or constituted authority.
I believe strongly it is a soul searching exercise to rejuvenate an Ekpon Agenda definite and precise for the common goals of our people without taking a pound of flesh from others or any other community or clans.
Another clarification is that this August gathering which is taking place in October is meant to bring the Ekpon sons and daughters together in unity and love and for the purpose of engendering growth and development.
I am also confident that at the end of this ceremony we would agree to do our bit to map out and nurture a viable and sustainable cause in our mission to harness the greater good for our people.
We use to be very strong politically and otherwise, but we keep on speaking discordant tones and display variant political tendencies that tend to undermine the progress and prosperity of our town.
I believe this must change and its changing by the grace of God.
We must thank God for the resourceful efforts of our sons and daughters in their individual capacities especially in the area of entrepreneurship.
Permit me to mention *Engr(Dr) Osaro Odiase JP FNSE* *who is doing well in the oil & gas sector and who have employed Ekpon sons and daughters in his company in an unprecedented manner.*
We say God will continue to strengthen him in Jesus name. Amen.
We have Dr. Larry Izamogie who has distinguished himself nationally and internationally in the area of sports, broadcast and pioneering, we say God bless you.
There is no doubt that radio is one of the channels of mobilization and marketing all over the world and we hope Ekpon will partake from this dividends now and in the nearest future and we most humbly call on Dr. Larry Izamogie to close the gap and put Ekpon on the front burner again.
We can’t but mention our array of distinguished sons in the academics and chosen professions like Prof. Ike Eriator, Prof. Julius Iyasele, Dr. Lawrence Iwebuke Emohanre and of recent our amiable Engr. Uche Nwoko who just bagged a first class in robotics engineering in the UK. We salute our admirable and indefatigable political leaders, starting with our foremost leader, Chief Mike Obohmense, Hon. R. E. Ozabor, Mr. Felix Utubor, Dr. Justin Okonoboh and all others who have genuinely made efforts to emancipate Ekpon within the dynamics of Esan, Edo and Nigeria politics we say God bless you all. I also believe that God would enrich and strengthen Ekpon more and more in the politics of today and the future.
In the judiciary we have My Lord, Hon. Justice Okey Emmanuel Ahamioje who is a jurist and an astute administrator of justice in the bench.
We thank you for your incorruptibility and forthrightness.
Gentlemen and ladies, let us stand up to clap and commend the contributions of Chief Raphael Akowe Foundation and the Chairman Chief Raphael Akowe for making us proud at all times.
Raphael Akowe has shown uncommon virtue and beholds our collective admirations in the way and manner he has contributed to education, sports and entertainment in our community. We say thank you.
Permit me to recall the memories of late Mr. James Oyekwonu Umbhoriaro who assisted over 25 Ekpon indigenes into the defunct NITEL before he retired in 1997.
We have my Late auntie Mrs. Regina Otabor Iwensi who transversed this mother earth between 22nd November to 6th August, 2014.
Otabor Iwensi Regina retired from the Ministry of Defence and before she retired as an admin officer she ensure that 22 Ekpon indigenes were gainfully employed. She is one of our unsung heroines and you can understand while there was no comment or memories shared about her except that of Mr. Victor Otabor and a few of us on our
WhatsApp page of EFA because majority of us don’t celebrate our heroes even at death.
I think the attitude should change. Let us celebrate our illustrious sons and daughters while on earth and even when they have departed.
We also remember today Late Mr. G.I.E. Okundia who recruited over 30 Ekpon indigenes into FAAN before his retirement as a Director of Operations.
The president of Ekpon Development Union Mr. Chuks Celestine Edobor had also made his mark in the organization and infrastructural development of Ekpon and we say thank you. For your information Mr. Chuks Celestine Edobor, Chief Mike Odiase (the Odolebho of Ekpon) Dr. Smart Igbeta and a host of others constituted the committee that drove the construction of the Ekpon Divisional Police Station.
This idea was pioneered by the EDU Lagos branch under the chairman of Mr. Julius Asota a.k a ‘Senator’, majority of Ekpon sons and daughters home and abroad, and clubs or association contributed towards the project and we say God bless them all.
Now I understand Mr. Chuks Celestine Edobor and his EDU team has set up another task to facilitate the reconstruction of Ekpon Grammar School and other infrastructure in our community and I am using this medium to call on all Ekpon sons and daughters to collaborate and work with the EDU national to ensure the building becomes a success within the next two years.
I believe sincerely, that the Ekpon Grammar School old Students Association should be regigged and retool to partner with this project.
For this reason I am therefore calling on Engr.(Dr) Osaro Odiase JP, Engr. Uche Nwoko. Mr. Agbonmero, Mr Victor Eloke, Mr. Festus Osunbor, Mr. Dominic Eriata and a host of others [mostly between 1986 set to 1999 set to rebrand and rebuild the old boys association for the purpose of this newest Ekpon challenge and we urge them to take Ekpon to the four walls of the earth in all positive sense.
Permit me to mention the *Engr. Matt Okonoboh* upcoming talent hunt and the invaluable social economic importance to the development of Ekpon community and the need for all Ekpon sons and daughters to contribute and ensure the entertainment stunt becomes another *BB Ekpon Reality Show* in its maiden edition billed for the *25th day of December, 2021* and in the nearest future.
Nonetheless, I would also appreciate some other individuals like *Magnus Echejile, the Chairman, EDANEH GROUPS OF COMPANY, Mr. Beneth Odiase* our learned friend in equity, our brothers and sisters in the abroad (USA, UK and EUROPE) for their contributions in the upliftment of the health facility in our town, the provision of solar energy lights across the community and provision of academic learning materials to mention but a few.
Also permit me to mention the efforts of *Pastor Chuks Ozabor in South Africa* who singlehandedly installed boreholes in Olenokhua and Ogbe quarters in Ekpon.
Thanks to Jubilee Otabor for influencing installation of borehole in Ijedumar community also.
*Economic front*
We now have apartments and accommodation in Ekpon for the purpose of our social, economic activities, to this end, we thank *Professor Julius Iyase* for building the upper room facility in Ekpon, Club 20 for the state of the art Club 20 Guest House in Ekpon which would be commissioned on the 24th day of December, 2021 and other upcoming apartments and guest houses to mention but a few.
*Ekpon market*
The economic activity in Ekpon is slowed down by the descript nature of our market which has been abandoned by the Igueben Local government except for the purpose of collecting consumption taxes and I believe the EDU committee on market and social activities should step up and redefine the Ekpon market narrative.
Efforts must be made to interface with the local government authorities to ensure the Ekpon market is reconstructed and rescued without further delays.
*Education*
Regrettably, Ekpon is on the downward slide in terms of education pursuit, if viewed comparatively from the community setting.
I will say without contradiction that some of our sons and daughters at home (in the village) no longer show much interest in the quest for basic primary and post primary education.
They don’t want to learn skills and they don’t want to go to school. They also do not want to go to farm.
In some part of the community they have all resorted to hunting, okada riding and other undefined menial jobs.
You cant find a good number of committed pupils or students in our community schools. You cant find a good number of artisans.
You cant find a good number of everything good for the future of Ekpon. Crime and criminality blossomed; who do we blame? Parents? Lack of basic educational facility(s) or what? …
I think the education committee of EDU should develop a road map for the rejuvenation of our education in Ekpon.
The quest to repair Ekpon Grammar School and the other primary schools is very pertinent and must be taken seriously.
The EDU must include as part of its mandate to ensure teachers are posted to Ekpon Grammar School and to the various primary schools in Ekpon community.
I do not intend to speak on *Engr. Matt Okonoboh* proposition’s that the location of Ekpon Grammar school should be revisited and reviewed.
At the same time its an ingenious argument that cannot be faulted in view of the security situation in the country and other economic challenges associated with an isolated learning environment which original concept has been challenged by the security situation in our country.
I therefore, challenged the EDU as a body to approach our representatives in the National Assembly and the State Government to take advantage of the UBE assisted programmes which has benefited most communities.
We also thank our past and present gladiators in the community who had at one point or the other attempt with little or huge successes at creating a unity forum for the Ekpon project.
First we thank our fathers who founded and registered the defunct Ekpon Progressive
Union in 1944, and their several achievement.
We had the Ekpon contact group which was more of a special purpose vehicle for Ekpon emancipation.
This contact group which was founded in the early 80’s was driven by Chief Mike Obohmense who in his moving train had *late Otabor Inwensi, Late Raphael Eloke, late John K. Emahare, Late Samuel Osunbor, Mr. John Jatto, Late Willy O. Alapa, Mr. Ernest Abaku, late Henry Iyasele, Mr. Felix Utubor and Engr. Dennis Iyasele. Chief Mike Obohmense’s team* and his formidable Hone team and patriots achieved so much for our community, and one of the achievement is the establishment of Ekpon grammar school in 1983 and a lot other development in our community mostly the opening of the entire community through community roads.
We have also had other conversational intentions such as the Ekpon summit which was held on the 11th and 12th day of August 2019 with the sole mission to set an agenda for the People of Ekpon town thereby making it an unparalleled community of peace, freedom, security and shared values in Esan land and the state in general.
I hope *Engr. Douglas Eriata, Mr. Samuel Osimahon, Mr. Fred Isichie Emefile, Mr. Chuks Edobor, Mr. Sunny Igbeta* and other participants in that conference would ensure the resolutions of that conference are pursued to the latter with serious collaboration with the EDU.
Our graduates and other youths who are skilled need to be employed and/or empowered and a database of our graduates needs to be developed and circulated amongst our leaders in the community who we believe could assist in getting jobs or empowerment for our sons and daughters.
Building & cost of building in Ekpon
Its important to also mention that our fathers and family land owners in Ekpon should encourage Ekpon sons and daughters to come home and build and perhaps invest in our community.
This support ranges from the availability of affordable lands and other building or construction support requirements.
We hope the various quarters in Ekpon should have an arrangement to encourage people to build in
Ekpon without much or scaring cost lands which is now becoming alarming.
*Ekpon culture*
Without mincing words I would like to thank Mr. Ernest Abaku for the attempts he has made in interrogating the various cultural practices in Ekpon in his books Nigerian Integrated Cultural heritage, Sustaining institution and Diverse cultural Heritage published in 2005 and particularly chapter 2, 4 and 5 of the Revised edition where he introduced several social cultural practices and what used to be festivals in Ekpon.
He talked about INI UGHE, IKPUIJIE, AJOKUN FESTIVAL, IRUAUMO, ALAPA, UGBA UGHE,
ABOBOKO and ILI-OZUN (BURIAL) though at chapter 6 of his book he stated the reasons for abandoning of festivals which ranges from mass literacy to embrace of Christianity.
Your sincerely witnessed majority of this cultural practices and festivals and I believe very sincerely that it is not all festivals that admits fetish practices.
In otherwords, the Ekpon community should review the various practices and select ones or two that is less involving and that could be admitted by majority of Ekponians for the purpose of having a festival without any attempt to infringe on peoples right of freedom to practice and propagate their Christian believe or other faiths.
I believe the EDU committee on culture should look into this. Mention other festivals’
*The Churches*
I also wish to thank the ECA and all other Christian groups and prayer teams in Ekpon for all their prayers for the progress and Development of Ekpon.
I sincerely urge you to continue to stand in the gap and you should know that your prayers are all well being answered. God bless you all.
Ekpon must develop friendship and Jettison the old thinking.
We have come a long way and we know that our old ways of thinking amongst ourselves and towards the sons’ and daughters’ from Ekpon has not helped the community.
Regrettably those who had the opportunities but refused to be kind to each other or help; have now seen the reality of not supporting their younger ones or community boys and girls because of fear of either being betrayed or being overtaking by such benefactor.
As we speak some of our elites are still wallowing in such thinking but we also know those who have taken up the challenge to empower and/or employ Ekpon sons and daughters irrespective of the present economic realities. We know such individuals and we believe God Almighty will continue to lift them up in Jesus name.
*Politics*
I really would restrain from talking about politics in this presentation because of its volatile nature in our community.
However, permit me to state that no community can develop without the involvement of her sons and daughters in the politics of their nation, state or local government.
We must come together and harness our ideas in uplifting Ekpon politically in spite of our political differences or party affiliations.
We must call out our people to register in the on-going voters registration and I am really surprised that Ekpon community is not taking the ongoing registration process very serious.
I expect that the EDU and the various political Leaders in Ekpon community should form a synergy for the purpose of encouraging every eligible voters who is of age to get his or herself registered; I expect the EDU branches across the country, the social clubs and family meetings should announce to their members to get themselves registered in Ekpon now that we have about twelve (12) units (pooling booths) in Ekpon community.
I believe its not late for Ekpon to come together and agree to do their bit to map out and nurture a viable and sustainable cause in our mission to harness the greater good for our people.
It is no doubt that we are individually and collectively formidable but our major challenges is the cruel discordant tones and politics of pull down.
Our next door neighbors are more politically united; I believe that the next Ekpon day would be taken over by the EDU with the collaborations of all other family meetings, clubs, and associations of Ekpon people.
I thank Ekpon united Movement for this opportunity.
God bless you all.
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