Ekong Anaku in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State was awash with colour, culture and deep emotion as sons and daughters of the soil gathered in solemn celebration to welcome one of their own, Elder Abednego Okon, in a homecoming that stirred memory, identity and communal pride. It was not merely a visit. It was a reaffirmation of roots, a moment of rediscovery, and an expression of amor patriae, love of fatherland.
The gathering at the community town hall unfolded with reverence. Prayers ascended before speeches were uttered. Royal blessings were pronounced before applause was heard. His Royal Highness, Celestine Awor Inyang, alongside members of the Ekong Anaku Traditional Ruling Council of Chiefs, invoked peace, unity and forward movement for the people. In keeping with ancestral tradition, elders received guests with dignity and cultural grace, reminding all present that heritage remains the bedrock upon which the future must stand.
The event drew a broad cross section of the community, traditional rulers, women leaders, youths, and representatives of the Akamkpa Local Government Council. The Executive Chairman was represented by the Secretary of Council, Mr Christian Attah, who led council officials to honour the occasion. Their presence underscored a shared understanding that community development flourishes best where leadership and grassroots solidarity meet in common purpose, concordia civium, the harmony of citizens.
When Elder Abednego Okon rose to speak, his words were steeped in gratitude and humility. Reflecting on the warmth of the reception, he described it as unforgettable.
“As a true son of the soil, I was welcomed honourably, and I thank all of you. This reception will remain in my heart for the rest of my life,” he said.
He conveyed greetings from his parents, their Excellencies, Sen. Apostle Dr. Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his dear wife, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, and expressed appreciation for the prayers and steadfast support of the people, particularly following the conclusion of a recent ward and chapter conference. His tone suggested that beyond the public dimension, there was a deeply personal connection to the soil beneath his feet.
In a gesture of tangible solidarity, Elder Abednego Okon announced donations to the community, including 100 bags of rice with tomatoes, financial support to various groups and cash contributions to the Council of Chiefs, women associations and youth bodies. He further pledged financial assistance to the community’s student body, recognising education as the bridge between heritage and destiny, per aspera ad astra, through hardship to the stars.
He explained that all items would be handed over to the traditional leadership for equitable distribution, a move that acknowledged established authority and reinforced communal trust.
In his remarks, Mr Christian Attah commended the unity displayed by the people of Ekong Anaku. He described the visit as rooted in brotherhood and service rather than partisan contest, assuring residents of the council’s continued commitment to development, particularly in health and environmental services. His words reflected the understanding that governance must ultimately serve the common good, salus populi suprema lex, the welfare of the people is the supreme law.
Other community representatives echoed gratitude for the visit and offered prayers for greater accomplishments for Elder Abednego Okon. They urged the youth to remain steadfast, united and constructive in their engagement with community affairs, mindful that the strength of Akamkpa lies not in division but in shared destiny.
Addressing murmurs and speculations concerning Elder Abednego Okon’s origin, His Royal Highness, Celestine Awor Inyang, spoke with unmistakable clarity.
“Abednego’s mother is from here. You can tell anybody that I said so, and he has right to contest, vote and be voted for,” the royal father declared, firmly affirming his ancestral ties and dismissing contrary claims.
He was equally emphatic in separating the occasion from political interpretation. According to him, the date had been fixed long before any political contest.
“Today is not a day for politics. It is a day to clear the air and to celebrate our son,” he said.
As the ceremony drew to a close, prayers were offered for peace, prosperity and safe journeys. Yet beyond the formalities, what lingered in Ekong Anaku was a renewed sense of belonging, a reminder that in Akamkpa, identity is not easily severed, and community is not lightly abandoned.
In that gathering, many saw more than a reception. They saw the enduring power of lineage, the dignity of tradition and the promise that when sons and daughters return home in gratitude and service, the entire land is strengthened. In that spirit, Ekong Anaku spoke not only for itself but for the wider Akamkpa Local Government Area, that unity, truth and shared purpose remain the surest path to collective progress.
