RAFFIA CITY ELDERS FORUM HOSTS END OF YEAR GET-TOGETHER & DINNER PARTY

... confers Excellent award on Ikot-Ekpene Area Commander of Nigeria Police Force

by Mfonobong Ukpong

A group of likeminds from the three local government area of Ikot-Ekpene, Essien Udim and Obot-Akara, making up Ikot-Ekpene Federal Constituency, under the acronym, Raffia City Elders Forum, RACEF, on Sunday 17th December, 2023 converged on the prestigious 4-Points By Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Ikot-Ekpene for their end of dinner party and to celebrate excellence.

Setting the tone for the evening Chairman of the planning committee, Engr. Camilus Umoh who is the State Commissioner for Power, and as well as the Welfare Secretary of RACEF, while welcoming members of the forum and invited guests to the event, said the dinner party was held to bring together it's members, provide an ambience to rub minds, unwind and to celebrate individuals who have contributed in one way or the other for the growth and development of the Federal Constituency.

In his address, President of RACEF, Senator Emmanuel IbokEssien, who is a former Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, said the foum is a conglomeration of Senior citizens from the Federal Constituency from ages 55 and above, and to qualify for membership, one must be a person of good character and proven integrity.

Senator IbokEssien who is also President of Pan Niger-Delta Froum, PANDEF, hinted that RACEF came into existence in 2020, further disclosing that the sole aim of the group is majorly to contribute to the growth, development, Security and peaceful co-existence amongst the people of the three local government areas and visitors residing and doing in the area.

“RACEF is an organization made up of people of 55years and above. Senior citizens who are resident in Ikot-Ekpene.(Each and every one of them has a house in Ikot-Ekpene). Third criteria is that you must have something that's engaging you or you must have gotten to the peak of your carrier and retire. You must be a certified graduate of an institution of higher learning. You must be a man of proven integrity and character. RACEF is set up to promote the peaceful co-existence of the people of Ikot-Ekpene, Obot-Akara and Essien Udim. We interface with Government for the development of Ikot-Ekpene Federal Constituency".

“We have interfaced with the Government to ensure the library is working, Ikot-ukana road construction, to ensure that the Judiciary in Essien Udim gets back to work, several interventions in the 3LGA's we are for peace and development of our environment”.

A minute of silence was observed in memory of a departed colleague, football legend, and committed member of the forum, the late Sir. Isong Isang, who had served as Chairman, Akwa United Football Club and former House of Assembly Member.

Highpoint of the occasion was the conferment of an excellent award and recognition on the Ikot-Ekpene Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Ogbonna Okoronkwo in recognition of his contributions to the protection of lives and property and mostly for exhibiting some degree of high professionalism in the discharge of his official duties. These and more has endeared RACEF to him, as revealed by Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien during the award presentation.

The award recepient, ACP Okoronkwo in his response, appreciated the leadership of RACEF for finding him worthy for such recognition, and pledge to redouble effort in the task of protecting lives and property in Ikot-Ekpene and environs, stating that the award would spur him to do more.

Others who spoke at the party including Chairman, Ibom Power Company, Engr. Etido Inyang, a former Librarian with the University of Uyo, Prof. Prof. Felicia Etim, Deputy Registrar, Research, Planning and Statistics at the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Mr. Anietie Etteyit, and few others commended the idea behind the formation of RACEF and declared their support for any initiative that would further the growth, peace, development and unity amongst the three local government areas in Ikot-Ekpene Federal Constituency.

A roll call of dignitaries at the dinner party includes, a former Deputy Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, and Proprietor of Ritman University, Ikot-Ekpene, Senator (Engr) Emmanuel IbokEssien, who also doubles as President of the Raffia City Elders Forum, RACEF, Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Power, Engr. Camilus Umoh, a Judge of the State High Court, Justice Gabriel Ette, a former House of Representatives Member for Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot-Akara and former State Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Sunyekekere Inokon, House of Assemly Member for Essien Udim, Barr. Prince Ukpong Akpabio, Chairman, Ibom Power Company, Engr. Etido Inyang, House of Assembly Member for Ikot Ekpene/Obot-Akara, Hon. Jerry Otu, a former Special Adviser to Ex-Governor Attah, Abom Tony Esu, immediate past Chairman of Ikot-Ekpene Local Government Council, Hon. Unyime Etim, and current Transition Committee Chairman of Ikot-Ekpene, Mr. John Cleyton Udoh

Others include, Hon. Justice Ekerette Ebienyie and Wife, former Chairman, Essien Udim Local Government Area and Current Board Member, State Secondary Education Board, Barr. Martins Umanah, Director of Information, Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Deacon Manasseh Umoette, a philantropist and YPP Chieftain from Essien Udim, Abom (Barr) Ephraim Okon, a former Chairman of Ikot-Ekpene Local Government Area and former Member of the State Executive Council, Pastor Sunny Ibuot and a host of others.