By Emmanuel Uffot
There have been outpouring of encomiums and facilitation for Chief Nduese Essien, over his 80 birthday anniversary.
Apart from Governor Umo Eno and his predecessor Udom Emmanuel that also sent goodwill messages to the Octogenarian, a prominent socio- cultural group of Eket extraction Ekid People’s Union ( EPU) has joined in celebrating him.
In their delegation led by EPU President General Dr Samuel Udonsak to the former House of Representatives member and former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who is the political leader of Eket eulogize the quintessential leader, for the indelible mark he made in life and the anals of the Union, as the Board of Trustee Chairman of Ekid People’s Union.
In his toast, the President General of EPU, which is an affiliate body Afigh Iwaad Ekid in his toast, praised the Octogenarian for his contributions towards the renaissance of EPU to drive the affairs of Ekid nation, his enormous financial sacrifices and his tireless participation that may be a challenge associated with his age.
” Here is to 80 years of an extraordinary journey and to the continued inspiration of the true beacon of wisdom “,Dr Udonsak declared in the toast.
Among those at the delegation of Ekid People’s Union were former president general Prof A. A. Asindi, Prince Bassey Itauma, Secretary, Publicity Secretary Mr. Nsudoh Nsudoh, Organizing Secretary, Pst. Isaiah Abia, Assistant Secretary Sir Jack Ette, President Esop Mbong Mbaba, Lady Jane, President Esop Mbong Ekid, HRH Nsuduok, Ette Udo Ikot and the Youth Leader Comrade Daniel Essien. Also in the delegation were the leadership of Afigh Iwaad Ekid leadership Obong Emmanuel Mbong, Etienne Bob, Capt. Willie Mbong and Bassey Udosen and numerous others were part of the delegation to celebrate with Chief Essien at his country home in Nta Isip Village, Ikot Ibiok, Eket Local Government.
Similarly, encomiums and fecilitation also came from the People’s Democratic Party Pioneer Ward Chairman.
The Group including those in the club of 80 in Eket local government area celebrated with Chief Nduese while on a visit to the celebrant country home.
The leader of the delegation Chief C.H. Using commonly known by admirers and political stalwarts as ‘ Maradona of Eket Politics’ , commended Chief Essien for his legacies which has stood the test of time and projected him as a worthy leader.
He noted that the Octogenarian has remained a committed party leader and political ambassador of Eket local government area and promised continuous support towards all his endeavours while still savouring his fruitful retired age with an experience worthy of tapping from.
Also commenting on the occasion, a former House of Assembly member Honourable Jack Udota equally elugise Chief Essien as a worthy son of Eket that has made the people proud while in his days in service both as member House of Representatives and Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Udota ” Chief Essien has stood out of the crowd. He is a giant that is not hidden. You have made Eket people proud. He is a man that came to serve Eket and will continue to serve in old age. People like Nduese Essien are always blessed by God “.
In the same vein, former Deputy Head of Council, Eket Local Government Council Ekanem Willie, said Chief Essien played politics and representation which endeared him to the people.
Similarly, Owen Owen who was the then Chairman of Ward Chairmen in Eket, lauded the contributions of Essien, stressing that as old brigades, they found it worthy to come and show him solidarity.
Another fecilitation came from Executive Director Finance Akwa Ibom Internal Revenue Service, Elder Nse Atang.
While acknowledging that the 80 year old political leader offered their people a worthy representation, charged the political class in Eket to always send the right people to any political office, as according to him politics is garbage in, garbage out.
Responding, Chief Essien commended the visionary leadership of the Pioneer Ward Chairmen in Eket for their solidarity and support. He noted that the legacies laid in the past are declining, and therefore urged them to always pay premium to the quality of sent as representative both at the state and national level.
He stressed that the people of Eket needs to sit down and plan how to rebuild the Eket local government area.
Highlight of the visit included the presentation of gifts like cows and other foodstuffs to Chief Essien.
The delegation of the Ward Chairmen and Group of year 80s that visited Chief Essien were Chiefs Assam Udontia, Akpan Umana, Akpan Monday, Honourables Ayang Ayang, Eric Etukakpan, Imoh Ebitu, Friday Ndioho and Lady Jane Essien.
Recalled that Dr Bassey Dan – Abia, Commissioner South in Nigerian Law Reform, Abuja who was one-time Commissioner in NDDC also fecilated with the political leader of Eket over his 80 years anniversary. Dr Abia prayed God to continue to sustain and grant Chief Essien good health and add more years to him so he will continue to serve God and humanity.
Part of the activities for the birthday anniversary of the former minister, was a thanksgiving service last Sunday
PHOTO NEWS
The leadership of ward 2 central, Eket Local Government Area, on Thursday 1st February, 2024, joined numerous friends and well wishers to celebrate with Rt Hon Chief Nduese Essien on birthday. The delegation from members of the ward had in attendance, Rt Hon Frank Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Elder Nse Atang, ward leader and Elder Samuel Akpan Okon, PDP ward Chair of Chair/ ward chairman of central 2, Others include Hon Tony Udoh, Apostle Akpekong, Chief Ettebong Harry, Deaconess Nancy Eshiet, Pastor Udofia Ime Davies, Princess Princess Obong Roseline,rs Rose Sylvanus, ward stakeholders, party executives and members of ward.
As a mark of honour and respect to the senatorial leader, the ward presented cow, drinks and cash gift to help in the birthday celebration.
The thanksgiving Service which coinsided with the birthday took place on Sunday 4th February, 2024 at Qua Iboe Church Ikot Ibiok by 10:00am, while reception followed at Animeks Auditorium along Eket – Oron road, Eket LGA.
The celebrant with one of the groups that paid him visit with gift items.
