The Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area (LGA), Mr Aniefiok Nkom, has vowed to reposition the council for global relevance
Launching a year-long Diamond Jubilee celebration for the Nigeria’s Premier LGA, Nkom unveiled a roadmap to reposition the council for the next 75 years.
Speaking at a world press briefing at the council secretariat on Sunday, the council boss anchored the significance of the celebration on Ikot Ekpene’s historic emergence as premier local government in British West Africa, describing the milestone as both a legacy and a challenge.
“Being first is a privilege. Staying first is a responsibility. The anniversary must inspire renewed leadership and vision rather than mere celebration,” he said.
He recalled that the creation of Ikot Ekpene 75 years ago was “a singular act of vision” that placed the area on the map as a pacesetter in governance, commerce and cultural identity.
“On this historic day, Ikot Ekpene turns 75, that singular act of vision placed us on the map not just as a people, but as a pacesetter,” Nkom stated.
The council boss said the Diamond Jubilee would transcend ceremonial activities, positioning it instead as a strategic platform to drive economic growth, cultural revival and global relevance.
“We are not merely celebrating a birthday. We are declaring a rebirth,” he declared.
Nkom formally unveiled a comprehensive programme of activities spanning April to December 2026, beginning with the official flag-off and culminating in a grand finale later in the year.
A major highlight of the celebration, he disclosed, is the planned coronation and installation of the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene in August 2026, which he described as a historic step toward restoring the traditional authority and identity of the area.
“This will be a landmark event restoring the full traditional stature of our land,” he said.
The December grand finale will feature the commissioning of a modern shopping mall aimed at boosting commerce, alongside a large-scale exhibition showcasing Ikot Ekpene’s renowned raffia products and creative heritage.
“For 75 years, Ikot Ekpene has remained a beacon of cultural richness, economic enterprise, and community resilience,” Nkom noted.
He emphasised that the jubilee is forward-looking, adding: “This Jubilee is not merely about looking back in nostalgia. It is about looking forward with intentionality.”
According to him, the council aims to leverage the celebration to attract investment, enhance its visibility on national and international platforms, and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders.
He identified key focus areas to include the shopping mall project, agriculture and the creative industry, urging investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
“To our investors—the doors of Ikot Ekpene are open. Come and prosper with us,” he said.
Nkom also called on indigenes in the diaspora to reconnect with their roots and contribute to the development of the area.
“To our sons and daughters at home and abroad—your land needs your talent, your resources, and your voice,” he added.
He urged traditional rulers to uphold their roles as custodians of culture, stating: “You are the custodians of our soul. Stand firm.”
The chairman further charged the media to partner with the council in projecting a positive image of the area, urging journalists to “tell our story accurately and boldly.”
He stressed that unity and collaboration would be critical to achieving the goals of the jubilee, calling for collective action to sustain the legacy of the founding fathers.
“Let us unite—not in empty rhetoric, but in purposeful action to honour the legacies of our forebears and to shape the destiny of generations yet unborn,” he said.
Nkom thereafter formally declared the Diamond Jubilee celebration open, describing Ikot Ekpene at 75 as a community poised for renewal and greater relevance.
He concluded with a call for patriotism and collective pride, rallying support for Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state and Nigeria.
“Long live Ikot Ekpene—the first and the best,” he proclaimed.
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