The Ekong Anaku community in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State witnessed a colourful and emotional homecoming as sons and daughters of the soil, traditional rulers, local government officials and residents gathered to receive Elder Abednego Okon during a special visit marked by thanksgiving and community support.
The event, which held at the community town hall, began with prayers and royal blessings led by the village head, His Royal Majesty Celestine Iwona, alongside members of the Ekong Anaku Traditional Ruling Council of Chiefs. The elders welcomed guests in accordance with tradition, invoking peace, unity and progress for the community.
In attendance were members of the traditional council, community women leaders and representatives of the Akamkpa Local Government Council. The Executive Chairman was represented by the Secretary of Council, Mr. Christian Attah, who led other council officials to the event.
Speaking during the ceremony, Elder Abednego Okon expressed gratitude to God and to the people of Ekong Anaku for what he described as a “mandamus reception” that he would never forget.
“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 and appreciated community members for their prayers and support, particularly following the conclusion of a recent ward and chapter conference.
To demonstrate his commitment to the welfare of the people, 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 groups and youth bodies. He also pledged support for education through a financial contribution to the community’s student body.
He explained that the items would be handed over to the traditional leadership to ensure fair distribution among residents.
In his remarks, the Secretary of Council, Mr. Christian Attah, commended the unity displayed by the people of Ekong Anaku and described the visit as one rooted in brotherhood and service rather than politics. He assured the community of the local government’s continued commitment to development, particularly in health and environmental services.
Other speakers, including community representatives, expressed appreciation for the visit and prayed for greater accomplishments for Abednego. They urged youths to remain supportive and united.
Addressing speculations about Elder Abednego’s origin, the village head, His Royal Majesty Celestin Awor, firmly affirmed his ancestral ties to Ekong Anaku.
“Abednego’s father is from here. You can tell anybody that I said so,” the monarch declared, dismissing claims that the guest had no connection to the community.
The royal father clarified that the event was not politically motivated, stating that the date had been fixed long before any political contest. He warned against attempts to misrepresent the purpose of the gathering.
“Today is not a day for politics. It is a day to clear the air and to celebrate our son,” he said.
The ceremony ended with prayers for peace, progress and safe journeys for all attendees, as community members expressed optimism for continued unity and development in Ekong Anaku and the wider Akamkpa Local Government Area.
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