Update:

Ikpa Ikono Think Tank Pays Congratulatory Visit to Senator Ekong Sampson

…Council Chair, Anieokpon Ekpo harps on unity among Ikpa Ikono people, hails Senator Sampson

By Samuel Udoma

A sociopolitical group in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Ikpa Ikono Think Tank has paid a congratulatory visit to the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South in the Senate, Dr. Ekong Sampson. The group held a parley with Senator Sampson yesterday at the William Shakespeare Hall, Watbridge Hotels, Uyo.

Ikpa Ikono Think Tank is a converge of young political like-minds from Ikpa Ikono Clan, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area. Senator Ekong Sampson, who holds the unique traditional title of ‘Abé Iso Ikpa Ikono’,(Leader of Ikpa Ikono), is an illustrious son and most prominent politician from the clan. The Think Tank was prominent during Sampson’s inauguration in Abuja, resplendent in their all white ensemble, atop a unique yellow fedora hat.

In his address, President-General of Ikpa Ikono Think Tank, Mr. Odudu Otu said their visit was to congratulate Senator Sampson and also a demonstration of solidarity in his leadership prowess. Otu, an advertising guru, lauded Senator Sampson for bringing a sense of pride to Ikpa Ikono Clan and putting the name of the area on national map through his accomplishments.

The group’s leader spoke on the essence of the Think Tank as ‘a child of necessity in many respects namely – to foster unity among our people, to serve as a melting pot of ideation for the repositioning of the clan for greater human and infrastructural development’. He assured that the group will provide the necessary consolidated home front to enhance seamless leadership and representation for the Akwa Ibom South Senator.

Otu, in his speech, bemoaned aspects of substantive deficits faced by the clan both politically and otherwise, and called on the Senator to use his good office and influence to bring the needed positive changes. He, on behalf of the group, prayed success for Senator Ekong Sampson and wished him excellent and effective Senate representation.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, himself, a member of the Think Tank, harped on unity among the people of Ikpa Ikono clan and indeed, the entire Local Government Area. He noted that the area will achieve more in terms of development, once unity is deepened. Ekpo lauded Senator Sampson on his Senate inauguration, describing it as a good thing to happen to the clan.

Other speakers including the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Uyo Branch, Barr. Ememobong Nicholas, PDP Publicity Secretary, Hon. Nkereuwem James, Engr. Udeme Asuquo, Elder Aniekan Umoetuk, Etido Udowo, and others all offered insights on ways to move the clan forward.

In his response, Senator Sampson thanked the group for their visit. He described them as the future leaders of Ikpa Ikono clan. Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin further lauded the forum for showing great interest in the development of the clan and urged them to build the right bridges and breed unity of purpose to aid the actualization of their lofty ideas.

He assured his kith and kin of his readiness to partner with relevant establishments and agencies to bring meaningful development to Ikpa Ikono Clan, especially in the area of road infrastructure and human capital development.

Senator Sampson said he was doing everything within his powers to see to the construction of the Ibekwe-Akpanya road and other roads to open up the clan and has received the assurances of Governor Umo Eno in that regard.