Akpan Umoh
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Ini Ememobong, has instituted an endowment fund to cater for the families of Ibiono Ibom indigenes, who lost their lives during the struggle for the creation of the Local Government Area in 1996.
Ememobong, who is the leader of Ibiono Ibom Progressives, instituted the fund during the 24th anniversary celebrations of the creation of the local government area in Ikpa Council, the headquarters of the LGA on Saturday.
He appealed to the families that lost their love ones during the local government agitation to forgive the state and country, adding that their struggle would never be in vain.
According to him, the endowment fund would cater for the needs of the families on areas cutting across formal education, non-formal education and empowerment.
Ememobong stated that the people of Ibiono Ibom have taken an important decision to use the 24th anniversary of the creation of the local government to recognise and seek for forgiveness from families of the people, whose lives were sacrificed in order for Ibiono Ibom LGA to be created.
“Today, we are asking the families of those ‘martyrs’ to forgive Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria for the unwarranted death of our brothers, who were killed following genuine agitation for the creation of our local government.
“The Ibiono Ibom Progressives with immediate effect, is instituting an endowment fund which will cater for the needs of the families of slain indigenes on areas cutting across formal education, non-formal education and empowerment,” Ememobong said.
Earlier in his remarks, the President General of the Ibiono Ibom Welfare and Development Union, Dr Effiong Inyang, said that the people of Ibiono Ibom owe the Almighty God immense gratitude for taking them through the journey of the LG creation till the significant age of 24.
According to him, at 24, there is need for the people to strengthen the bond of unity among them and devote efforts to the pursuit of the ideals that drove the founding fathers of the local government.
Inyang said that with love, unity and togetherness among indigenes, Ibiono Ibom Local Government would develop to an enviable height.
The Paramount ruler of Ibiono Ibom, HRM Okuku Ime Inyang, expressed displeasure over some public Office holders from Ibiono Ibom, who benefited from the struggle, but could not identify themselves with the people and the aspirations of the local government.
He predicted a brighter future for the people and the land of Ibiono Ibom, saying that a golden sun will continue to shine on the land and its people.