Etung Paramount Ruler Hosts New Yam Celebration, Calls for Political Unity and Development

Etung Paramount Ruler Hosts New Yam Celebration, Calls for Political Unity and Development

By Ejeh Peter

The Paramount Ruler of Etung Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ntui Etta, has called on the Cross River State Government, led by His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, to facilitate the implementation and completion of key development projects in the local government area ahead of the forthcoming political campaign season.

The royal father also called for greater unity among the people of Etung, stressing that political cohesion, peace and collective action remain critical to achieving sustainable development, economic growth and prosperity in the area.

His Royal Majesty made the call in his welcome address at a well-attended New Yam Celebration and Stakeholders’ Engagement, convened by the Council of Chiefs late Saturday evening, September 5, at the Ajassor Community Hall, Etung LGA.

The event, which was chaired by former Presidential Adviser, Prince Ebuta Ojong Ayuk, represented by Ntufam Collins Ogar, attracted a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, politicians, business men and women, youth representatives and other prominent indigenes of Etung.

Discussions at the gathering focused largely on the development of Etung, the need to strengthen political unity, harness the area’s vast agricultural potential and sustain the New Yam celebration as an annual platform for community engagement and development.

Etung Cocoa Wealth Must Drive Development — Ntui Isong

Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, who delivered the keynote address, the member representing Etung State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Evangelist Hon. Ntufam Kingsley Ntui Isong, called for stronger unity among the people of Etung, particularly within the political class.

Ntui Isong proposed that 10 percent of the proceeds generated from cocoa production in Etung, after government deductions, should be dedicated to specific developmental projects within the local government area.

He argued that Etung’s enormous agricultural wealth, particularly its cocoa production, could serve as a major catalyst for infrastructure development and economic transformation if properly harnessed.

«“Let me thank the Paramount Ruler for putting this activity together, and I will request that it be sustained yearly. The issue of Etung unity, as noted by the Paramount Ruler and other speakers, is very important to all of us, even as politicians. We need to come together in order to deliver more dividends of democracy to our people.»

«“Etung is blessed with agricultural resources. Cocoa, which we consider our oil well, is enough to turn our local government into a fortune. Unfortunately, most of the wealth generated from cocoa has not been properly utilized for the development of our people.»

«“I have tried as a lawmaker to push this important idea, but it has not yielded the desired results. That is why I am proposing here that 10 percent of the total proceeds generated from cocoa, after government has taken its share, should be channelled into specific development projects in the local government, while we continue to seek greater government intervention.”»

The lawmaker further expressed disappointment over what he described as an attempt by some leaders to derail the hosting of the event, stressing that traditional institutions have a critical role to play in maintaining peace, unity and community cohesion.

He maintained that the Paramount Ruler, as the highest traditional authority in the local government, has the legitimate responsibility and authority to convene stakeholders’ meetings whenever the need arises.

APC Calls for Support for Erim Agbor

In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Etung Chapter, Hon. Emmanuel Ndum KSM, and former Chairman of Etung Local Government Area, Ntufam Hon. Etim John, reiterated the need for sustained peace, unity and cooperation among the people of Etung.

Hon. Emmanuel Ndum also used the occasion to call for support for the APC and its candidate, Dr. Erim Agbor, who is contesting for the Etung State House of Assembly seat.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Erim Agbor reaffirmed his commitment to placing the interests and development of the people of Etung above every other consideration. He expressed appreciation to the Paramount Ruler and the people of Etung for their support and goodwill.

The gathering provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the political and socio-economic future of Etung, with participants emphasizing the need to move beyond political differences and work collectively towards the development of the local government.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were Hon. Ojong Edward, former Commissioner III of the Cross River State Forestry Commission; Ntufam Hon. Sir John Oru Etta; Ntufam Hon. Bassey Njor, Local Organization Chairman; Mr. Amba Ogar Ogar, Councillor representing Agbokim/Etomi; Hon. Agbor Kingsley of Ajassor, and several other prominent personalities.

The event ended on a strong note of unity, with stakeholders calling for greater collaboration among traditional institutions, political leaders, government and the people to unlock Etung’s vast agricultural and economic potential.

This is as reported by PET Media.