The Bekwarra traditional authority has honoured distinguished personalities for their contributions to society, with the Director General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, Chief Godwin Okara Iyala, receiving the prestigious chieftaincy title of “Ohe Eni Unyuo 1”, meaning “The Great Motivator.”
The investiture, performed by the Paramount Ruler of Bekwarra, His Royal Majesty, Chief Linus Ogbeche Odey, took place at the weekend at the Ukan Roland Idagbo Youth Resource Centre, Abuochiche, Bekwarra Local Government Area, as part of activities marking the Ipem Ihihe, otherwise known as the Bekwarra New Yam Festival.
Iyala was among a number of prominent personalities honoured by the traditional institution in recognition of their contributions and service to the people. Also honoured was the Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator (Prof.) Stephen Odey, alongside other distinguished sons and friends of Bekwarra.
The recognition of Iyala as “Ohe Eni Unyuo 1” adds to the growing acknowledgement of his contributions to the development of Bekwarra and his commitment to public service, particularly his efforts in advancing accessible and affordable healthcare through his leadership of the state health insurance agency.
Speaking on the significance of the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Peter Ojie, described the New Yam Festival as a celebration deeply rooted in the ancestral farming heritage of the Bekwarra people, noting that yam remained the “king of crops” and a major symbol of the people’s agricultural identity.
He said Bekwarra and northern Cross River had established a strong reputation for yam production, adding that the festival had evolved from celebrations at village and clan levels into a major gathering that brings together people from across the nation and beyond to showcase their rich cultural heritage.
Ojie urged young people to sustain the farming tradition, stressing that agriculture remained central to food security and the socioeconomic advancement of the people.
“Farming remains a critical part of our lives because it is in farming that we can guarantee food security. And if we have food security, therefore we can also move ahead as a people that make progress,” he said.
The Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, Hon. Egbung Odama Egbung, welcomed the dignitaries, traditional rulers, sons and daughters of Bekwarra and other guests to the celebration, expressing optimism that the festival would continue to strengthen unity, peace and development among the people.
Egbung also commended the traditional institution and the organising committee for sustaining the cultural festival, stressing the importance of preserving the values, traditions and communal bonds that define the Bekwarra people. He prayed for continued peace, prosperity and progress in Bekwarra and Cross River State.
In his response, Iyala expressed deep appreciation to the Paramount Ruler, the Bekwarra people and the organising committee for finding him worthy of the honour, describing the recognition as both a privilege and a greater call to service.
“The reward for hard work is more work,” Iyala said, pledging to dedicate himself even more to matters concerning Bekwarra and humanity at large.
He promised to work assiduously to contribute to the advancement of Bekwarra, stressing that the chieftaincy title would serve as additional motivation for him to do more for his people.
“I feel highly elated to be honoured by my own people. I have been a chief from other climes, but nothing compares to being honoured by your own people. My joy knows no bounds,” he said.
Iyala thanked the Paramount Ruler, the organising committee and fellow awardees, promising to continue working for the progress of the community and declaring that he would strive to take Bekwarra “higher and higher and higher.”
The ceremony, which brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials, community leaders and guests, also provided an opportunity for the people to celebrate their cultural heritage, honour distinguished personalities and reaffirm their commitment to the unity and development of Bekwarra.
By Kingsley Agim
