The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. (Dr.) Emmanuel Ironbar, has been conferred with the revered traditional title of Otu Kinwang I of Boki Nation during a colourful civic reception held as part of this year’s Boki New Yam Festival.
The ceremony, hosted in Beebo and Bumaji communities in collaboration with the Philip Obi Foundation, was presided over by the Paramount Ruler of Boki, HRM Otu Fredalin Akandu.
In the same ceremony, Ambassador Soni Obache Abang, Executive Director of Finance at the South South Development Commission, was honoured with a Humanitarian Award for his philanthropy and sustained commitment to community development.
Speaking shortly after his investiture, Dr. Ironbar described the honour as deeply personal, noting that his bond with the Boki Nation is strengthened by his marriage to Dr. (Mrs.) Virginia Ironbar, who hails from the area. He pledged to foster closer collaboration with the Boki people while reaffirming Governor Bassey Otu’s determination to deliver infrastructure expansion and human capital development across Cross River State.
He also charged public servants to embrace hard work and accountability, stressing that “leadership is best validated by service and integrity.”
Ambassador Abang, visibly moved by the recognition, thanked the organisers and assured the people that his doors would remain open to them. He pledged sustained support for initiatives that promote social and economic uplift in Boki.
Host of the occasion, Hon. Bette Philip Obi, Member representing Boki I State Constituency, applauded Governor Otu’s support for Boki but urged further interventions in sectors critical to the people’s welfare.
Other leaders honoured with traditional titles included Hon. Sir Victor Abang, Member representing Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency, and Hon. Peter A. Akpanke, Member representing Obanliku, Obudu, and Bekwara Federal Constituency.
Awards of Honour were also presented to several distinguished personalities, among them: Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Sen. Eteng Jonah Williams, Hon. Oden Ewa, Hon. Eti-Eka (Mrs.) Beatrice E. Nyaim, Hon. Cletus Obun, Hon. Ankpo Pius, Barr. Ekpeyoung Akiba, Barr. Attah Ochinke, High Chief Henry Igelle Onwe (Ph.D.), Engr. Chief Kelvin Osang Njong (JP), Dir. Obi Ayuk, Hon. Sammy Ankwo, Michael Eshua Eban, and Mr. Pascal Kijie Bubua.
The event, chaired by Hon. Oden Ewa, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, attracted a large gathering of dignitaries, including Mrs. Soni Abang, wife of Ambassador Abang; Hon. Eti-Eka (Mrs.) Beatrice E. Nyaim, Chairman of Boki Local Government Council; Mr. Sylvester Abang, State Chief of Protocol; local government chairmen; members of the Cross River State House of Assembly; political appointees; and representatives of the Cocoa Association of Cross River State.
The celebration was enlivened with cultural displays, goodwill messages, and solidarity speeches. In his closing prayers, HRM Otu Fredalin Akandu blessed the honourees and urged them to remain steadfast in service to humanity and the Boki Nation.
