Afigh Iwaad Ekid demands greater inclusion in Employment Opportunities, Major Contracts

Afigh Iwaad Ekid demands greater inclusion in Employment Opportunities, Major Contracts

…Inducts Ekong Sampson, Tommey, Inam Wilson, Udonsek, others as Patrons, Honorary Members

International President of Afigh Iwaad Ekid, ÓbóngIwaad (Capt) Willie Mbong

The apex socio-cultural youth organization in Eket Federal Constituency, Afigh Iwaad Ekid, has demanded for greater inclusion of Ekid indigenes in employment opportunities, major contracts and Social investment programmes from oil and gas companies operating in the area.

The organization made the demand during the 2025 Ekid Cultural Festival, popularly known as “Ekid Day” held at Eket Stadium Pavilion last weekend.

In his address, the International President General of Afigh Iwaad Ekid, ÓbóngIwaad (Capt.) Willie Mbong, maintained that Ekid Nation occupies a strategic position in the economic architecture of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria, therefore deserves to be treated as the goose that lays the golden egg.

He urged operating companies and relevant authorities to deliberately position qualified Ekid sons and daughters in top management and decision-making roles, while expanding community-based contracts, capacity building and sustainable development initiatives that reflects the true spirit of host community partnership.

Mbong acknowledged Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its intervention in lighting up several roads within communities in Ekid Nation which has enhanced security and night-time economic activities, calling on the agency to urgently return to all abandoned projects scattered across the area, complete them, and award new impactful road projects to justify the noble purpose for which the Commission was established.

He also appealed to the Federal Ministry of Works to expedite action on the East-West Road, decrying the slow pace of work, which has stampeded economic activities in the region. Mbong noted that accelerating completion of East-West Road will significantly reduce hardship, boost commerce and save lives.

Speaking further, ÓbóngIwaad Mbong called for the take-off of the Ibom Deep Seaport project, maintaining that the project is a regional economic gateway that will create jobs, attract investments and reposition Akwa Ibom State on the global trade map.

The 10th ObongIwaad restated the organization commitment to sustain peace and unity while supporting government policies that promote inclusive growth, and partnering with public and private institutions to create employment opportunities for the youth.

Moreover, he solicited for continued support in key areas including the establishment of tertiary institutions within Eket Federal Constituency, the revitalization of Eket Fire Service, reclamation and redevelopment of Qua River Hotel, resolving issue surrounding China International Market to guarantee a safe and conducive trading environment for the women, among other issues.

Meanwhile, Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Sen. Ekong Sampson, Chairman of Eket Local Government, Mkpisong Akaniyene Tommey, Deputy Leader of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Dr. Nsidibe Akata, Legal Luminary, Mkpisong Barr. Wilson Inam, SAN, Bishop of Christ Army Church GBC Akwa Ibom Diocese, Bishop David Udonsek, Dr. Judith Ogbara, were inducted as Patrons and Honorary Members of Afigh Iwaad Ekid and presented with Award of Excellence.

Others are, former Member representing Eket State Constituency, Rt. Hon. David Lawrence, former Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Hon. Ekanem Brown, Dr. Tommy Enodien, Prince Adegboyega Atiba, High Chief Akamba Maxwell, SA to the Governor on New Media, Mr. Mfon Bassey, among others.

The event featured Conferment of ObongIwaad the 10th on ObongIwaad (Capt.) Willie Mbong, cultural display and parade by different communities.