Afigh Iwaad Ekid Sets Development Priorities for FG, Akwa Ibom Govt on Coronation of 10th Obongiwaad

Afigh Iwaad Ekid Sets Development Priorities for FG, Akwa Ibom Govt on Coronation of 10th Obongiwaad

– Commends Governor Eno for intervention in leadership crisis and development strides

Afigh Iwaad Ekid, the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ekid people, has outlined a clear set of development priorities for the Federal Government, Akwa Ibom State Government and relevant agencies, calling for urgent attention to critical infrastructure and economic projects needed to accelerate growth in Ekid Nation.

The demands were made during the Ekid Day Cultural Festival 2025, held at the Eket Christmas Village Ground on Saturday, December 20th, 2025, where Obong Iwaad (Capt.) Willie Mbong was coronated as the 10th Obongiwaad of the socio-cultural organisation.

Speaking at the event, The President General and 10th Obongiwaad of the organization, Capt. Mbong stressed that Ekid Nation, as an oil-producing area, must be deliberately integrated into the economic benefits of the oil and gas sector.

He called for greater inclusion of Ekid indigenes in employment, major contracts and decision-making positions, alongside expanded community-based projects, capacity building and sustainable development initiatives by operating companies.

The President General commended Governor Umo Eno for his timely intervention in resolving the leadership crisis that had previously divided Afigh Iwaad Ekid, and all the stakeholders who played critical role in the peace deal, noting that the restored unity has strengthened the organisation’s capacity to engage constructively with government and other stakeholders.

He also applauded the Akwa Ibom State Government under the ARISE Agenda for what he described as visible improvements in infrastructure, social services and power supply, which he said have enhanced productivity and business activities across the state.

Turning to federal interventions, Capt. Mbong called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to urgently return to site and complete abandoned road projects across Ekid Nation, while also awarding new and impactful projects in line with its mandate in oil-producing communities. He further urged the Federal Ministry of Works to accelerate construction of the East–West Road, describing the slow pace of work as a major economic and social burden on the Niger Delta region.

The Afigh Iwaad Ekid President General also pressed the Federal Government to clear all bottlenecks delaying the take-off of the Ibom Deep Seaport project, noting that its commencement would create jobs, attract investment and reposition Akwa Ibom State and Ekid Nation as a regional economic hub.

In addition to major federal and state projects, Afigh Iwaad Ekid listed several priority demands, including the establishment of tertiary institutions within the Eket Federal Constituency, revitalisation of the Eket Fire Service, resolution of challenges surrounding the China International Market, reclamation and redevelopment of the Qua River Hotel, expansion of road construction across Ekid communities, completion of the Afigh Iwaad Ekid International Secretariat at Ede-Obok as a skills acquisition and certification centre, and implementation of the authentic Akoiyak map to ensure lasting peace.

Capt. Mbong assured that Afigh Iwaad Ekid would remain united and committed to constructive engagement with government and relevant institutions, with a focus on promoting youth employment, skills development and sustainable economic growth across Ekid Nation.

Iwaad Edet Edet
Public Relations Officer
Afigh Iwaad Ekid
22/12/2025