Afigh Iwaad Ekid’s Role in Community Stability Remains Vital — Abia, Inyang Declares

Afigh Iwaad Ekid’s Role in Community Stability Remains Vital — Abia, Inyang Declares

The Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Government Area, HRM (Obong) E. C. D. Abia, alongside his counterpart in ONNA Local Government, HRM Edidem Raymond Inyang, has reaffirmed the critical role of Afigh Iwaad Ekid in sustaining peace, unity, and development across Ekid nation.

The royal fathers made the declaration on Thursday, November 13, 2025, during a courtesy visit by the newly inaugurated Executive Council of the sociocultural organization in their palaces.

In their separate remarks, the monarchs expressed delight over the revival of Afigh Iwaad Ekid, describing its return to prominence as timely, commendable, and long overdue.

They lamented the organization’s past decline, which they attributed to prolonged leadership tussles that weakened its influence in community development.

According to them, Afigh Iwaad Ekid known historically as the foremost youth sociocultural group in Ekid nation, has always served as the foot soldiers of the community, championing advocacy and driving grassroots mobilization for the welfare of the people.

“It was painful to watch Afigh drift into silence, but seeing this new team rise to restore its glory gives us hope. Your responsibility to our people is enormous, and the path ahead must be walked with unity and wisdom.” – they emphasized.

The monarchs urged the new leadership to prioritize constitutional reforms that would eliminate future succession crises. They emphasized that sustainable leadership depends on clarity and structure.

“For any organization to grow,” they said, “its succession plan must be clearly embedded in the constitution. It removes ambiguity, reduces rancour, and ensures continuity. We hope Afigh Iwaad Ekid will address this decisively.”

Both rulers pledged their unwavering support to the Executive Council, assuring them of continuous cooperation toward achieving the group’s mandate.

Earlier, the President General of Afigh Iwaad Ekid, Obongiwaad (Capt.) Willie Mbong, expressed gratitude to the monarchs for their consistent contributions to community development and for receiving the Exco with warmth.

He assured the traditional rulers of his commitment to justifying the confidence reposed in him.
“We are prepared to restore Afigh to its rightful place. The community believes in us, and we will not disappoint.” – he said.

Obongiwaad Mbong also appealed for the monarchs’ intervention in addressing challenges faced by Ekid youths, particularly in securing employment despite being professionally trained.

He further took the opportunity to formally invite the royal fathers to the upcoming Eket Cultural Festival, scheduled for December 20, 2025.

Iwaad Edet Edet
Public Relations Officer
Afigh Iwaad Ekid
14/11/2025