Apostle Jack Urges ONNA Indigenes To Champion Development, Unity

Apostle Jack Urges ONNA Indigenes To Champion Development, Unity

By Ifiok Itiaba

Apostle Elijah Jack has charged indigenes of ONNA Local Government Area to become relentless ambassadors for the area’s development, wherever they may find themselves.

He gave the charge on Wednesday in Uyo during a special send-forth and gift presentation ceremony organized by Mboho Ndito ONNA in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for retiring ONNA indigenes who served in the legislature.

Apostle Jack, who chaired the occasion, stated that the development of ONNA rests solely on the integrity and collective will of its people. “Nobody will come to build ONNA for us except we ourselves, if we have integrity and are willing to carry our brothers and sisters along,” he declared.

He expressed delight at the reunion, noting it afforded him the opportunity to see faces he had not seen in years. He stressed his conviction that “ONNA is going far,” and urged members to extend the love demonstrated within the group to all ONNA indigenes everywhere.

Speaking on the ongoing voter registration exercise, Apostle Jack advised all eligible persons to register, revalidate, or update their voter information with INEC to ensure ONNA gains stronger bargaining power in the political landscape.

In his remarks, the grand patron of the group and former House of Assembly member, Prince Bassey Willie, admonished them to maintain unity, assist one another promptly, and share vital information with those in the villages. He expressed his continued happiness in identifying with the association.

The Clerk of the State House of Assembly, Mrs. Nsikakabasi Orok who was the Mother of the Day, advised members on self-development, urging them to strive for growth beyond the level at which they entered service.

She also thanked Prince Bassey Willie for facilitating the employment of ONNA indigenes during his tenure.

Earlier, in her opening address, the chairperson of the group, Mrs Juliana Udoh explained that Mboho Ndito ONNA is a forum that unites all ONNA indigenes, by birth or marriage, within the Assembly for collective growth.

Mrs Udoh, who is the Director of Publication/Information and Protocol, urged members to be eager to learn, loyal, reliable, principled, and cooperative to realise the association’s dreams, while also admonishing them on punctuality, diligence, honesty, and shunning gossip.

The Director of Administration, Mrs. Yingi Edunam, though not an ONNA indigene, expressed excitement at the unity displayed and stated she was always happy working with people from the area.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Obongiwaad Etienne Bob, a former Commissioner III in the Assembly Service Commission, described members of the group as wonderful people. He advised stakeholders and leaders from the area to maintain open-door policies and thanked the association for honouring their service.

The ceremony culminated in the presentation of gifts to the honourees: Hon. Etienne Bob, Comrade Monday Essien, and Mr. Ben Sunday Ben.

The event was attended by the Vice President of the group, Engr. Isaiah; the PRO, Comrade Denis Essien; and other members.