The Kano Emirate and Ibibio apex traditional stool, Oku Ibom Ibibio, Akwa Ibom State have resolved to strengthen socio-cultural ties to promote peace, cultural protection and socio-economic interests to facilitate the development of the two states and Nigeria.
This, LEADERSHIP gathered, was the crux of the recent meeting between the Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, at the state’s Traditional Rulers’ Chambers, Uyo, the state capital.
Ntenyin Etuk, who doubles as the president -general of the state Traditional Rulers’ Council (TRC), welcomed the Kano emirate’s delegation and the Akwa Ibom Hausa-Fulani community, who were on the entourage.
He expressed delight over the visit and described the relationship between the two states as mutually beneficial and good for national unity.
Etuk said the visit was strategic, and expressed optimism that the cross – cultural overtures would go a long way towards strengthening the bond of socio – political, ethnic and religious harmony in Nigeria, even as he expressed the hope that other parts of Nigeria could adopt such brotherhood as exhibited by the people of Akwa Ibom and Kano, as well as other northerners residing in the state.
“The people of Akwa Ibom know that we must live together, be in harmony with the Hausa community and beyond, do business together, and do other things that will bring growth and development to Nigeria at large. This is very prominent in our mind, and I want to assure the people that this is a bond of unity,” he noted.
Responding, Alhaji Bayero described his visit as first among many and expressed satisfaction with the honour of being received in the state for the first time as an emir.
He lauded the purposeful leadership of Governor Umo Eno, which he affirmed, was evident in the ambience of the state.
He, therefore, assured of his commitment to fostering peace and unity in Nigeria, stressing that beyond furthering the successes of his forebears in building bridges of unity across the nation, he was determined to use his reign as King of West Africa’s centre of commerce, to open doors of business, industry and other opportunities to other parts of the country with special consideration given to Akwa Ibom.
The state commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Mr Frank Archibong, described the collaboration between the Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers’ Council (TRC) and its contemporaries across the countries as “a testament to Governor Eno’s reverence and commitment to accord due honour to the traditional institution.”