The Obong Iberedem in Oyo State, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Etim Bassey Akanyak, has expressed profound gratitude and warm appreciation to members of the Akwa Ibom State Community in Oyo State (AKISCOM), the Youth Leader, and members of the Non-Indigenes Traditional Council of Ibadan and Oyo State (NITCIOS) for their unwavering support, cooperation, and commitment to peace, unity, and development in the state
In a special thank-you and New Year message released to mark the beginning of the year, the revered traditional leader commended the Akwa Ibom indigenes resident in Oyo State for their resilience, discipline, and collective spirit, describing them as worthy ambassadors of Akwa Ibom State who continue to uphold the values of unity, hard work, and peaceful coexistence wherever they reside.
Edidem Akanyak specifically applauded AKISCOM for its consistent efforts in fostering unity among Akwa Ibom people in Oyo State, noting that the association has remained a strong platform for cultural preservation, mutual support, and constructive engagement with host communities and government authorities.
According to him, the progress recorded by the Akwa Ibom community in Oyo State would not have been possible without the dedication and selfless service of its leaders and members.
The Obong Iberedem also extended special appreciation to the Youth Leader and the entire youth body, acknowledging their energy, creativity, and commitment to positive engagement.
He praised the youths for choosing the path of dialogue, development, and responsible leadership, adding that their role in promoting peace and discouraging social vices has significantly strengthened the image of the Akwa Ibom community in Oyo State.
The Royal Father particularly commended the AKISCOM President, Chief UtibeAbasi Umoren and the Youth Leader Comrade (Dr) Udoro Efre for their efforts in providing quality leadership to members of the community.
He also commended President of the Non-Indigenes Traditional Council of Ibadan and Oyo State (NITCIOS), His Royal Highness Ajofe (Dr.) Friday Okoliko for his unwavering commitment to the peaceful coexistence of Non Indegienes and host community in the state.
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“Youths are the backbone of any society. I am proud of our young men and women who have demonstrated maturity, respect for constituted authority, and readiness to contribute meaningfully to community development,” the monarch stated.
Furthermore, Edidem Etim Bassey Akanyak expressed heartfelt gratitude to members of NITIOS in Oyo State, commending the cordial relationship and mutual respect that exist between them and the Akwa Ibom community. He described the bond between both groups as a model of inter-ethnic harmony, stressing that such unity remains vital for peace, security, and socio-economic growth in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
As part of his New Year message, the Obong Iberedem prayed for divine blessings, good health, and prosperity for all members of AKISCOM, the youth leadership, and NITCIOS in the year ahead. He urged everyone to remain law-abiding, supportive of one another, and committed to the ideals of unity, tolerance, and progress.
He further called on community leaders and members to deepen collaboration with the Oyo State Government and host communities, emphasizing that peaceful coexistence and respect for local customs remain key to sustained harmony and development.
“In this New Year, let us renew our commitment to peace, unity, and development. Let us continue to support one another, respect our host communities, and contribute positively to the growth of Oyo State and our beloved Akwa Ibom State,” he added.
Edidem Etim Bassey Akanyak concluded by urging members to rededicate themselves to sustaining the existing peace, progress and development of the Akwa Ibom community and Oyo State in particularly.
