By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Paramount Ruler of Calabar South Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty Etubom Nyong Effiom Okon Etim Ewa I, has conferred chieftaincy titles on prominent personalities, including senior government officials, in recognition of their contributions to the development of the area.
Among the recipients honoured during the monarch’s 3rd coronation anniversary were the Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Ironbar; Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties, Barr Ekpenyong Akiba; and Member representing Calabar South 1 in the State House of Assembly, Hon Effiong Ekarika. They were honoured alongside 12 others.
The ceremony, held on Tuesday at Henshaw Town Council Ground, attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, and political figures. It was marked by cultural displays and reaffirmed the recipients’ roles in the continued transformation of Calabar South.
In his address, the Paramount Ruler underscored the weight and dignity of traditional titles in Calabar South, describing them as honours that must be cherished and upheld with integrity.
“Earning a title in Calabar South is a significant achievement, one that should be cherished with dignity and respect,” he stated. He urged the newly conferred chiefs to serve as ambassadors of peace and development, both within the local government and beyond.
Etubom Ewa stressed the importance of peace and stability as key drivers for attracting investment and fostering sustainable growth in the area. He encouraged the new chiefs to promote the rich cultural heritage of the people and support government efforts to maintain harmony across the state.
Barr Ekpenyong Akiba, who received the title of Otuekong of Calabar South, dedicated the honour to Governor Bassey Otu, commending his leadership for driving grassroots development.
“This award stands as acknowledgement of our contributions and efforts to support the governor’s vision in the state and also shows that we are representing our people meaningfully,” Akiba said. “This will only motivate me to do more for not only Calabar South, but Cross River State in general.”
As part of the celebration, the monarch also launched a fundraising initiative tagged “I Stand Revolution”, aimed at supporting evidence-based drug use prevention and community interventions.
The event further strengthened the relationship between traditional institutions and the state government, highlighting the role of community leadership in advancing local development.
