Ukorebi Esien | August 19, 2025
CALABAR —The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, has been conferred with the traditional title of Otu Kinwang I of Boki Nation by the Paramount Ruler of Boki, HRM Otu Fridalin Akando.
The conferment took place during a grand civic reception jointly hosted by the Beebo and Bumaji communities in collaboration with the Philip Obi Foundation as part of activities marking this year's Boki New Yam Festival.
The event also celebrated Ambassador Soni Obache Abang, Executive Director of Finance at the South South Development Commission, who received a Humanitarian Award in recognition of his philanthropic gestures and commitment to service.
In his remarks, Dr. Ironbar expressed deep appreciation to the Boki people, describing the honour as a deeply personal one. He explained that, by virtue of marriage to his wife, Elder Dr. (Mrs.) Virginia Ironbar, who hails from Boki, he is recognised as a son of the land. He pledged continued collaboration with the people and reaffirmed Governor Bassey Otu's determination to drive infrastructure renewal and human capital development across the state, assuring that Boki remains an integral part of the administration's People-First Agenda.
Dr. Ironbar further admonished Cross Riverians in public service to remain diligent and accountable in leadership, noting that "hard work and accountability are the surest ways to earn recognition and honour."
On his part, Ambassador Abang, visibly moved by the honour, thanked the organisers for the recognition and assured the gathering of his sustained support for community development initiatives in Boki.
The host of the event, Hon. Bette Philip Obi, Member representing Boki I State Constituency, commended Governor Otu for his developmental support to the area so far and appealed for more interventions in critical sectors to further uplift the local government.
Other leaders honoured with chieftaincy titles included Hon. Sir Victor Abang, Member representing Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency, and Hon. Peter A. Akpanke, Member representing Obanliku, Obudu, and Bekwara Federal Constituency.
Awards of Honour were also presented to Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Sen. Eteng Jonas Williams, Hon. Oden Ewa, Hon. Beatrice Eti-Eka Nyaim, Hon. Cletus Obun, Hon. Ankpo Pius, Barr. Ekpeyoung Akiba, Barr. Attah Ochinke, High Chief Henry Igelle Onwe (Ph.D.), Engr. Chief Kelvin Osang Njong (JP), Dir. Obi Ayuk, Hon. Sammy Ankwo, Michael Eshua Eban, and Mr. Pascal Kijie Bubua.
The ceremony, chaired by Hon. Oden Ewa, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, attracted a large turnout of dignitaries, including Mrs. Soni Abang, wife of Ambassador Abang; Hon. Beatrice Eti-Eka Nyaim, Chairman of Boki Local Government Council; Mr. Sylvester Abang, State Chief of Protocol; Hon. Boniface Okache and his wife; the Deputy Chief of Staff; members of the Cross River State House of Assembly; local government chairmen; political appointees; representatives of the Cocoa Association of Cross River State; and many others.
The colourful reception was marked by cultural performances, goodwill messages, and solidarity speeches. In his closing prayers, the Paramount Ruler of Boki blessed the honourees and urged them to continue their service to humanity.
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