Founder of Prince Archibong Life Foundation bags chieftaincy title in Essien Udim

L-R: Prince Mendy Archibong, founder of Prince Archibong Life Foundation, receiving a certificate of recognition as Obong Uwam Ukana West from His Highness, Akuku Sylvanus Obot Udoekanem, clan head of Ukana West, Essien Udim LGA on Friday 17th December, 2021.

By Uwana Edighienyong

A philanthropist and founder of Prince Archibong Life Foundation, Prince Mendy Archibong, has been honoured with a chieftaincy of Obong Uwam, by Ukana West Clan, Essien Udim Local Government Area.

Archibong who hails from Obot Akara Local Government Area was honoured for his contributions to the well-being of the people of Essien Udim Local Government Area, especially for the assistance Prince Archibong Life Foundation gave to internally displaced persons from Essien Udim by who were sacked from their homes earlier this year due to insecurity.

He was honoured alongside Obong Bassey Albert, Senator representing Uyo senatorial district, Mr. Unyime Idem, member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency, Barr. Effiong Akwa, Sole administrator of NDDC, Mr. Akan Udofia and Mr. Esse Umoh, member representing Essien Udim in the House of Assembly, among others.

Archibong was decorated with the chieftaincy title on Friday 17th December 2021, by the clan head of Ukana West, His Highness, Akuku Sylvanus Obot Udoekanem, in-council during the maiden quadrennial anniversary of the people of Ukana West held at Methodist Primary School, Okop Akama, Essien Udim.

The end-of-year event which featured the launching of a book entitled, “History of Ukana West Clan” and fundraising for the procurement of vehicle for the clan head of Ukana, authored by Mr. Utibe Udo Udo, was chaired by Dr. Charles Akpan.

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Speaking with newsmen after the conferment, Prince Mendy Archibong appreciated the traditional rulers of Ukana West and their people for finding him worthy of the honour, and promised not to relent in his good deeds.

Archibong noted that the chieftaincy title is a recognition of his numerous interventions not only in Essien Udim, but in Obot Akara, Ikot Ekpene, and beyond.

He said, ”When I was invited to be honoured, I asked what I have done, I was told they remembered what I did for Essien Udim people during the time of security crisis earlier this year. They listed what I have been doing in Akwa Ibom State and this has gladdened my heart.

”I am grateful to the people of Ukana West. I pray for peace in Ukana land. There should be no bloodshed. From now, peace must begin to reign and must be sustained”.

While conferring the title on him, the Clan Head of Ukana West, Akuku Sylvanus Udoekanem, said the chieftaincy title which bestows all rights and privileges of citizenship on Prince Archibong, is in recognition of his leadership qualities and selfless service to God and humanity, especially the people of Essien Udim who he has continued to empower, mobilize and inspire.

The royal father observed that the fundamental principle the clan exhibits is harmonious co-existence with her neighbours.

He added ”Ukana is another ‘Garden of Eden’ of our time. She has what qualifies her to be a modern society. For example, there are natural and human resources in abundance. She gives birth to national and international heroes and heroines.

“The Clan has a representative in the State and National Executive Council respectively. She also has reputable law makers, such as a SAN and Captains of industries”, the clan head noted.

The chairman on the occasion, Dr. Charles Akpan and guest of honour, Prince Ukpong Akpabio, sued for peace and unity between Ukana West and Ukana East, urging the traditional institution to forge a bond of unity between the two clans and work in oneness.

Uwana is an intern with The Dune Newspaper.