Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr Local Government, Cross River state, says elites in communities across the length and breadth of the state must begin to play more than the passive roles they currently play, to help ensure that peace, which will in turn guarantee the sustainable growth of communities, is embraced across state.
The monarch who spoke during a brief, well attended ceremony to cap and confer chietaincy titles on two prominent sons of the area, Ofem Enang, a Chief Consultant endocrinologist with the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH and Balinwo Ofegobi, Director Accounts in the Office of the Accountant General, CRS, further maintained that because these elites enjoy a considerable level of acceptance, influence, followership and respect in their communities, they must be at the fore front of actions and activities that promote peace in their communities as well as between their communities and others.
Particularly to Enang and Ofegobi, selected for capping and conferred with the chieftaincy titles by the traditional council of chiefs, the monarch enjoined them to see the conferment as a call to greater responsibility within and outside the community. He expressed joy that the two of them have by a clear dint of hardwork, over time, risen to enviable professional heights, praying too that they will now be better positioned to do more at their places of work and within the community. He further congratulated them while wishing them well in their undertakings.
A visibly happy Ofem Enang told www.calitown.com that he was honoured and humbled by the confernment of the title. “Obol Nkummor means I am a protector and comforter, offering succor to the needy and helping those in danger” he said. He also posted a picture of himself and wife on his Facebook timeline, shortly after the ceremony with the inscription: “Behold Obol Nkummor of Yakurr. My gratitude to the Obol Lopon of Ugep & Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, HRM Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng and his Council of Chiefs for this honour to my wife & l. Obol, may your reign be long, peaceful & successful.”
Ofegobi on his part said the day “was a blessed day” as his community honoured him with the chieftaincy title of “Obol Mkpeli I of Yakurr. I am extremely greatfull to all for the support and good wishes” he said. “For sure this comes with a greater responsibility within the community and with God on my side, all will be well.” Obol Mkpeli I, simply means the one whose activities in the community have been growth driven.
