Nsit Atai Council of Chiefs in Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, have bestowed honour on one of their own, Dr Jonathan Akpan, Proprietor of Access International Schools, an illustrious son of the area, in recognition of his numerous selfless and life touching services rendered to the people of the area.
Access International Schools is located at Magboro-Akeran in Ogun State, South West Nigeria.
Dr Jonathan was honoured along with many other deserving individuals within and outside the Local Government area in recognition of their services to humanity. He was honoured with the title of “ Obong Uwana Nsit Atai” meaning “Pillar of light of Nsit Atai.
The event which doubled as “Nsit Atai Royal Fathers’ day and conferment of chieftaincy titles and awards of honour”, also witnessed the fund launch of N10 million for Traditional Rulers’ Council Coaster Bus and other projects. It took place at Nsit Atai Court Hall, Odot, the Local Government Area headquarters.
Nsit Atai, formerly known as Eastern Nsit, is comprised of three large entities: Afaha, Ibiaikot and Ibedu.
The Traditional Institution headed by the Paramount Ruler, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Akpan Udofia Ntuen and Etebom Edet David Udoudo, Chairman, Nsit Atai Council of Chiefs and the Local Government Area, in honouring Dr Jonathan said it was in recognition of the numerous life touching and life changing projects he has carried out in the area.
The community said Dr Jonathan, an individual, has done what some local government administrations have not been able do for their people.
“The local Government and Council of Chiefs bestow the title on you due to your contributions to the development of the town and the citizens”.
They went ahead to name such projects executed by Dr Jonathan to include: Boreholes, Transformer installation, grading of roads, award of scholarships to brilliant and to indigent students from the area and provision of mowers to public schools in the area as well as empowerment of youths and women in the area.
The well attended event had the Paramount Ruler and other traditional rulers in Nsit Atai and other local government areas colourfully dressed with assorted caps, walking sticks and other regalia of office in attendance.
Chairman, Nsit Atai Council of Chiefs, Etebom Edet Udoudo said the celebration of Royal Fathers Day was to call to mind the dignity, pride and sovereignty of Nsit Atai as a Nation. He described Nsit Atai as a unique nation blessed with human and natural resources, the home of peace and political maturity.
The Traditional Institution expressed appreciation to the Nsit Atai Local Government Area Transition Chairman, Hon. Uduak Ekpeowo, the Political leader of Nsit Atai, Rt. Hon.Otuekong Raphael Bassey ( the Obom Nsit Atai), the Group as well as Clan Heads and others for making the day a success.
He said the honour bestowed on the deserving sons, daughters and friends of Nsit Atai was not bought with money but in recognition of their contributions to the development of Nsit Atari, Akwa Ibom State and humanity generally.
The Obong Unwana Nsit Atai and Access Schools Proprietor, Dr Jonathan, promised to do more as long as God keeps him alive and blesses him.
He appealled to Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr Udom Emmanuel to help him and the community by tarring the road that links Ikot Udofia, Ikot Ekpot to Nda Nsit.
The educationist advices the Nsit Atai and Akwa Ibom people generally to take their education very serious and to strive to get at least a first degree and read courses that are demand in the labour market.
He advises Akwa Ibom State government to spread scholarship scheme around to cover the whole state, this according to him will give the indigent ones in the state an opportunity and together the state will be moved forward.
He charged his people to unite, preach peace and work hard assuring that God will make them great.