In a move to openly recognise a leader who has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the course of community integration and the growth of humanity as a whole, Ibianang Community in Ediene, Ikono Local Government Area, has conferred an award of ‘Eti Ukot Ibianang’ on the village head of Uruk Uso, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Etteidung Akpan Udo Odung.The conferment ceremony which held in Ibianang Community on Monday, 19th February, 2024, was said to have marked the beginning of the official administrative engagement of the village council in 2024. Conferring the prestigious honour on Etteidung Odung, the village head of Ibianang, Ediene in Ikono, Etteidung (Dr.) Bruno Umoh (JP), said the award represented the depth of the heart of appreciation and gratitude of the entire people of Ibianang Community to Etteidung Odung of Uruk Uso Community.He said apart from conferring the award on Etteidung Odung in recognition of his immense contributions towards the growth and development of Ibianang Ediene and Ikono Local Government Area at large, the honour was also to highlight the merits, acknowledge and place on the annals of history, extraordinary achievements in leadership of the recipient. In his words, “ This award of ‘Eti Ukot Ibianang’ is conferred on you, Etteidung Akpan Udo Odung, the village head of Uruk Uso, in recognition of your immense contributions to the development of Ibianang Ediene Community and Ikono in general. “ This is one way of recognising all that you have been doing for us and appreciating you as well. We will continue to remain grateful to you for always ensuring that the relationship our forefathers initiated is still being maintained. This, you have done through your financial, moral, physical and even spiritual supports to this community”. Describing Uruk Uso Village Head as a unifier, builder, peaceful and godly leader of tremendous impacts, Etteidung (Dr.) Umoh urged the recipient to see the award as a call to more service to Ibianang Community and the society in general, emphasising that posterity would be there to score him good. Responding after being conferred with the award of ‘Eti Ukot Ibianang’, Etteidung Odung appreciated the Ibianang Village Council, women, youths and the entire people of the community for finding him deserving of such a prestigious award.The Uruk Uso traditional ruler said it was worthy to note that his contributions to the development of the community over the years were being noticed, a development he noted had culminated in the honour done on him. Baring his mind more on the side lines of the occasion, during an interview with The Crest, Etteidung Odung who appreciated God for the honour, said he would ever cherish and esteem the award, considering that it had re-established the relationship that existed between Uruk Uso and Ibianang Ediene Communities. According to him, “ I really appreciate God in the first place for making this happen. I’m particularly happy because my wife, family head, youth patron and all the members of my community are here to witness this history-making occasion.“This award is one I cherish and will esteem in my life, because it has re-established the relationship our forefathers had with this community. It will also enlighten my people about this old-time togetherness and communal living. With this, we will create more future relationship. It is like a kind of a signpost, bringing the two communities together as one. “ My prayer is for God to grant me the desires of my heart so we can encourage more scholarship awards and even continue to inter-marry. All these will strengthen our unity and bond”.Etteidung Odung added that the award would motivate him to do more for the community and his own, as well as all of humanity, noting that man was created for service. The Ibianang Village Council Chairman, Obong (Eld) Samuel Ekpo, who fielded questions from journalists, said the award was conferred on Etteidung Odung in view of his generosity and interest in the well-being of the community and humanity. He said the Uruk Uso leader had always come through to the community when in need and out of need, a gesture he asserted became a rallying point for the considerations of the honour on him. “ Chief Odung has been a generous person, and his interests in the well-being of this community and humanity are beyond his own village. He always comes through to us when we are in need, and even when we are not. He is more of a son to us.“ With this award, we will engage in exchange of programmes like attending his village council meetings to watch deliberations and learn from such participations. We will also explore other areas of interests”.While leading in a session of prayers after the conferment of the award on Etteidung Odung, Apostle Solomon Ibanga, who was in company of the Uruk Uso leader, acknowledged God for choosing the day to honour his son. He therefore, prayed God to continue to uphold Etteidung Odung for the sake of service to his people and the society at large.Highpoint of the event was the installation of Etteidung Odung as ‘Eti Ukot Ibianang’, presentation of a staff, plague and other traditional insignias to him.Other people who accompanied Etteidung Odung include; wife, Obongawan Etini Akpan Odung, Eld. (Capt.) Elijah Eshiet (Rtd), former youth president of Uruk Uso Village, Obong (Sir) Uwem Bassey, among others.Also in attendance, were Eteidung (Prof) Effiong A. Essien (JP), village head of Mbiakpa Ndiya, Prof. Hallo B. Eton (MP), Director General, UN- POLAC, as well as elders, women and youths of Ibianang Ediene Community.