Oro Nation too endowed to be ignored- Ekong Sampson
-Applauds Udom Emmanuel for Commitment to Ibom Deep Seaport and Ibom Air
-Oron Union Honours Him
By Aniedi UKOENANG
The Immediate past Commissioner for Environment and Patroleum Resources, Rt. Hon. Ekong Sampson has eulogised Oro Nation for her cultural richness, natural endowment and human capital resourcefulness, opining that “Oro Nation is too endowed to be ignored”.
Sampson made the assertion today, Tuesday 22nd December 2020 in Uyo, where a triple celebration of Oro Cultural Festival, Family Tie Day and Build-for-Oro was held.
Speaking after he was honoured with the traditional title of ‘Edeghe Nssang Oro’ ( Good friend of Oro Nation), the former lawmaker recalled his long years of affiliations, politicking and working relationship with Oro people and remarked that Oro Nation is a people that are conscious of ethics and good conducts.
“Oro nation has a lot of personalities and geniuses. You stand out for your culture, for your intellect, you stand out for your integrity. You have earned the respect of others. In Akwa Ibom State, if you don’t respect Oro people who else would you respect?
“Oro is richly endowed and i enjoy a broad galaxy of good friends from Oro”.
He also commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for his commitment to the two mega projects located in Oron nation, namely; Ibom Air and Ibom deep seaport.
According to him, ” the huge investments and deep interest of the Governor to the success of Ibom Air and Ibom deep seaport are also pointers to the Governor’s love for Oron people, who I may describe as primary beneficiaries of the projects, as host community”. He added.
Ekong Sampson also joined the Oro union to applaud ex-Governor Victor Attah for what he described as ‘his large heartedness and bridge building approach to governance’. In his words,
” let me commend the vision of our father, Obong Victor Attah for showing large heartedness. That stands him out as a great leader, statesman and patriot. With the mechanics of bridge building, we can get the best for our people, we can get the best for our state and nation.
“I have been very consistent that Oro nation is too richly endowed to be ignored. Her potentials are enormous, both in intellect and under the surface of the earth and we must protect your rights as a collective”.
The former Council Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area ended his remark by donating to the planned building of Oro Union House in Uyo.
Earlier, the President-General of Oron Union, Bishop Etim Ante described Ekong Sampson as a good friend of Oron Nation.
He recalled to the applause of the audience the extraordinary contributions of Ekong Sampson at ensuring that Oro gained proper recognition as an oil producing area when he served as Commissioner for Environment and Patroleum Resources.
“Ekong Sampson has always been a friend of Oron nation. Not too long ago, while he was still the Commissioner for Environment and Patroleum Resources, he protected the interest of Oron by ensuring that we were properly documented as an oil producing area. I was invited to sign.
