Governor Ayade Extols Ada Bekwarra ll at 16th Thanksgiving Anniversary

Governor Ayade Extols Ada Bekwarra ll at 16th Thanksgiving Anniversary

Eugene Upah

Cross River State governor, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade on Sunday felicitated his Commissioner for Youths Development and Skills Acquisition, Hon. Signor Omang Idiege (Ada Bekwarra ll) during the annual thanksgiving ceremony at the Sacred Heart Catholic Parish Gakem, Bekwarra Local Government Area.

Governor Ayade, represented by the state deputy governor, Prof. Ivara Esu said the annual thanksgiving ceremony is as important to the State as it is to Signor Idiege and the people of Bekwarra as it symbolizes happiness, appreciation and existence of a great people.

Ayade commended Idiege and indeed the people of Bekwarra for standing by one of their illustrious sons who's also a member of the Cross River State Executive Council to continue in the great works of his predecessor as Ada Bekwarra ll. According to him, he was marvelled by the turnout of well-wishers in the church and at the reception ground.

In a welcome address, Hon. (Signor) Omang Idiege, Fcai, Fiia, JP, who's also the Ada Bekwarra ll; a title bestowed on him in 2021 as grand leader of all leaders, father and rallying point of the Bekwarra people, following the demise of the late Ada Bekwarra 1, Chief Linus Okom, thanked the Bekwarra traditional institution, sons and daughters of Bekwarra Local Government Area as well as friends and well-wishers.

Signor Idiege extolled Governor Ben Ayade for the support to the good people of Bekwarra, as well as the youths of the state, maintaining that the practice has been an annual event since 2007, dedicating thanksgiving for divine health and protection to God, throughout his lifetime.

Ada Bekwarra ll specifically thanked the Bekwarra traditional institution and all those who travelled from far and within to grace the epoch making occasion.

Among notable speakers and attendees were the Chairman Bekwarra Traditional Rulers Council and Paramount Ruler of Bekwarra Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Chief Linus Ogbeche Odey (Ushie Ebeshe Ka'kpa ll), Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo, the Chief of Staff to the Governor Hon. Martins Orim, Prof. Anthony Eneji, Ntufam Dr. Peter Orji, Chief Tony Udiandeye.

Others are the Head of Service of Cross River State Mr. Timothy Omang, Permanent Secretaries,

Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Dr. Josephat Emeka, Mr Emma Anoh, Rt. Hon. Itaya Nyong, past campaign Co-ordinator of Bola Tinubu in Benue State Hon. Torasee Atsem in the company of Traditional Rulers Council and dance troupe from Benue State, Rt. Hon. Idagu Agaji, some Members of the State House of Assembly and State Executive Council members, political appointees, clan/village heads, prominent sons and daughters of Bekwarra and beyond.

Highlights of the occasion were presentation of goodwill messages, entertainment by cultural dance troupes from Benue State, the Ekpatumane Dance Troupe from Obudu, Ada Bekwarra ll Dance Group, Arewa Dance group etc who where on ground to welcome the governor. The thanksgiving also marked the first anniversary coronation of Ada Bekwarra ll.