It was a great moment of celebration and stocktaking in Ikot Ekpene last Saturday when friends and some professionals gathered at the VIP LOUNGE, South Hills Hotel for an end of tenure dinner in honour of the immediate past Transition Committee Chairman of Ikot Ekpene, Sir John Cleton Etim.
Setting the tone for the event, the convener and State Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Elder Manasseh Umoette said the dinner was organized by friends to appreciate Sir John Cleton Etim for his impactful service to Ikot Ekpene during his tour of duty as Transition Chairman of the area.
In his words, “we are gathered here as friends to celebrate one of us who is an embodiment of service, compassion and excellence. We are here to tell him thank you for your service to Ikot Ekpene and also pray for him ” he declared.
The Managing Director, Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency,Obong Unyime Etim described Sir John Cleton as a committed and dutiful leader who served Ikot Ekpene well and deserving of such celebration. He thanked Governor Umo Eno for appointing Sir John Cleton Etim for the good of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
In their goodwill messages, the former Transition Committee Chairman of Obot Akara LGA, Hon Anietie Ibritam and his counterpart from Ikono, Hon Kingsley Akpan eulogized Sir John Cleton Etim, describing him as a leader who loves his people and worked passionately for them. They were unanimous in their views that Sir John Cleton Etim was a motivation for excellence and result, and thanked the organisers for the heroic reception accorded him.
Others who spoke during the ceremony include Dr. Eteyen Uko, Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Ikot Osurua chapter; Barr. Albert Umoh; Pastor Uko Michael; Dr. Unyime Udoudo; Hon. J. J. Uko; Dr. Emmanuel Kendrick; Hon (Mrs) Mercy Friday Akpan, among others. They all applauded the leadership ingenuity of Sir John Cleton Etim as Transition Committee Chairman of Ikot Ekpene and wished him well in his future endeavours.
Responding, Sir John Cleton Etim thanked God for the grace to deliver and the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for the opportunity to serve and motivation to deliver through his Arise Agenda. He thanked his predecessor in office, Obong Unyime Etim for offering him a shoulder to lean on. He said he was humbled that his little efforts were noticeable and pledged to continue to serve humanity wherever he finds himself. He thanked his friends for constituting a support system while he served and now celebrating him at the end of his service.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of a memento to the former Transition Committee Chairman, Sir John Cleton Etim and special prayer for him and his family.
The event was well attended with the former Leader, Ikot Ekpene Legislative Council, Hon Lawrence Inyang,Dr. Ifiok Ufia, Comrade Mike Ibanga, among others.
