By Our Reporter
Eka Midim Community Day has grown into a globally recognised cultural carnival in Akwa Ibom State, bringing together indigenes at home and in the diaspora, traditional rulers, political leaders and stakeholders to celebrate unity as a tool for sustainable development.
The 2025 edition of the event, held at St. Michael’s Primary School, Midim, in Abak Local Government Area, was themed “Unity as the Panacea for Sustainable Development” and served as a platform for renewed calls for infrastructure, peace and improved living standards in the community.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Eka Midim Worldwide and Provost of the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, Professor Nkereuwem Sunday Etukudoh, stressed that no meaningful development can take place in a divided society, noting that unity, shared vision and collective sacrifice remain the strongest assets of any community.
He said Eka Midim’s ability to transform its Community Day into a worldwide carnival was a testament to its cohesion and readiness for development, adding that leadership must be defined by service rather than titles or privileges. According to him, genuine leadership demands personal sacrifice and the deliberate use of available resources to uplift the people and create lasting structures for future generations.
Professor Etukudoh explained that this philosophy informed his personal decision to build and equip a modern health facility block for the community, describing health as dignity, productivity and life itself. He noted that access to quality healthcare remains a fundamental requirement for development and social stability.
He expressed confidence that the existence of a functional and well-equipped health facility would leave the Akwa Ibom State Government with no reason to deny the community a General Hospital, adding that when the Governor visits and sees the standard of facilities already provided, approval for a hospital would naturally follow.
The community leader also commended the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, for his people-centred governance, while acknowledging the national leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the support of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, whom he described as a dependable ally of grassroots development.
He disclosed that the people of Eka Midim remain solidly united in their support for the re-election of President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio and Governor Umo Bassey Eno beyond 2027, attributing their support to visible commitment to development, inclusiveness and stability.
Professor Etukudoh expressed gratitude for the honours bestowed on him during the event, including awards from the Non-Teaching Staff of Polytechnics and his reaffirmation as Akpan Okuku Midim by the Midim Traditional Rulers Council, which he said represent a renewed call to serve the community with greater dedication.
The celebration also witnessed the foundation-laying ceremony for the proposed Midim Unity Hall, performed by the Chairman of Abak Local Government Council, Hon. Ime Charles, symbolising the collective resolve of the people to institutionalise unity and development.
Participants and observers described the event as a defining moment for Eka Midim, noting that the blend of cultural celebration, unity, private investment in healthcare infrastructure and strategic advocacy has positioned the community for meaningful government intervention.
Leave a Reply