Mkpat Enin @35: When Women Lead
…The Diary of Hon. Mercy Bassey Example…
By Usen Johnson
Mkpat Enin Local Government Area (LGA), a scenic historical countryside of great elephants, is a vibrant and culturally rich area characterized by lush greenery, located in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It is one of the 31 LGAs in the state which spreads across 87 villages, historically divided into four (4) clans, namely; Ikpa Ibom, Ibiaku, Ukpum Minya and Ikpa Ikono Clans, highly known for her diverse population, natural beauty, and rich history, remarkable for its unique character and charm.
Created 35 years ago from Ikot Abasi Okpobo LGA, with people predominantly of the Ibibio ethnic group, known for their rich cultural heritage and traditions, vibrant festivals, music, dance, and cuisine etc, which reflects the unique identity and history of the Ibibio people, known for their strong sense of community and unity, coming together to support one another and celebrate their shared heritage.
Quite remarkably, as exemplified in Hon. Mercy Bassey’s leadership footprint, Mkpat Enin is known for being a home of great leaders with foresight. This region throughout history has produced visionary individuals who have made significant contributions both to their communities and beyond.
These leaders have demonstrated keen understanding of the needs and aspirations of their people, and have worked tirelessly to bring about positive changes and development.
The leaders of Mkpat Enin LGA are known for their strategic thinking, envisioning a better future for their constituents and taking bold steps to turn visions into reality. Leaders like Sen. Ekong Sampson PhD, have championed initiatives in areas such as education, legislation, unity, economic, political inclusion, healthcare and infrastructure as exemplified in Ekong Sampson Unity Hall, etc. In the area of human capital development others like Prof. Eno Ibanga, Hon. Iniobong Akpan(Olokpo), Meyen Etukudo, Engr. Otobong Ndem, Hon. Mfon Nkantion, Hon. Ekaete Usip, Mr. & Mrs. Ephraim Akpan, Engr. Samuel Rufus Johnny, not forgetting Chief. Richard Umoren and Sir. Ubong Ekefre to mention but a few, have laid the foundation for a sustainable growth and progress in the area. These leaders have shown a deep commitment to improving the quality of lives for their people, creating opportunities for future generations to thrive.
One of the key strengths of Mkpat Enin people is their sense of gender equality, allowing women to lead. As experimented in Mkpat Enin, the positive impact of female leadership in the Local Government Council under Lady Mercy Bassey, cannot be overstated, women bring unique perspectives, empathy and collaborative approach to leadership roles, leading to a more inclusive and effective decision-making processes and fostering a supportive and consensually driven environment, seeking inputs from diverse range of perspectives and stakeholders in making informed decisions that benefits the entire community.
Introduced into the leadership and political lexicon of Mkpat Enin by Hon. Mercy Bassey, is the celebration of Mkpat Enin anniversary at 35, with cardinal reference to her culture, heritage and identity. Suffice me to say that this is the first of its kind.
On a cursory look, culture, heritage, and identity are integral aspects of who we are, as individuals and as a society. They shape our beliefs, values, traditions, and behaviors, providing us with a sense of belonging and connect us to our past and present. Our culture is the lens through which we view the world, influencing our perceptions and interactions with others. It is what makes us unique and helps us understand and appreciate the diversity that exists in our global community.
Our heritage is the legacy passed down to us from our leaders and ancestors which transcends generations, encompassing our history, language, art, and customs. It is a source of pride and inspiration, reminding us of the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us. By preserving and celebrating our heritage, we honor the sacrifices and achievements of those who came before us and ensure that their stories continues to be shared and solemnly remembered.
Identity is the culmination of our culture and heritage, reflecting who we are and where we come from. It is a complex and multifaceted concept that evolves over time as we navigate the different aspects of our lives. Our identity is shaped by our experience, relationships, and environment, influencing how we perceive ourselves and how others perceives us. Embracing our identity allows us to feel a sense of belonging and empowerment, enabling us to navigate the complexities of our modern world with confidence and authenticity.
In a rapidly changing and interconnected world, it is more important than ever to value and preserve our culture, heritage, and identity. These aspects of our lives provide us with a sense of grounding, balance and stability, helping us navigate the complexities of our modern world with a sense of purpose , pride and belonging.
By embracing and celebrating our unique cultural identity as exemplified in Mkpat Enin at 35, championed by Hon. Mercy Bassey, we can foster a more inclusive and understanding society that values diversity and promotes mutual respect and appreciation. Let us continue to honor and cherish our culture, heritage, and identity, for they are the threads that weave together the rich tapestry of our shared humanity.
#MkpatEnin@35…
#OurHeritageOurIdentityOurPride…
