Ukana West Honours Prince Mendy Archibong with Chieftaincy Title of “Obong Uwam”

By Ekemini Simon

The traditional institution of Ukana West Clan in Essien Udim local government area has conferred Prince Mendy Archibong, founder of Prince Archibong Life Foundation, PALF, with a Chieftaincy title of ” Obong Uwam Ukana West”. The title is translated as Chief Helper of Ukana West.

Prince Archibong who is the Managing Director of Goodtime Group of Companies, has made outstanding humanitarian outreach mostly targeted at widows, orphans and youths through the Prince Archibong Life Foundation, PALF.

In April 2021 when Essien Udim faced security crisis causing many communities to be displaced, Prince Archibong Life Foundation rose to the occasion and donated food items among other relief materials to internally displaced persons of Essien Udim local government area.

In addition, PALF has made interventions in areas of water supply in rural communities in Akwa Ibom State, grant to rural women to support subsistent agriculture, and education support to youths coupled with various assistance during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Conferring the title on the occasion of the maiden quadrennial ceremony of the creation and inauguration of Ukana West Clan held on Friday, December 17, 2021, the Clan Head of Ukana West, Akuku Sylvanus Udoekanem, said the chieftaincy title which bestows all rights and privileges of citizenship on Prince Archibong, is in recognition of his leadership qualities and selfless service to God and humanity, especially the people of Essien Udim who he has continued to empower, mobilize and inspire.

The Traditional Ruler noted that the fundamental principle the clan exhibits is harmonious co-existence with her neighbours. 

He added ” Ukana is another “Garden of Eden” of our time. She has what qualifies her to be a modern society. For example, there are natural and human resources in abundance. She gives birth to national and international human beings. The Clan has a representative inthe State and National Executive Council respectively. She also hasreputable law makers, such as a SAN and Captains of industries.”

In an interview with newsmen immediately after the conferment, Prince Mendy Archibong thanked the traditional rulers of Ukana West and their people for finding him worthy of the honour, and promised not to relent in his good deeds.

He said the Chieftaincy title is a confirmation that his deeds have not only touched lives but that he is very much recognized in Essien Udim and by extension Annangland. 

Archibong added ” When I was invited to be honoured, I asked what I have done, I was told that they remember the time of the crisis what I did for Essien Udim people. Besides that, that they have heard about what I have been doing in Akwa Ibom State. This gladdens my heart”.
” I am grateful to the people of Ukana West. I pray for peace in Ukanaland. There should be no bloodshed. From now, peace must begin to reign and must be sustained”.