LAGOS – A spectacle of vibrant culture, tradition, South South cuisine, and traditional attire unfolded as people from diverse backgrounds gathered at the Police Children School Playground in Okota Isolo, Lagos to honour the esteemed traditional ruler, HRH Edidem Atakpa.
According to a release e-signed by Founder and President of CMC Gladiators Ambassador Cornel Udofia, and made available to StarTrend Int’l Magazine and online – startrendinternational.com by the CMC Gladiators Media Unit, this event marked HRH Atakpa’s birthday celebration, induction into the Traditional Council of Akwa-Cross in Lagos, and inauguration.
In his opening prayer, Rev. U J Idem, acknowledged the fruitful life bestowed upon the celebrant by God Almighty. Attendees were encouraged to live lives of service, leaving lasting legacies in society.
HRH Nsobom Aniefiok Essien, the traditional leader of Akwa-Cross in Onigbongbo, Maryland Lagos, addressed the gathering, emphasizing that Edidem Atakpa’s coronation into the South South Traditional Rulers Council would bring hope for a better future and fulfill the aspirations of the zone’s people.
He urged Edidem Atakpa to collaborate with South South and Akwa-Cross traditional institutions to ensure peace in the region.
Edidem Atakpa 1 and his wife, Obonganwan Modupe Atakpa, along with other Akwa-Cross members, were inaugurated into the South South traditional institution. Essien called upon those newly inaugurated to serve as good ambassadors and gain the trust of the people.
Expressing his gratitude and acceptance on behalf of the inaugurated individuals, Edidem Atakpa 1 promised to leverage his new status to benefit South South and Akwa-Cross indigenes in Lagos and other South West States of Nigeria.
HRH Edidem Atakpa 1 is acknowledged as a leader who comprehends the traditional institution’s significance and has united people into a formidable group, fostering peace within the diverse entities of the South South zone and Akwa-Cross in Lagos.
Prominent figures at the event, including Engr Friday Ukodi, former coordinator of South South, Itire-Ikate, Lagos, and Mr. Friday Akpan, Welfare Officer, Akwa-Cross, expressed optimism about Edidem Atakpa’s contribution to the zone’s progress.
In addition to the celebrations, HRH Edidem Atakpa received the CMC Gladiators Award of Excellence and was formally inducted as the Patron of CMC Gladiators.
Other entertainment personalities, Hon. Mary Edward, Princess Bukola Adeteju, and musical twins Desmond and Demian Boj were honored with Entertainment Gold Medal Awards for their significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
Cultural displays, performances by entertainers, and the presence of esteemed guests added to the event’s grandeur.
The occasion highlighted HRH Edidem Atakpa 1’s dedication as a detribalized leader and a unifying force among the people.
Elder Samuel Usoroh, President of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, and other dignitaries conveyed their well wishes to Edidem Atakpa, describing him as an exceptional leader.
Prominent indigenes and important dignitaries that attended the occasion included Engr. Ezekiel Etim, CEO of Milent Nig. Ltd.; manufacturer of Dunamis Energy drink, Elder & Mrs. Samuel Usoroh Akiscom; Mr. Ime Usoroh, President of Akiscom Youth; Princess Praise, Treasurer, Akiscom Youth; HRH Ndobom Aniefiok Adam Essien, Political Leader of Akwa Cross/South South geopolitical zone and Baale of Onigbongbo; Chief Peter Dominic Abai 1 of Ilasamaja; Sunny Eno, CEO Winz TV; Princess Eno Udo, Movie Producer and Nollywood actress and Hon. Emeka Okolie, Special Adviser (S.A) to the President, cMc Gladiators on Entertainment.
Others are Dr. Champion Onyekwelu Founder, champion family Ministry & Official MC for CMC, Rev. Dr. U J. Idim, General Overseer, BFG.C, Princess Edith Duru, Nollywood diva and CEO, Miss Millennium Beauty Pageant, High Chief Pius (Onimeto 1) of Ilasa, Chief (Mrs.) Lolo Pius (Yeye Meto 1 of Ilasa, Chief Moses Ndaeyo, a prominent politician, High Chief Inyang Johnson, Eto Nkukim 1 of Akwa Cross, Chief (Mrs.) Juliet Inyang, Mrs. Amaka Ojukwu, Health Consultant to the cMC Gladiators group and Mr. Umoru Adolphus, Secretary General South South Forum.
Also at the event are Joseph Bassey, CEO, Gheto TV Max; Abiodun Afolabi, NTA and Focus TV online; Queen Blessing Otabor, cMC Model Queen; Abiodun Azeez, CEO, Gbedu Plus TV on AIT; Mrs. Mayen Ezekiel, Managing Director of Dunamis Energy Drink; Isaac Jackson, Welfare Officer, Iniso Tom, Business Entrepreneur; Mr. Inemesit Udoh, Sec. General, Akwa Ibom State Community in Lagos; Praise Anu, Chief Presenter, Gbedu Plus TV, and many others.
The event, efficiently organized by Amb. Cornell Udofia, the Founder and President of CMC Gladiators Group, was attended by over 200 members of the CMC Gladiators platform. It concluded with the serving of Akwa-Cross traditional cuisines, reflecting the cultural richness of the region.