…as media professionals, Igbo leadership pledge collaboration for peaceful coexistence, responsible business practices
The Eket Federal Constituency Media Professionals (EFCMP) has commenced moves to establish a partnership with the Igbo Community in Eket to promote peaceful coexistence, responsible business practices and development in the area.
The move was announced Thursday 24th September, 2026, when the leadership of EFCMP, led by its Chairman, Comrade Enobong Nsimah, paid a courtesy visit to the President General of the Igbo Community in Eket, High Chief Sir Innocent Igwe, at his palace.
Speaking during the visit, Nsimah said the engagement was necessary to strengthen relations between the media community and the Igbo leadership in Eket and create a platform for addressing issues affecting the community.
He expressed concern over the reported production and circulation of substandard and counterfeit products in Eket, saying the media would be willing to collaborate with the Igbo leadership to help curb the menace.
Nsimah urged the Igbo community leadership to encourage its members to engage only in legitimate businesses that contribute positively to the wellbeing and development of residents.
He also commended the Igbo community for its peaceful disposition and contributions to Eket’s commercial and infrastructural development.
According to him, the media community is ready to work with the Igbo leadership to deepen peaceful coexistence and foster a mutually beneficial relationship.
Responding, Igwe thanked the EFCMP leadership for visiting the palace and seeking to establish a partnership with the Igbo community.
Receiving the kolanut presented by the media professionals as a mark of respect and homage, the Igbo leader said members of the community had, over the years, become part of Eket by virtue of their long-term residence and business activities in the area.
He described the Igbo as enterprising and peace-loving people, while acknowledging the challenges involved in providing leadership for a diverse and highly entrepreneurial community.
Igwe expressed appreciation to the people and leadership of Eket for providing a peaceful environment for members of the Igbo community to live and conduct their businesses, pledging that the community would not take the hospitality for granted.
On the issue of criminal activities and counterfeit products, the President General said there were “bad eggs” in every community, adding that he had, since assuming office, collaborated with the police to identify and deal with members involved in criminal activities, including the production of fake products.
He said he had also warned members of the community against buying or selling goods without proper receipts and documentation.
Igwe stressed that the involvement of some individuals in criminal activities should not be used to portray the entire Igbo community negatively, noting that members of the community could themselves become victims of counterfeit products and other crimes.
The Igbo leader also appealed to the government to address the deteriorating condition of roads in Eket, describing the situation as a major concern to residents and business owners.
He further raised concerns over alleged disputes arising from land transactions involving some members of the Igbo community.
According to him, some members had purchased land, obtained relevant documents and later faced claims from persons who had previously sold the properties.
Igwe said the community had engaged the Paramount Ruler on the issue and was working towards finding a lasting solution.
He also urged journalists to remain objective and professional in their reportage, stressing that the media, as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, had a responsibility to hold leaders accountable while contributing constructively to society.
The engagement ended with a commitment by both sides to strengthen cooperation and promote peace, responsible business practices and development in Eket.
