08/04/2026
๐๐ฟ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐บ๐๐ฒ๐น ๐จ๐ฑ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐ธ ๐ฆ๐ถ๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐, ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ณ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฟ๐บ๐ ๐๐ธ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐๐ด๐ต๐๐ฒ๐ฟ'๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป.
By Assam Abia.
The President General of Ekid Peopleโs Union (EPU), Dr. Samuel Udonsak, has used the dedication of his granddaughter to firmly reaffirm his deep-rooted connection to Eket, countering claims that he resides permanently outside Akwa Ibom State.
The dedication service of Little Miss Zayelle Uwana-abasi Udonsak held at Qua Iboe Church, Afaha Eket, on April 5, 2026, turned into a powerful statement of identity, family values, and unwavering attachment to home.
Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Udonsak dismissed insinuations about his place of residence, clarifying that he spends about 85 percent of his time in Akwa Ibom State, despite owning a private hospital in Rivers State. He emphasized that Eket remains his only true home.
To further underscore this point, the EPU President noted that the choice of Qua Iboe Church, Afaha Eket, for the dedication of his first grandchild was deliberate and symbolic.
โI insisted that my first grandchild would be dedicated here because I have a sentimental attachment to this church,โ he said.
He recalled the role the church played during the burial of his father, who was interred within the church premises, stressing that the bond remains unbroken.
โThere are certain things I canโt do because my father is buried here,โ he added, noting that his personal values and integrity are closely tied to his roots.
The event was marked by an outpouring of goodwill as Dr. Udonsak celebrated his son, Mr. Joseph Udonsak, and his wife, praising their humility and peaceful disposition, which he said reflect the joy of fulfilled parenthood and grandparenthood.
The well-attended service drew prominent personalities from across Akwa Ibom State, including the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong; the Executive Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Mkpisong Akan Tommey; Senator representing Eket Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson; Member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency, Hon. Engr. Friday Udobia Udo; and the Paramount Ruler of Eket, HRM Edidem E. C. D. Abia.
Others in attendance were the Secretary General of Ekid Peopleโs Union, Barr. Bassey Dan Abia; Prof. Etie Ben Akpan; Barr. Inam Wilson, SAN; President of Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja, Barr. Gabriel Fan; alongside several stakeholders, professionals, and community leaders.
Traditional rulers, members of Mbong Mbaba Ekid, sociocultural groups, and medical practitioners also graced the occasion, reflecting the significance of the event.
The celebration later moved to Eket City Hall on Uqua Road, where a grand reception was held in honour of the child, drawing dignitaries from across the state.
Beyond a family celebration, the event served as a strong personal and cultural statement by Dr. Udonsak, one that reinforces his enduring bond with Eket and dispels doubts about where he truly belongs.