By: Theresa Donatus, Uyo.
The Executive Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, Hon. (Dcns.) Glory Ekah Effiong, was on Monday bestowed with the prestigious International Peace Medal Award and formally recognized as a Global Peace Diplomat by the International Organization of United Nations Peace Volunteers.
The honour, conferred during a high-profile ceremony marking the International Day for Living Together in Peace, celebrated Effiong’s leadership in promoting unity, healing, and sustainable development in the Ibeno LGA, which has long faced socio-economic and environmental challenges.
In a deeply moving acceptance speech delivered to a hall filled with dignitaries, diplomatic envoys, traditional rulers, and development partners, Mrs. Effiong expressed profound gratitude, dedicating the award to the resilient people of Ibeno.
“This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to the men and women of Ibeno who have risen above hardship and embraced unity… who dared to believe that reconciliation is possible,” she said.
Effiong highlighted the progress made under her administration, pointing to infrastructural development, restored trust, and a rekindled sense of community as evidence of transformative governance anchored on peace and inclusivity.
She also paid tribute to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, commending his ARISE Agenda for providing a peaceful and progressive framework that enabled her achievements. “I remain grateful for his exemplary model of compassionate and people-oriented leadership,” she noted.
Calling on global leaders to embrace empathy and reject divisive politics, Effiong stated, “Peace must never be passive… Leadership must not be measured only by the positions we occupy, but by the lives we touch, the bridges we build, and the hope we restore.”
The award marks a significant milestone for Ibeno LGA and reinforces its growing role in the narrative of peace-building in the Niger Delta region.
The event concluded with loud applause as the crowd rose to honour Mrs. Effiong, whose closing words: “Ibeno Arise! Let God Be Glorified!” captured the pride and hope of a people charting a new course in unity and dignity.
