The duo of reverred Prince KJay Jedy-Agba popularly refered as “Distinguished” by his associates, and Comrade Godwin Nyiam, were yesterday 7th September 2024, honored and conferred with Chieftaincy titles, USHI’ INUNG 1 of Bekwarra, and USHI KPERE 1 by the Bekwarra Traditional Rulers Council.
Their nomination, selection and conferment of the titles on them was largely due to their commitment to the ideals of the society at large.
Speaking during the conferment of the Chieftaincy titles, the Paramount Ruler and Chairman of Bekwarra Traditional Rulers Council, HRM, Ushie Ebeshe’ka Akpa, noted that the council refused to politicize the selection process and instead, insisted on the best and those deserving of the titles be given.
He averred that “We have painstakingly selected only the two of you for these titles. This recognition is a call for you to come to assist us develop Bekwarra nation. From today, you are now part of us. We will sit together, discuss as a family and find lasting solutions to the challenges that face us.
“We are not giving you these titles to put in your boxes or your libraries. You must be up and doing and ensure that Bekwarra nation benefit from your wealth of experience and contacts that necessitated your selection.
“Prince K J Jedy-Agba, I know you are fully aware of your responsibility as a member of the traditional ruler’s council, having been a revered prince and son of the immediate past Paramount Ruler of Obudu.
Responding, Prince K J Jedy-Agba, USHI’ INUNG 1 of Bekwarra, thanked the council for having honored him with such a great tittle, and he remarked “when the committee visited me in Abuja and informed me that the paramount ruler, has a message for me, I couldn’t have opted out because, being the son of the late Obudu Paramount Ruler, I cannot refuse anything demanded of me by the paramount ruler, provided that it is within my powers to do.
“Today, I have come to acknowledge my second father who is the paramount ruler of Bekwarra. I want to assure you all that I will do my best to ensure that I serve in the capacity for which you have honored me with this tittle. And, I will continue to do good as the title of my recognition entails”.
The conferment of the titles was part of the activities to mark the 2024 Bekwarra New Yam festival known as Ipem Ihihe 2024
Dignitaries at the occasion were, the Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, represented by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Peter Odey, Hon. Legor Idagbo Esq, former member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Deputy Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly and member representing Obudu State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi Jr, Member representing Boki ii State Constituency, Hon.Hillary Bisong, Mr Mike Odere, Cross River State Commissioner for Finance, Rev Father Nicodemus Aji, Mr Esidene Akpo, Mr Tony Ulayi, Hon Rose Abua, among many other personalities.