by EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION: THE ROLE OF UKALU SONS AND DAUGHTERS IN HIGH PLACES
A keynote speech presented at the 2024, Ukpe, Alege and Ubang (UKALU)
Day Celebration On Saturday December 28, 2024
By.
COMRADE ANIASHIE AKPANKE PhD
Language Unit, Department of General Studies Education,
Federal College of Education, Obudu
INTRODUCTION
It is with immense gratitude and a deep sense of honour that I stand before you today as guest speaker for the cherished 2024 Ukalu Day celebration. The invitation to be part of this important event came at a time when I was already committed to several engagements scheduled for the same period. However, my profound respect and admiration for Ukalu inspired me to shelve some of my earlier plans in order to honour this invitation. This decision is not only a reflection of my regard for this esteemed community but also an acknowledgment of the critical importance of today’s theme.
Ukalu undoubtedly holds a special place in my heart, not just as a neighbouring community to my own, but as a hub of rich cultural heritage, unity, and resilience. Though I hail from Bendi in Obanliku, a neighboring Local Government Area to Obudu, I feel a deep connection to your community. Our histories, challenges, and aspirations intertwine as we share cultural and geographical bonds. It is in this spirit of solidarity and mutual progress that I hereby humbly offer my thoughts bald as they may appear, on this important topic. Over the years, I have been privileged to develop cherished friendships with people from Ukpe, Alege, and Ubang—the vibrant communities that together form the soul of Ukalu. These connections have deepened my understanding and appreciation of the values that make Ukalu truly exceptional.
The topic of my speech, “Effective Representation: The Role of Ukalu Sons and Daughters in High Places,” resonates deeply with me. It speaks to a subject that is both timely and timeless—the responsibility of leadership and the critical impact of representation in shaping the future of a community. As we delve into this discourse, I hope to not only share my thoughts but also inspire meaningful dialogue on how we can collectively chart a path toward a more prosperous and united Ukalu. Let us use this auspicious occasion to write a new chapter of history for Ukalu, one defined by purpose, vision, and action. I am convinced that in an auspicious occasion such as this, we owe ourselves nothing but the truth, in strict conformity with the scriptural injunction in St. John’s Gospel 8:32, which admonishes that “And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free”.
MY PERCEPTION OF UKALU
With a deep sense of modesty, may I declare that I am here like one of the legendary six blind men who went to see the elephant. Each of them presented a different account of the nature of the animal, which was correct to a reasonable degree. So, I may be wrong, I may be right. Howbeit, kindly hold me excused if my view of Ukalu is contrary to your own.
My perception of Ukalu is therefore that it is a community of Promise and Potential. The only option opened to us as a people is to harness our potential in order to appropriate our promise. Indeed, Ukalu is a unique community synonymous with resilience, unity, and ambition. From your lush landscapes to the dynamic energy of your people, Ukalu represents a beacon of hope and potential. Historically, you have been known for your industriousness, rich cultural heritage, and communal solidarity. Ukalu has been the food basket of our time. As we navigate the complexities of the modern era, we must boldly ask ourselves whether we are maximizing the opportunities available to us.
To the glory of God, your sons and daughters have risen to prominent positions in government, business, academia, and other fields. This is a testament to the talents and values nurtured within this community. However, with great privilege comes great responsibility. The assertion is a profound truth that resonates across cultures, histories, and generations. It encapsulates the idea that positions of privilege, influence, and authority are not merely opportunities for personal gain or comfort; they are calls to service, duty, and accountability. For Ukalu sons and daughters in high places, this statement should be seen as both a challenge and a guidepost. To drive home the point succinctly, there is need to make a few comments on privilege and responsibility.
UNDERSTANDING PRIVILEGES
Privilege refers to the access to opportunities, resources, and platforms that many do not have. For those in high places—whether in government, business, academia, or any other field—privilege often comes in the form of power, influence, and the ability to make decisions that affect the lives of others. To be privileged is to be entrusted with a unique position that allows you to shape the present and future.
For Ukalu sons and daughters, this privilege is a reflection of the community’s collective hopes and dreams. Your achievements bring pride to your people, but they also place upon you the weight of expectation. It is a privilege that should inspire gratitude, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good.
RESPONSIBILITY: THE HEART OF PRIVILEGE
Responsibility is the counterpart of privilege—it is the moral and ethical obligation to use your position to make a difference. With privilege comes the expectation that you will:
i. Serve Selflessly: Use your influence to uplift your community, create opportunities, and address challenges. Your success should not isolate you from your roots; instead, it should empower you to serve them.
ii. Act with Integrity: Responsibility demands honesty, fairness, and the courage to make decisions that align with justice, even when they are difficult.
iii. Inspire Others: As a beacon of hope and achievement, you have a responsibility to mentor and motivate the next generation, showing them that success is possible with hard work and dedication.
iv. Be Accountable: Recognize that your actions—or inactions—affect more than just yourself. Your choices reflect on the entire community and its values.
THE MEANING OF EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION
Effective representation is not simply about occupying a position of power or influence. It requires a deeper commitment to:
i. Visionary Leadership: Developing and executing a clear vision for the betterment of the community.
ii. Advocacy for Collective Interests: Standing boldly to champion the needs of Ukalu with integrity and urgency.
iii. Accountability: Ensuring that decisions and actions taken in high places positively impact the grassroots.
iv. Mentorship and Empowerment: Actively nurturing the next generation to prepare them for leadership roles.
v. Collaboration: Recognizing that no individual achieves greatness in isolation. Building networks and alliances is essential for sustained progress.
CHALLENGES FACING EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION
Despite the commendable achievements of many Ukalu sons and daughters, there are challenges that hinder the full realization of effective representation:
i. Disconnect from the Grassroots: A significant challenge is the tendency for those in high places to lose touch with the community’s everyday struggles and aspirations. Even communal norms and values have been discarded while morals have either paled into insignificance or jettisoned.
ii. Internal Divisions: Unity within the community is paramount. Divisions weaken your collective voice and reduce the effectiveness of advocacy efforts.
Short-term Focus: Representation often becomes an avenue for personal gain rather than a platform for long-term community development.
iii. Lack of Preparedness: Leadership is not accidental; it requires deliberate preparation and skill-building.
iv. Immorality: Some people use their privileged positions to promote immorality and crime.
THE ROLE OF UKALU SONS AND DAUGHTERS IN HIGH PLACES
I beseech all Ukalu sons and daughters in high places to understand that your positions of influence are not yours alone—they belong to the collective aspirations of your people. Whether you are a leader in politics, a professional in the corporate world, or an academic at the pinnacle of your field, your success carries the weight of responsibility to represent your community with excellence and to give back meaningfully.
In practical terms, this could mean advocating for development projects in Ukalu, providing scholarships for promising students, mentoring young talents, or simply being a voice that champions the interests and welfare of the community. It also means fostering unity among Ukalu people, ensuring that divisions and discord do not hinder collective progress. To overcome the challenges highlighted above, I propose a framework for effective representation centered on commitment, competence, and community engagement.
i. Be Advocates for Development: Those in high places must lobby for infrastructure, education, and health projects that directly benefit Ukalu. They must use their influence to attract investments and initiate impactful programs.
ii. Prioritize Education and Capacity Building: Education is the foundation of societal progress. Your representatives should champion initiatives such as scholarships, mentorship programs, and the establishment of modern educational facilities.
Promote Economic Empowerment: Job creation, skill acquisition programs, and access to financial resources should be key priorities. Economic empowerment is essential to reducing poverty and ensuring community prosperity.
iii. Foster Community Engagement: Effective representation requires regular interaction with the community. Platforms like town hall meetings and community forums provide opportunities to hear from the people and address their concerns.
iv. Model of Integrity and Service: Leadership is about setting an example. Representatives must demonstrate integrity, transparency, and a commitment to selfless service.
A CALL TO ACTION FOR ALL UKALU SONS AND DAUGHTERS
Effective representation is not the responsibility of a few but a shared obligation of all. While those in high places have unique opportunities, every son and daughter of Ukalu has a role to play in building a prosperous and united community.
To the Elders: Your wisdom is a treasure. Guide and counsel the younger generation to ensure they remain anchored in the values that have defined Ukalu for generations.
To the Youth: You are the torchbearers and trustees of tomorrow. Equip yourselves with the knowledge, skills, and character required to lead effectively.
To the Women: Your contributions to the family and community are invaluable. Let your voices and perspectives enrich the leadership process. Women form the greatest percentage of voters in every community.
To politicians: It is regrettable that in recent times, politics has become an unbearably volatile venture, to the extent that some people have even adopted the inglorious indulgence of hiring dastardly fellows to kill political opponents in broad day light. Some people even parade themselves as toughies along streets hanging guns like neckless. This is shameful and ridiculous. It may be intended to pave the way for some people to continue to impose themselves on the polity, even when rejection stares them in the face, because they may have squandered the glory of their past opportunity. I sincerely appeal that such a dangerous trend should never be allowed to gain a foothold in Ukalu land. Let us sustain the glorious culture that has been the hallmark of our existence, in which the people we offer the golden privilege to represent us in all high places, emanate from a process that is endorsed by the majority of our people, without intimidation and manipulation. This, is to me, the gateway to ensuring that those with leadership position shall be conscious of their accountability to the generality of the people.
CONCLUSION
Effective representation is a means to an end. In our circumstance, our end is to achieve an Ukalu that thrives in unity, development, and progress. Let us, therefore, support our representatives while holding them accountable. Let us foster a culture of excellence and shared responsibility.
To the Ukalu sons and daughters in high places, I challenge you to rise to the occasion. Your community’s hopes and aspirations rest on your shoulders. Use your positions to leave a legacy of impact and progress. Ultimately, the true measure of privilege is not how much you personally acquire but how much you give back to the community, for which you are an ambassador. When your time in high places comes to an end, your legacy will not be judged by the titles you held or the wealth you amassed but by the impact you made, the lives you touched, and the progress you inspired.
To all Ukalu sons and daughters in high places, note that; you carry the torch of this great community. May you bear it with dignity, honour, and a deep commitment to the responsibility that comes with your privilege. Together, let us ensure that your influence becomes a force for transformation, progress, and unity in Ukalu and beyond.
Before I go, permit me at this juncture to refer us to the poet Joe Ushie, who aptly captures it thus in his evergreen poem titled “Popular Stand”:
If we harness our faint voices into a shout
If we join those faint fists into a punch
If we collect these tear trickles into a pool
Our cry the gods will echo
Our echoes will shake that hill
Our might will crush that clown
Our bid will daze the leopard
Our flood will cleanse the land
Our fate lies, here, in our faith
Here at this oven-hot popular stand, not
THERE..
He further notes, and we should also note that:
We came here as to a market place
And arrived at different times
And, as from the market place,
We leave at different times;
But at the end of the day
We all must leave
Whether we sold at a profit or loss
It is my fervent prayer that this generation of Ukalu sons and daughters, should be remembered for selling at a profit and not loss.
Let me end this brief speech by wishing you a very successful and remarkable celebration. My fervent prayer is also that our good God should continue to protect, shield and direct all Ukalu sons and daughters in high places as they serve Him, community, state, nation and humanity with passion and commitment. May He, the source of all wisdom, authority and power, through His unfailing mercy and compassion, grant us the grace to love and stand for one another as Jesus Christ commands us to do. I wish us a happy and prosperous new year.
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this paper is strictly that of the author, Mr Aniashie Akpanke, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.
