Onofiok Luke, Gospilo Etim, Princess Abigail, Uko Ufford others join Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio

Akpawara Onofiok Luke (M)

Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio recently inducted new members into the club of high and mighty. Among those who gladly joined the organization are Gospilo Etim, Princess Abigail Asuquo, Uko Ufford, Onofiok Luke and many others.

Akparawa Gospilo Etim (1st right), Princess Abigail Asuqwo (middle) and others

Akparawa Uko Ufford

Onofiok Luke: Onofiok Akpan Luke is a lawyer and legislator in Akwa Ibom, one of Nigeria's oil-rich states. He was born on March 16, 1978.

Onofiok graduated in 2005 from the University of Uyo, Nigeria with an LL.B. In 2009, he underwent further studies at the Nigerian Law School where he obtained the qualification to become a Barrister at Law in Nigeria in 2010.

The 38-year-old lawmaker had a humble upbringing by Christian parents who both worked in Nigeria's Civil Service. Many give his mother, Deaconess Lawrencia Luke, the credit for Onofiok's moral high ground.

After a 3-year engagement with Governor Godswill Akpabio as Personal Assistant, Onofiok was nominated to the Nigerian Youth Parliament where he was later elected as the pioneer Speaker of the 109-member Parliament, a non-stipendiary institution put together by then President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua to help generate inputs from elite Nigerian youths into the country's mainstream governance.

In 2011, Onofiok won sufficient votes at the primaries of the People's Democratic Party (Nigeria) to run in that year's general election for a seat to represent Nsit Ubium state constituency in the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly. He was elected on December 21, 2015 as the 11th Speaker of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly.

Onofiok is still seen as a rights activist although in recent years, he has played less activist roles as he becomes more deeply involved in leadership at both national and state levels.

His activism gained national prominence when he served as President of the Student Union Government of the University of Uyo. Onofiok led a mass student protest against the university management which had increased school fees and other sundry charges for students of the institution without justification. Onofiok, like many other students he led at the time, believed that being a government-funded institution, the arbitrary increase in fees by the University of Uyo was callous and uncalled for. Other displeased students from across Nigeria who were in solidarity with Onofiok and the University of Uyo students joined the protest.

Following the peaceful protest he led, one still seen as a rare bravery, the university management rusticated Onofiok Luke for two years. But after having been found clean of every allegation by the school, Onofiok was recalled later to complete his studies for a degree in Law.

Onofiok's boldness, erudition, and principles have earned him the respect of many of Nigeria's youths. He is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School Executive Education programme and an Honorary Texan.

Luke, in 2011, became an Associate Fellow of the Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI), an international non-profit platform for credible, accomplished and uniquely patriotic Nigerians. He is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Princess Abigail Asuquo is a banker, a very hard working, a lady who love to empower every single Akwa Ibomite that crosses her path, male and female alike. Presently, she is the treasurer of Akwa Ibom State Community, Youth Wing in Lagos (AKISCOM Youth Wing). Joining Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio is another greater height she has attended. She has great potentials and good leadership quality, it won’t be a surprise if she becomes the governor of Akwa Ibom State one day.

Gospilo Etim, this handsome and intelligent man is from Nsit Atai. He is indeed a man of the people, and a great philanthropist. He has been of help to Akwa Ibom indigenes both in and outside state.

Joining the big man club is a great opportunity  and a bigger platform for him to touch many lives. Gospilo is a great man of God.

Uko Ufford: This is a true Akwa Ibom son, based in Italy, this man in an embodiment of intelligent, wisdom, love and humanitarian spirit. He has succeeded in bringing Akwa Ibom indigenes in diaspora together under one umbrella. He is a great leader. He is a great promoter of Akwa Ibom culture, tradition and our good heritage abroad. Well done brother for the good work.

IBOMCELEBS wishes all of you well in your new attainment.