In a significant event marked by deep cultural pride and communal joy, the Palace of the Obol Lopon of Ugep played host to a historic gathering yesterday 20th December 2025, the occasion was the formal royal reception and blessing of two distinguished sons of Ugep, Mr. Okoi Effiom Asuquo and Barrister Okoi Obeten, recently appointed as Bursar Designate and Registrar Designate, respectively, of the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep.
The ceremony emphasize the profound connection between traditional institution, community aspiration and modern administrative excellence.
Following a formal invitation from the Palace, the two appointees, accompanied by a jubilant entourage of family members, well-wishers and community leaders, arrived at the royal precincts from Calabar. Their arrival was met with traditional pomp and warmth befitting their new status as principal officers of a federal institution.
His Royal Majesty, the Obol Lopon, personally received Mr. Asuquo and Barrister Obeten in the royal court, in his opening remarks, the Paramount Ruler expressed immense pleasure at their safe arrival and the honour their appointments bestowed upon the entire Ugep nation and Yakurr Local Government Area.
The Obol Lopon, in an elaborate and heartfelt address, commenced by extending his profound congratulations to the appointees on their meritorious selections, he described them as “illustrious sons” whose professional accomplishments and personal integrity had rightly propelled them to these high offices.
His Majesty took a moment to express sincere gratitude to the Governing Council and Management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, he commended their wisdom and discernment in finding competent individuals from the host community worthy of such strategic and prestigious appointments, he noted that this decision not only recognized individual merit but also fostered a vital sense of ownership and partnership between the institution and its host community.
Looking to the future, the Obol Lopon articulated a visionary charge, he expressed confidence that with two of its own in key administrative positions, the Bursar overseeing financial integrity and the Registrar managing administrative records the Federal Polytechnic Ugep, was poised for transformative success. He declared his certainty that the institution would rapidly ascend to become a centre of excellence, where students will be like their counterparts in other leading institutions across Nigeria and beyond, receiving quality education in a conducive environment.
In a deeply symbolic and solemn segment of the ceremony, the Obol Lopon, in his role as the chief custodian of the people’s customs and spiritual heritage, led the two designates and the assembly to the sacred Umor Otutu ancestral stones, at this hallowed ground, His Majesty performed traditional rites, communicating with the gods and ancestors of the Ugep people, he fervently invoked divine protection over the lives of Mr. Asuquo and Barrister Obeten. More specifically, he prayed for ancestral guidance to direct their thoughts, actions and leadership.
In a gracious response, Mr. Okoi Effiom Asuquo, the Bursar Designate, spoke on behalf of himself and his colleague, he began by profoundly appreciating the Obol Lopon for the swift and noble summons to the Palace, interpreting it not just as an honour but as a sacred mandate from the throne and the people, he extended heartfelt thanks to all who accompanied them, emphasize the strength derived from communal support. Mr. Okoi Asuquo also reiterated gratitude to the Governing Council and the existing principal officers of the Polytechnic for the trust reposed in them.
Looking ahead, he struck a note of determined optimism, he assured the monarch and the community that he and Barrister Okoi Obeten, the Registrar Designate, would do their utmost best, He pledged a collaborative spirit, promising to work harmoniously with other principal officers to build a solid institutional foundation.
Their shared goal, he stated, is to establish a “proper standing” for the Polytechnic a reputation for academic rigour, administrative efficiency and global competitiveness that would attract students from across Nigeria and the world.
Ayei Ettah—- Media Aide To Obol Okoi Obono-Obla