Mkpang Ankot (2nd left) with wife and friends showcasing his Certificate of Recognition.
By Ita Akpan, Calabar
Calabar: – In a historic ceremony at the Efe-Asabo (Ekpe Shrine), Ekotetongo on Saturday, 2nd August 2025, His Royal Highness (HRH) Etubom Cohbom Mkpang Boco, President of the Cohbom Town Council, proclaimed the selection of Mkpang Ankot Boco as the new youth leader of the area.
According to the Royal father, the decision to appoint a new leader was prompted by the ill-health of the former youth head, Esien Ita Akabom Ndiyo, who, despite still being alive, is no longer able to discharge his duties effectively.
The community leadership unanimously deemed it necessary to entrust the future of the youth to someone capable, energetic, and widely respected, and accepted by his people.
The event took place in Old Calabar, popularly known as Bayside in Cohbom Town, Calabar South, Calabar the Cross River State capital.
Speaking further, Etubom Boco stressed the essence of youth leadership in maintaining peace and development in the area.
“We at Cohbom find Mkpang Ankot Boco worthy to lead the youths of Old-Calabar, Cohbom Town, otherwise known as Ekotetongo (Bayside). Though the former youth leader is still alive, his health no longer allows him to perform his duties. That is why we deemed it necessary today to appoint another capable youth leader,” the royal father said.
“He will lead the young men and women of this area to ensure there is relative peace, harmony, and peaceful coexistence. His wife can join hands with him in her capacity, but we have a known women leader. We expect him to do his job diligently, without fear or favour,” he added.
The installation event attracted traditional rulers, youth groups, women groups, and elders from all three clans that make up the Ekotetongo area: Upper Cohbom, Lower Cohbom, and Ekpo Abasi Royal House.
Also lending his voice, Etinyin Bassey Ekpo Bassey, an adviser to Etubom Eyo Abasi Ekpo of the Ekpo Abasi House, outlined the expectations of the community’s leadership from the new youth head.
“Our expectation is simple. We expect him to behave well and to coordinate all youth-related activities in the area,” Hon. Bassey said.
“The former youth leader handled the office very well, and that’s why we advised the new one to behave accordingly. The previous leader did not disappoint us, and we do not expect him to disappoint us either. You cannot do without the youths; they are the pillars of this community. We brought one of them, our son, to help his fellow youth.
“He is in charge now; whatever concerns the youths, he will be the one we contact.”
A teacher in the area who is also a member of the Ekotetongo family, Prince Mkpang Mkpang Ene-Ita, an indigene of Upper Cohbom Town Clan, also spoke glowingly about the unity and consensus that led to the appointment.
“In Ekotetongko, we have three major houses: Upper Cohbom Town, Lower Cohbom Town, and Ekpo Abasi Royal House. The leaders of these houses, the Etuboms, were all present today,” Prince Ene-Ita noted.
“The immediate past youth leader, Etubom Mkparawa Esien Ita Akabom Ndiyo, though still alive, is too sick to perform his duties. He chose Ankot Mkpang Boco to succeed him. The youths and elders are all happy. Our royal father, HRH Etubom Cohbom Mkpang, has advised him not to bring disgrace to the community but to show good character and lead with discipline.”
Among the most heartfelt remarks came from the newly appointed youth leader’s wife, Mrs. Nko Mkpang Ankot Boco, who pledged her support to the task ahead.
“Today is the happiest day for my husband, our entire family, and the community at large for finding us worthy of this honour,” she said.
“I pledge to stand by my husband to ensure our youths are cared for and kept in peace at all times. I call on all our young men and women to cooperate and support us in this journey.”
In his inaugural address, the newly appointed Youth Leader, expressed deep gratitude and outlined his vision for inclusive and transformational leadership.
The new Youth Leader with the Traditional leaders of the three Clans.
“You have seen the crowd behind this decision; it reflects the responsibility placed on my shoulders,” Boco said. “Our leaders have made it clear what they expect of me, and I fully accept the challenge.”
“I promise to carry along every youth, the widows, and even the vulnerable children who have dropped out of school. We will find ways to support them. There are areas our former youth leader could not cover. My mission is to continue from where he stopped and go further.”
Boco enumerated the importance of justice and equity in dealing with youth-related matters, saying his task ahead is to ensure equal sharing opportunities.
“One of the major causes of rancour among youths is inequality in sharing opportunities of whatever comes in. I plan to do things differently. Whenever anything is received for the youths, it must be shared equally so everyone feels a sense of belonging,” he said.
“When people say ‘the youths of Bayside are misbehaving,’ I will respond with wisdom and calm, ensuring issues are resolved peacefully. Peace will be my guiding principle. My wife will particularly handle sensitive matters affecting young women, and together, we will make this a success.”
Boco concluded his speech by appealing for unity and cooperation.
“I appeal to our youths to support this noble course. I thank our leaders and the entire Ekotetongo community for finding us worthy of this noble task. I pledge that I will not disappoint.”
More members of the Ekotetongo community have thrown their weight behind the newly appointed youth leader, urging him to lead with integrity and promote peace across the area.
Speaking during the occasion, Chief Eyo Eyo Ene maintained that Ekotetongo comprises three clans, Upper Cohbom, Lower Cohbom Town, and Ekpo Abasi, adding that the new youth leader has the mandate to represent all three.
“We have accepted him to lead us. He must show leadership and carry all youths along,” Chief Ene said.
Speaking further, Mrs. Dorathy Otu Boco, who spoke on behalf of the women, stated, “We, the women, accept him wholeheartedly. Bayside is known as a troubled zone in Calabar. As mothers, we want him to ensure peace, prevent criminality, and create an environment where we can sleep with our eyes closed.”
The event included the clan leadership jointly presenting a certificate of recognition to the youth leader, followed by a ceremonial tour across the Clan to formally introduce the new youth leader to the people. The celebration culminated in vibrant traditional dances.
Meanwhile, at the time of filing this report, it was confirmed that the former youth leader, Etubom Esien Ita Akabom Ndiyo, passed away approximately 39 hours ago.
An indigene of the community, Chief Ene Okon commented on his passing saying,
“His death marks the end of an era following many years of dedicated and selfless service to the Ekotetongo community. His contributions to youth development and community unity were widely acknowledged, and his passing has left a deep void among residents”
The community expressed hope for a peaceful and united future.
