The Akwa Ibom-born reggae maestro, Victor Eshiet of “The Mandators” musical fame has been conferred with the traditional title of “Mkpisong Ibibio” by the President-General of Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Council and Oku – Ibom Ibibio IV, His Eminence Ntennyin Solomon Daniel Etuk.

The conferment of the title on the United States-based Ambassador Victor Essiet took place at the OkuI – Ibom Ibibio palace at Ikot Ukobo in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State at the weekend.

Essiet, popularly known as “The Mandators”, while kneeling before the Patriarch of the Ibibio people worldwide, stated that he needed to pay homage to the king because of the significance of his stool and the impacts he has created in the State since his enthronement.

According to him, when he was about leaving for America in the 90s, he was instructed to seek blessings and protection from the land (and forebears) which he did, and it worked for him; hence he had to return to thank the land of his birth for showering him with blessings.

The Mandators acknowledged OkuI — Ibom Ibibio as the representative of Ibibio gods and ancestors, and thanked him for maintaining peace in Akwa Ibom State, and prayed God to bless the Ibibio Patriarch with long life and wisdom.

Conferring the title on him, Ntennyin Solomon Daniel Etuk commended Essiet for his wisdom, and proclaimed him as the Mkpisong Ibibio.

Ntennyin further stated that, an elaborate ceremony would be organized soon to honour Mkpisong Victor Essiet, and prayed for God’s blessings on him and members of his entourage.

Our Correspondent reports that, the International Platinum Music Award Winner had recently been awarded the Peace Ambassador by the United Nations in Abuja, and had also received International Icon of Reggae Music Award last Sunday at Ibom Hall, Uyo by MR and MISS Nigeria International.

Addressing the press on the sideline of his engagement with the royal father, The Mandators said, he was surprised at the show of love and honour done him by the apex traditional rulers’ institution in the State.

“I am shocked and I didn’t envisaged this to happen to me. I only came to honour our father, but he honours me even more. The OkuIbom Ibibio has shown me love and honour. I don’t take it for granted, I treasure it because it means a lot to me. It means my people value me and my contributions to humanity”. His words.(Saturday Tribune)