By Iyoho Emmanuel
ABUJA— The Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja has inaugurated a new 13-member Executive Council for its Mpape Branch, with a call on members to remain united and committed to the growth of the community.
The inauguration took place at the Antho Padua Event Centre, Mpape, and featured the induction of patrons, the launch of a N5 million community chairs and rental items project, and presentation of awards to deserving members and other outstanding members of the public who have contributed immensely to community development and human empowerment.
Representing the president of Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja, Mkpisong Gabriel Fan, the secretary -general of the community, Comrade Christopher Udoh, said the event was successful and colourful.
He noted that dignitaries from the trustees, patrons, women’s wing and youth wing of the community were in attendance.
Udoh, delivering the president’s message, urged the new executive and members of Mpape Branch to sustain the good work of the outgoing executive.
He said the progress of every branch determines the overall progress of Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja.
“The success of every branch is the success of the community as a whole. I urge you to remain united, uphold the ideals and objectives of Akwa Ibom Community, and continue to implement our agenda. Stand firm in your branch and work together for the progress of our people,” he said.
He described the outgoing and incoming chairmen of Mpape Branch as models of community development, adding that the president was pleased with the turnout and organization of the event.
In his inaugural address, the newly sworn-in chairman of Mpape Branch, Mr. David Umoren, appreciated members for the confidence reposed in the new executive. He pledged to lead with dedication, transparency, fairness and integrity.
Umoren said his administration would focus on three key priorities: completion of the community meeting hall, business investment for community development, and training and empowerment of members.
He also acknowledged past leaders and the immediate past chairman, Hon. Ekerette Nathan, for building the community meeting hall and laying a solid foundation for the branch.
In his valedictory speech, Hon. Nathan thanked members for their support during his four-year tenure.
He listed his achievements to include; acquisition of land for the community, construction of the Akwa Ibom Community Hall, award of scholarships to 18 indigent students from Senior Secondary Schools(SS1) to Senior Secondary School (SS3), periodic support to women, training and empowerment for 28 members, facilitation of employment for four members in the civil and public service, and employment for 16 others in the private sector.
Nathan pledged his total support to the new executive and prayed that the priorities started by his administration would be sustained.
Dignitaries at the event also charged the new leadership to prioritize unity, performance, and peaceful collaboration.
The special guest of honour, Comrade Tommy Okon, coordinator of the Arise with Renewed Hope Initiative, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the group’s International President, Mr . Uwem Okoko, an engineer .
He said the body was mobilizing support for the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for a second term.
Okon urged Mpape residents who have their PVC to remain politically active, noting that Akwa Ibom people in the FCT cannot be politically relevant in isolation.
He commended Nathan for making a mark during the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election in Mpape, saying he had written his name in the political history of Nigeria.
He tasked the new executive to perform even better than the outgoing council and cautioned patrons, life patrons, and the chairman to respect their roles.
“The future of patrons is advisory. They should not take over the duties of the chairman. Likewise, the chairman should work peacefully with the patrons to promote the right atmosphere for peace and progress,” he said.
Also speaking, the chairman on the occasion, Pastor Okokon Etoabasi, described community service as service to God.
He warned members against the “Pull Him Down, PHD, syndrome,” recounting how he was once a victim but was delivered and later promoted to the position of director in the Federal Civil Service.
“I urge you to embrace love and unity for the progress of our people and community. I also encourage those who contested and won, and even those who lost, to come together and work for the betterment of the community. There is always another time to contest,” Okon noted.
In his appreciation, the chairman of the planning committee, Deacon Nkereuwem Okon, thanked God for strength and wisdom throughout the planning period and for the success of the event. He appreciated the president of Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja, the chairman on the occasion, special guest of honour, invited guests, award recipients, patrons, and members who contributed in cash and kind to make the ceremony a success.
Other members of the new executive include; Ulap Marshal Duoku, vice chairman; Deacon Fineworld, Secretary; Elder Daniel Asuquo, assistant secretary; Amos Etim, treasurer; Effiong Willie, financial secretary; Blessings Obot, welfare officer; Samuel Moses, director of socials; Ekpeno John, public relations officer; Elijah Ebong, assistant public relations officer; Paulicap Sylvester, provost marshal; Mrs. Patience Etotok, women leader; and Nsima Nelson, youth leader.
The event also featured the induction of patrons and fundraising for the N5 million community chairs and rental items project.