By Peter Ejiofor
London, Dec. 13, 2024 – The people of Akwa Ibom in South Africa under the aegis of Akwa Ibom Indigenes Organisation South Africa (AIIOSA) have pledged their support to Gov. Umo Bassey Eno’s administration.
They said the support was due to the governor’s drive for strong economic and rural development, women and youth empowerment.
The Akwa Ibom indigenes made the pledge while inaugurating a new Executive Committee (Exco) to run its affairs in the coming years and ending this year with a funfair.
The committee, led by Dr Akaninyene Friday Willie as National President, was elected on Nov. 10, 2024.
According to a statement by Mr Victor Nkang, the AIIOSA National Public Relations Officer, the committee was inaugurated on Dec. 7, at their End of Year Celebration/Award Ceremony at DaVinci Hotel, Mandela Square, Sandton, Johannesburg.
In his inaugural speech, Willie said: “The Excellent vision of our Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno’s The Arise Agenda, is a welcome development for AIIOSA.
“Business development is on the way to promote strong economic partnerships within and outside the state, rural development, women and youth empowerment.
“We pledged our support to participate in the economic development of our state and Nigeria at large.
“We, in South Africa, want to experience the impact of good governance as part of the responsibility of the government,’’ Willie said in the statement.
The end of year celebration afforded the Akwaibomites in the Diaspora, the opportunity to reaffirm the unity, peace and harmony among them and promote their cultural heritage and relationships.
It also afforded them the opportunity to have a cursory look at History of Akwa Ibom State which was read by Hon. Kingsley Ibokette the Ex-President of the AIIOSA.
The other members of the new committee are Mr Paul Usen (National Vice-President), Mrs Saloshini P. Naidoo (National General Secretary), Mr Ekerette Tim Umoh (National Financial Secretary), Mr Reuben Inyang (Assistant National Financial Secretary) and Mr Ntakobong Udoidiong (National Treasurer).
The rest are Mr Felix Edet Okon (National Provost), Mr Ability Tom (Assistant National Provost), Mr Victor Nkang (National Public Relations Officer), Apostle Sunny Usoro (Assistant National Public Relations Officer) Mrs Blessing Jimmy (National Welfare), Mrs Esther Ntakobong Udoidiong (Assistant National Welfare), Mr Moris Essien (National Ex-Officio) and Mr Charis Esema (National Legal Adviser).
AIIOSA Award ceremony is held to honour individuals who have contributed immensely to the sustainability, prosperity and peace in AIIOSA.
It is also an important platform to advance and promote support structures for the welfare of our people across the world. (GBN)
