Akwa Ibom Community Abuja Inaugurates 9th Mpape Branch Exco, Launches N5m Project

Akwa Ibom Community Abuja Inaugurates 9th Mpape Branch Exco, Launches N5m Project

By Emmanuel Iyoho

Representative of the President of Akwa Ibom community Abuja, Mkpisong,  Barrister Gabriel Fan, by  Secretary -General of the community, Comrade Christopher Udoh with the Chairman of the occasion,  Pastor Okokon Etoabasi, the newly inaugurated 9th Executive Council, Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja, Mpape Branch, among others pose for the press shortly after being sworn   in  during the occasion in Abuja recently.

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 the presentation of awards to deserving members and other outstanding individuals 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 Board of 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 the Mpape Branch to sustain the good work of the outgoing executive. He said the progress of every branch determines the overall progress of the 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 the 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 the 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 the Mpape Branch, Mr. David Umoren, thanked 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: the completion of the community meeting hall, business investment for community development, and the 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: the acquisition of land for the community, the construction of the Akwa Ibom Community Hall, the award of scholarships to 18 indigent students from SS1 to SS3, periodic support to women, the training and empowerment of 28 members, the facilitation of employment for 4 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 projects 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 Etim Okon, Coordinator of the Arise with Renewed Hope Initiative, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the group’s International President, Engr. Uwem Okoko. He said the body was mobilizing support for the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for a second term.

Okon urged Mpape residents with Permanent Voter Cards to remain politically active, noting that Akwa Ibom people in the FCT cannot be politically relevant in isolation. He commended Hon. Nathan for making a mark during the FCT Area Council election in Mpape, saying he had written his name in the political history of the area.

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 role 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 of 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,” he said.

In his vote of thanks, 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 of 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 Imoabasi Fineworld, Secretary; Elder Daniel Asuquo, Assistant Secretary; Amos Okon Etim, Treasurer; Effiong Willie, Financial Secretary; Blessings Obot, Welfare Officer; Samuel Moses, Director of Socials; Ekpeno John, Public Relations Officer; Elijah Ebong, Assistant PRO; 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.

Chairman of the occasion, Pastor Okokon Etoabasi, Chairman/Coordinator Arise with Renewed Hope Initiative Abuja chapter Comrade Tommy Etim Okon  and Apostle Paul Odola General, Overseer of Dominion Power Assembly, Mpape, Abuja at the high table during the inauguration  of the new executive council, induction of new patrons and the launch of N5 Million  Community chairs, rental items project as well as the award presentation ceremony held in Abuja recently .