A'Ibom Community, Abuja Unveils Three-Member Liaison Team to Strengthen Ties with Home State

A'Ibom Community, Abuja Unveils Three-Member Liaison Team to Strengthen Ties with Home State

By  Emmanuel Iyoho 

From right. Mr Peter Saturday, His lordship Bishop Anthony Udeh, and Mr Emmanuel C. Udoh listening while the Obong of Akwa Ibom community in  Abuja,  Mkpisong Jackson Ndueso admonishing the  three-member Liaison Team  during the inauguration in Uyo recently.

The Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja (AKCOM), has ushered in a new era of institutional coordination with the inauguration of a three-member Liaison Team in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, replacing its long-standing one-person liaison structure in a move aimed at strengthening engagement between members in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and their home state.

The newly inaugurated team comprises His Lordship Bishop Anthony Udeh as Chairman and Liaison Officer, Mr. Emmanuel C. Udoh as Deputy Liaison Officer, and Mr. Peter Saturday as Secretary.

The appointments, approved by the President of the Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja, Mkpisong Barr. Gabriel Fan, were formally announced by the Vice President, Akparawa Solomon Umanah, during an inauguration ceremony attended by members of the Executive Council, Trustees, Benchers, Patrons, elders and other distinguished members of the community.

Speaking at the ceremony, Umanah described the new leadership structure as a strategic response to the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past Liaison Officer and a deliberate step towards strengthening the community's institutional presence in Akwa Ibom State.

According to him, the team-based arrangement will improve coordination of activities, facilitate effective communication between members in Abuja and those resident in Akwa Ibom State, and provide a stronger platform for advancing the interests of the community.

He charged the newly inaugurated officers to regard themselves as worthy ambassadors of the Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja, stressing that their responsibilities extend beyond administration to promoting unity, collaboration and stronger engagement with members and stakeholders.

"The Liaison Office serves as the bridge between the Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja and our home state. You must discharge your responsibilities with dedication, integrity and commitment while remaining abreast of developments in the state to ensure effective representation," Umanah said.

He paid glowing tribute to the immediate past Liaison Officer, Akparawa Ekong Peter, for his dedication and selfless service, expressing confidence that the new team would consolidate on the achievements already recorded.

The Vice President also thanked members for their impressive turnout despite the short notice and urged the new officers to begin their assignment with unity, diligence and a strong sense of purpose.

He further called on members to continue praying for Governor Umo Eno, commending his developmental strides and expressing optimism that his administration would sustain the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Akwa Ibom State.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of letters of appointment to the new officers by the Vice President, followed by their formal inauguration conducted by the Obong of the Community, Mkpisong Jackson Ndueso.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Bishop Udeh, a retired Director of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and a Patron of the community, expressed profound appreciation to the leadership of AKCOM for the confidence reposed in the team.

He pledged unwavering commitment to the assignment and assured members that the Liaison Team would work diligently to justify the trust placed in them.

"We sincerely appreciate the vision of the administration of President Gabriel Fan for considering us worthy of this responsibility. We promise to serve faithfully and justify the confidence reposed in us as worthy ambassadors of the Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja," he said.

Bishop Udeh appealed to members to ensure timely dissemination of information to the Liaison Office to facilitate effective planning, coordination and execution of its responsibilities.

"Our doors will remain open to every member of the community. We shall work collectively to promote unity, strengthen communication and advance the interests of our people in line with the vision of the present administration," he added.

In separate goodwill messages, Mkpisong Jackson Ndueso, Senior Elder Engr. Richard Okposin, and Elder Tommy Udoime commended President Gabriel Fan for what they described as a visionary decision that reflects inclusive leadership and institutional growth.

They noted that the newly appointed officers had earned the confidence of the community through years of dedicated service, integrity and commitment, expressing confidence in their ability to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

The leaders reminded the appointees that the Liaison Office is one of sacrifice, accountability and selfless service, urging them to remain humble, accessible and committed to the welfare of members.

In his handover remarks, the outgoing Liaison Officer, Akparawa Ekong Peter, congratulated the new team and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the community.

He described the Liaison Office as a vital bridge between the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja and called on members to continue supporting the office in the discharge of its responsibilities.

The inauguration is widely regarded as a significant milestone in the evolution of the Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening institutional structures, promoting unity among members and enhancing collaboration with stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State.

Members at the ceremony expressed optimism that the transition from a single Liaison Officer to a three-member Liaison Team would improve coordination, broaden participation and ensure greater continuity in the administration of the community's affairs.