Monday August 11, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
The Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has expressed readiness to host the 2026 AKISAN Convention in Uyo, urging the association to begin immediate planning with the State Government, has called on the Akwa Ibom diaspora in the United States, US, to leverage their skills, professional networks, and resources to drive tourism, investment, and cultural heritage promotion in their home state.
The Governor made this known in a message delivered by Noble Lady Helen Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, during the 38th Annual Convention of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA, Inc., AKISAN, held at the Marriott Hotel, Arlington, Virginia.
Extending warm felicitations to attendees at the Convention Gala, Governor Eno commended AKISAN for sustaining the state’s cultural values and fostering unity among Akwa Ibom indigenes abroad.
He urged members to adopt a model of “backward integration,” similar to other diaspora communities like the Chinese and Indians, by channeling education, technology, and business connections toward the state’s socio-economic growth.
AKISAN President, Engr. Mbong Ekiko, in his remarks, appreciated the Governor for consistently identifying with the association and for sending a five-person delegation to represent the State at the 38th Convention.
He assured that AKISAN would continue to work closely with the state government to deepen the implementation of the Arise Agenda and support the government’s laudable projects and programmes.
The convention also featured a Governor’s Townhall Meeting, where the accomplishments of the Eno-led administration over the past two years were presented by the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah.
Highlights of the three-day event included the Women’s Summit, Children’s Summit, and Business and Technology Summit, all aimed at fostering empowerment, skills development, and innovation within the Akwa Ibom diaspora community.
The State delegation to the event comprised Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, Commissioner for Information; Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Former Secretary to the State Government; Dr. Inemesit Uwah, Wife of the Secretary to the State Government; and Dr. Itawan James, Delivery Advisor of the Arise Senior Citizens’ Centre.
The 2025 AKISAN Convention attracted Akwa Ibom people from different parts of the United States and Nigeria, uniting the global Akwa Ibom family in a celebration of heritage, achievement, and a shared vision for the state’s future.
