By Umoh-Obong Kingsley
A foremost international socio-cultural organisation, Ati Annang Foundation, has honoured Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, and the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, for their leadership qualities towards the development of the state.
The awards were conferred on the exemplary leaders during the 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the foundation's International Secretariat, Ikot Ekpene on Saturday.
Gov Emmanuel, who was ably represented by his Deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo, was recognised with the leadership prize award for his exemplary leadership quality and meritorious service to the people of Akwa Ibom State, while Sen. Akpabio who is also the Grand Patron of the Foundation, was honoured for his transparent and positively impactful leadership in the National Assembly.
For his immense contributions towards the promotion of qualitative education in Ananga land in particular and Akwa Ibom State at large, the founder of Obong University, Obong High School and Obong Nursery School, Prof. Moses Akpan Udoh, was also honoured with the Education Prize Award. He is the first person to establish a university in Annang land and secondary school from the cradle of nursery school.
Also, the CEO of Idems Ultimate Limited, and founder of the Stanford Microfinance Bank, Mr Unyime Idem, received the Industry, Trade and Commerce Prize Award for his contribution towards the promotion of trade, industry and commerce in the state.
Other awardees included a veteran and renown journalist, Mr Ray Ekpu (Professional Excellence Prize Award), and Paul Usoro, SAN; Obong Otu Robert (Annang Honours Prize Award), Dr. Uko Akpan of the Uko Akpan cultural group (Annang Heritage Prize Award), Vincent Enyeama (Sports Prize Award), among others.
In his address, Sen. Akpabio commended the Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman of Ati Annang Foundation, Sir Emem Akpabio, and the organisers of the event especially for the award given Uko Akpan who preached the value of education in his songs, that with education, you can conquer the world and occupy key positions, saying that without education, you cannot achieve anything.
According to him, one of the greatest achievements recorded in the state in the last 10 years is the issue of people always coming to the state with the sole aim of getting a ‘house girl’ and ‘gate man’. “I am glad that 10 years after, we have been able to reclaim respect.”
He urged the youths to continue to embrace education because that is what will continue to promote the respect for the Akwa Ibom child, adding “You don’t need to come from a wealthy family for you to be great. Just focus on your studies. As long as you have God by your side, He will elevate you.
Taking excerpt from a popular saying that “What a beautiful thing youth is but what a pity that youthfulness is given unto children!” Sen. Akpabio charged the youths to take advantage of the opportunity provided by Ati Annang, saying that if youthfulness were to be given to adults, they would have reordered their ways.
“Members and non-members of Ati Annang, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District youths, note today that God has given you youthfulness. Use it to prepare for your tomorrow to be greater than your fathers. We are here to back you up. You cannot be afraid of goats when you walk on a field and escorted by a lion.”
Sen. Akpabio reiterated his commitment to continually represent not just Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, but Akwa Ibom State as a whole, and to be identified with the programmes and activities of Ati Annang.
The epoch-making event witnessed induction of Associate Members into the Ati Annang Foundation such as the Commissioner for Works Mr Ephraim Inyang-Eyen, and his counterparts in Women Affairs, and that of Ministry of Transports and Petroleum Resources, Dr. Glory Edet and Hon. Orman Esin respectively; member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Chairman, Finance Appropriation Committee, Rt. Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh; Rt. Hon. Sam Ikon; Rt. Hon. Okpolum Etteh; and Hon. (Arch) Ime Ekpo.
Others include the President General, Oron Union, Chief (Mrs) Janet Amba; Hon. (Engr.) Otobong Ndem; Barr. Uwem Ekanem; Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Okon; Rt. Hon. Godwin Ekpo; Mr Nsikak Johnney of the Nsik Motors; President General of Afigh Iwaad Eket, Obong Iwaad Pastor Godwin William; International President, Ngba Ndak, Apostle Samuel Ekah; Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties, Hon. Akan Okon; Bishop Andrew Uwanta, and Akparawa Monday Etokakpan.
Highpoints of the event which was well attended by crème de-la-crème of Akwa Ibom populace, senior citizens, traditional institutions, Socio-political groups, heavy weight politicians and captains of industries, included unveiling of the various projects executed by the Foundation some of which include the Backpack project which is presentation of school bags containing writing materials and reading books to over 500 pupils of primary schools drawn from all the schools within the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, to support the free and compulsory education policy of the state.
Others are over 200 beneficiaries of the secondary school project, presentation of award to winners of the just concluded Ati Annang Inter-School Football Competition, and the free screen exercise of hypertension and diabetes in the Wellness Programme of the Foundation.
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