By Emmanuel Ebong
ABAK
The former registrar of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO),Obong Blaise Awakama, has peacefully emerged and wassworn into office as the Itai Afe Annang V alongside his 18-member executive.
At a well attended meeting of Afe Annang, which took place at Ebibit Afaha Obong in Abak Local Government Area, presided over by the former deputy governor of Akwa Ibom, Sir Michael Udofia, the emergence of Awakama was perfected following the demise of Okuku Pius Eside, who was the Itai Afe Annang 1V.
The chairman of the Nomination Committee, Obong Eno Akpan, made known the emergence of Awakama and his 18-member executive committee in the presentation of his report on the floor of the House for adoption by members in attendance without any objection.
Akpan explained that the officers to work with the new Itai Afe Annang were carefully drawn up from the two blocs of Abak and Ikot Ekpene and solicited the cooperation of all towards their successful reign.
Sir Udofia, who presided over the meeting, thanked the chairman and members of the nomination committee for a job well done, pledging the support and cooperation of members for them to succeed.
He congratulated them on their successful and peaceful enthronement and wished them well in the implementation of the task ahead for the collective interest of all and sundry.
Obong Awakama, while giving an acceptance speech,promised to work hard to reposition Annang nation on its rightful place where all sons and daughters would be proud of.
He said he decided to accept the new status as an obligation for him to devote his mind, body and time to lift Annang nation back to its past glory.
His words: We are here gathered to light the candle for the brighter future of Annang. Our concern is and must be for our bright and promising future of Annang people.”
While appreciating Sir Michael Udofia, the chairman, board of trustees of the Afe, as well as Obong Michael Affangide and all stakeholders for their support towards his successful emergence as the Itai Afe Annang V, Awakama solicited the cooperation of all and sundry in the task of laying a solid foundation for the present and future generations.
The national president of Nto Afe Annang, Adede Esidor Archibong, noted with delight the selection of quality leaders to lead Annang people to greater heights.
Archibong, promised to mobilize his members towards the implementation of laudable programmes that would place his people on the pride of place in the committee of nations in the country and beyond.
He described the officers selected to work with the Itai Afe Annang as men of proven integrity who are committed to pilot the affairs of the socio-cultural organization to limelight.
The national publicity secretary, Obong Sunny Udom, on his part, noted with delight that the acceptance speech of Obong Awakama was an indication that he was ready to prosecute hisleadership mantle with great courage and vigour for the people of Annang nation to be heard globally.
Udom assured that as the person in-charge of publicity, efforts would be geared towards ensuring that issues affecting the organization are widely projected positively and enlisted the cooperation of the people for the realization of the task ahead.
Prominent among the new officers are Professor Alphonsus Udoh as the Obom Afe with Professor Kingsley Akpabio, serving as the national secretary, while Prince Ekong J. Udom; Saturday Akpan; Obong Emmanuel Umanah; Otuekong Wilson Inyang; Obong Sunny Udom and Barrister Nse Ben Ekanem, are in the executive committee as the national assistant, secretary; national treasurer; nationalfinancial secretary; welfare officer (1), publicity secretary and legal officer (1), respectively.
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