By Victor Essang
The air at the Ubium Development Association (UDA), Uyo Chapter, on Sunday, November 2, 2025, was filled with excitement, camaraderie and a shared sense of purpose. What began as a routine election and swearing-in ceremony quickly transformed into a moment of renewal for one of Nsit Ubium’s most vibrant community unions in the state capital.
The event produced a fresh 12-member executive council led by a retired Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Ime Unaowo Nta, who was elected unopposed. His calm disposition and reputation for community engagement have earned him the respect of many Ubium sons and daughters in Uyo. Alongside him are Vice Chairman, Mr Esema Esema; Secretary, Mr Etop-obong Okoko; Assistant Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Orok, Youth Leader, Mr Samuel Friday; Women Leader, Sister Tina Idongesit Akpan and Treasurer, Mr Ubong Udoma Sunday.
Other officers who now shoulder the responsibility of steering the association into a new era are Welfare Officer, Mr Ebong Okoko; Financial secretary, Mr Ubong Godwin Sunday; Publicity Secretary, Mr Akpan Sunday Nelson; Provost, Mr Nkere Anthony Umoh, and Auditor, Mr Ndifreke Bassey.
For many who attended the election, this was more than a leadership transition. It was an opportunity to reflect on how far the association had come and the possibilities that lie ahead for the growing Ubium community in the capital city.
Among those who spoke included the International President of the association, Surveyor Victor Uko, who commended the chapter for the peaceful conduct of the election. He described the new chairman as a resourceful person and proud son of Nsit Ubium and urged him to make effort to move the association forward.
In their goodwill messages, Dr Imo Ekpo, Mr Orok Ben, Mr Victor Bob, a lawyer, and others congratulated Nta on his emergence as the chairman of Uyo branch and urged him to use his position to unite the people of Ubium resident in Uyo.
Taking the microphone after being sworn in, Nta delivered a speech that set the tone for what he hopes will be a transformative tenure. With heartfelt gratitude, he accepted the mandate given to him, describing it as “a responsibility to lift Ubium, uplift our people and create opportunities for growth and development.”
His words resonated strongly with members who had packed the hall to witness the historic moment.
The new chairman did not fail to acknowledge the pillars who have supported the association over the years. He praised the Clan Head of Ubium for his steady guidance, the Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government for his open-door policy and prominent stakeholders such as Barrister Ekpo Nta, Senator Effiong Bob and Mr Otobong Edemidiong for their continued sacrifices and commitment to Ubium affairs.
Across the hall, appreciative nods followed every name mentioned, a reflection of the interconnectivity of the Ubium community.
One highlight of Nta’s agenda is his commitment to transparency. In an era where accountability defines credible leadership, his announcement of plans to open a chapter bank account was greeted with approval.
The new executive also plans to leverage technology to drive participation. A regulated WhatsApp group, online meetings and a revived communication structure are some of the tools expected to strengthen unity and mobilisation. For a community whose members are spread across Uyo’s fast-growing suburbs, these digital initiatives promise to bridge gaps and foster real-time engagement.
Beyond administrative reforms, the chairman outlined an aggressive membership drive, an attempt to bring home Ubium sons and daughters who may have grown distant from the association over time. The goal, he said, is to create a more inclusive space where every member has a voice and a role to play.
His message to young people was direct: embrace leadership, innovation and excellence. And to the elders, he pledged respect and reliance on their wisdom, an approach many believe will help strike a balance between tradition and modern community-building.
For an association built on the shoulders of communal support and mutual progress, the message of unity stood out clearly. Members say they look forward to an executive team that can harness collective goodwill, resolve challenges and promote development for Ubium people residing in Uyo.
As the new leadership settles into office, expectations are high but so is confidence. For many, the swearing-in ceremony was not just a change of guards; it was the beginning of a renewed commitment to community growth.
If the words of the newly-elected chairman are anything to go by, Ubium sons and daughters in Uyo may be on the brink of a new season, one built on shared aspirations, strengthened bonds and a leadership anchored on transparency and unwavering dedication.
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