20/09/2025
ASSOCIATION OF AKWA IBOM COMMUNITIES' PRESIDENTS WORLDWIDE HOLDS BIENNAL CONFERENCE IN UYO
… Seeks Legislation on Diaspora Inclusion
…Confers Gov. Eno, others Diaspora Awards
The Association of Akwa Ibom Communities' Presidents Worldwide (ASACOP) has held its maiden Biennial Conference in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, bringing together community leaders and branch presidents of Akwa Ibom Communities from over 21 countries of the world.
The historic event, which took place at the prestigious Watbridge Hotels and Suites, IBB Avenue, Uyo, had as its theme: "Akwa Ibom State Across the World: Promoting Diaspora Values." It attracted distinguished personalities, government officials, traditional leaders, and Akwa Ibom indigenes both from home and the diaspora, who converged to deliberate on ways to harness the strength, talents, and resources of Akwa Ibom people globally for the development of the State.
In his opening remarks, the International President of the Association, Obong (Engr.) Itoro Akpan-Iquot, emphasized the importance of unity, cooperation, and self-reliance among Akwa Ibom people at home and abroad. He urged indigenes to embrace mutual trust, collective effort, and a commitment to advancing the fortunes of the state. "Together we can achieve even more for our people, rather than as separate entities. We firmly believe that we are the only ones, as Akwa Ibomites, to build and develop our State. We have a deeper and wider pool of individuals and professionals to draw from. We are unapologetically Akwa Ibom. We want Akwa Ibom to be the best State in Nigeria and the world. To this effect, we encourage the establishment of our own businesses, then supporting our own businesses financially and the hiring of our people," Engr. Iquot stated.
To further demonstrate the values being promoted by ASACOP, Engr. Iquot disclosed that one of their members, Engr. Uwem Iquan, had finalized arrangements to commission a table water company in Nkim Itam, Itu Local Government Area. The venture, which comes with an initial investment capital of N300M he noted, is expected to create employment opportunities for hundreds of Akwa Ibom indigenes and contribute significantly to the local economy.
The ASACOP International President also made a strong call for the inclusion of the diaspora in State governance and development processes. He urged the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to initiate and sponsor legislation that would institutionalize diaspora participation. According to him, the proposed legislation should be titled: "A BILL TO ESTABLISH AKWA IBOM INDIGENES IN DIASPORA AND INTERNAL MIGRANTS COMMISSION.” He explained that the bill, when passed into law, would serve as a framework to "coordinate and provide an organized system of collaboration and engagement of Akwa Ibom indigenes outside the State in the policies, projects and participation in the development of Akwa Ibom State."
Delivering the keynote address, Obong Ide Owodiong Idemeko, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Investment Corporation (AKICORP), highlighted the economic and developmental benefits that could accrue to the State from strategic collaboration between the government and wealthy or influential Akwa Ibom indigenes in the diaspora.
He stressed that the diaspora community is a vital resource for the State in areas such as industrialization, foreign remittances, human capital development, expertise, global networking, and building sustainable linkages between Akwa Ibom and other parts of the world.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council and Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko LGA, Edidem Bassey Etim Edet, praised the Association for its vision and for being good ambassadors of Akwa Ibom in their respective countries. He also called for unity, stressing that a united Akwa Ibom would be better positioned to harness its abundant human and material resources for the equitable growth and development of the State.
The Conference featured keynote addresses, cultural displays, musical performances—including presentations by the group Acapella African—and the award of educational grants to 63 indigent students of Akwa Ibom origin from the 31 LGAs of the State. This gesture further reinforced ASACOP’s commitment to supporting human capital development in the State.
ASACOP, which is modeled after the Commonwealth of Nations, is a non-profit body that brings together all past and present National Presidents of Akwa Ibom Communities in different countries of the world. Its aim is to provide a united platform for indigenes abroad to connect with their home State and contribute meaningfully to its development.
Meanwhile, the Association of Akwa Ibom Communities’ Presidents Worldwide (ASACOP) has conferred distinguished awards of excellence on the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, alongside several eminent personalities, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to societal development, growth, and the overall progress of the State.
Governor Umo Eno was bestowed with the Diaspora Legacy Award, applauding his people-oriented governance style and commitment to inclusive development under the ARISE Agenda. His administration’s drive to connect with the Akwa Ibom Diaspora community was described as a strong step toward integrating global experiences and resources for the benefit of the State.
Other notable honorees received the Diasporan Honourary Awards. They include: Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, an industrialist, Dr. Uwem Equan; former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem; and Member of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Uyime Idem.
Others are Obong Ide Owodiong Idemeko; Moriah Inyang-Otu; Amb. Dr. Elisha Attai and Mr. Ime Uwah, an entrepreneur and philanthropist.
The recognition ceremony took place during the ASACOP Award and Gala Night held at Ceedapeg Hotels, Uyo, amid glamour, cultural displays, cutting of the 2025 Conference Cake and a convergence of stakeholders from within and outside the State.
Presenting the awards, the International President of ASACOP commended the recipients for their various impacts, describing them as “pillars of service and catalysts for growth” whose selfless contributions have positively shaped both the local and diaspora communities of Akwa Ibom.
He added that the Association instituted the awards to celebrate and encourage leaders who have remained committed to building strong, progressive, and inclusive societies that reflect the values of Akwa Ibom people worldwide.
In their separate remarks, the honourees expressed gratitude to ASACOP for the recognition, pledging to continue their commitment to the socio-economic development of the State. They also lauded the Association’s efforts at fostering unity among Akwa Ibom people across the globe.
The Gala Night was attended by community leaders, government officials, captains of industry, and representatives of Akwa Ibom communities in the Diaspora, who described the event as a bridge-building platform between the state and its citizens abroad.
