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… Rallying Support for Governor Umo Eno’s Lagos Visit
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
LAGOS, NIGERIA – The President of Akwa Ibom State Community in Lagos (AKISCOM), Chief Edet Ambang PhD, has extended a hand of reconciliation to aggrieved members who were unsuccessful in the last elections.
In a show of leadership and unity, he called for peace, urging them to forget past grievances, sheath their swords, and work together for the progress of the community.
Chief Ambang made this appeal during a news conference held to mobilize support and raise awareness among members of AKISCOM in anticipation of the forthcoming visit of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to Lagos.
He emphasized the need for a united front to welcome the Governor and show the strength of the Akwa Ibom community in Lagos.
Nearly a year and a half into his tenure, Chief Ambang’s administration has been lauded for its selfless leadership and dedication to uplifting members.
He highlighted key accomplishments, including members’ welfare programs, business support initiatives, financial assistance to AKISCOM wings, and enhanced collaborations with external bodies and Akwa Ibom groups. Other milestones include the appointment of Board of Trustees and the establishment of the Elders Forum, aligning with his administration’s “Prowess Agenda.”
To further strengthen the organization, Chief Ambang renewed his call for unity and inclusion, inviting all aggrieved individuals to rejoin the fold and work for the collective good, especially in view of the Governor’s impending visit.
Addressing a key concern, Chief Ambang revealed that his main challenge has been with a few disgruntled members who took the matter of the last elections to court.
However, the injunction was dismissed in favor of the current executives, though some still refuse to acknowledge this outcome.
Chief Ambang also commended the Lagos State Government for accommodating Nigerians from all ethnicities.
He noted that AKISCOM has thrived in Lagos for over 35 years thanks to the state’s welcoming environment and praised the government’s commitment to inclusivity and service to humanity.
As part of his expectations from the state government, Chief Ambang requested intervention and support for ongoing projects and welfare initiatives.
These include Renovation of the AKISCOM meeting hall; completion of the AKISCOM Plaza; provision of SME grants, training, and medical outreach for elderly members
He expressed confidence in Governor Umo Eno’s responsiveness and leadership, stating that Lagos-based Akwa Ibomites deserve to feel the impact of the state’s development efforts.
In his remarks, Mr. Uwem Nnsugho, AKISCOM Youth Leader, praised Chief Ambang’s leadership and affirmed the youth wing’s loyalty and readiness to support the Governor’s initiatives for young people.
Also speaking, Akparawa Gospel Etim, representing Uyo Senatorial District, emphasized the importance of the press conference and acknowledged the strides taken by the current executives in promoting peace and stability. He called for unity across the three senatorial districts.
Representing Eket Senatorial District, Mr. Ekanem John, Vice President of Eket indigenes, echoed the sentiments of support and appreciation.
He applauded Chief Ambang’s intervention in assisting Akwa Ibom indigenes incarcerated across Lagos, though noting that financial limitations have stalled their release.
Chief Okon Edet, speaking on behalf of the Elders-in-Council, commended President Ambang for his exceptional leadership.
He also praised Governor Umo Eno, highlighting his dual identity as both a Governor and a Pastor—a first for many.
Former AKISCOM President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief Elijah Ifot, addressed rumors of internal conflicts.
He refuted the claims, asserting that the executives were duly elected by representatives from all 31 LGAs in Lagos in a free and fair election.
He reminded members that AKISCOM is older than Akwa Ibom State itself and has always been recognized as the sole community umbrella body for Akwa Ibomites in Lagos.
Chief Ifot emphasized the need to separate community work from politics, advising politically inclined individuals to either commit fully to AKISCOM’s mission or step aside.
He urged every member to prepare for the Governor’s visit and show that AKISCOM remains united and relevant.
Concluding the conference, Chief Ambang offered a heartfelt welcome message to Governor Umo Eno: “To our Transformational Governor, the ‘ARISE AGENDA MESSIAH’, we in AKISCOM bid you welcome by saying, ‘Sir emedio – o, imokom fi – o, Governor nnyin, yak Akwa Abasi aka iso ada ye afo turu ke akpatre!’”
In attendance were Chiefs Edet Ambang, Elijah Ifot, Matthew Udoeyop, Okon Edet, Barrister Silas Udoh, Pastor Anietie Ukpong, Presidents of various LGAs including Oron, Eket, Nsit Ubium, Abak, Etim Ekpo, Ibesikpo, and Uyo, alongside Youth and Women Leaders, Elders Forum members, and the M.C., Mr. Cornel Udofia.
Members of the press and the AKISCOM community were also present in large numbers.
