Akwa Ibom Civil Society Forum Sets Up Interim Leadership, Pledges Renewed Commitment to Reforms
By Ekemini Simon
The Guild of Community Development Advocates in Akwa Ibom State, also known as the Akwa Ibom Civil Society Organisations Forum has constituted its Interim Executive Committee (EXCO) led by Tijah Bolton-Akpan.
The development follows a resolution of its Board of Trustees and the unanimous decision of members at a special meeting held on August 24, 2025.
The Interim Chairman, Tijah Bolton-Akpan is a development policy expert and Executive Director of Policy Alert. Others are Emem Okon of Hope for Coastal Women Empowerment Initiative as Programmes/Public Affairs Advisor, Mrs. Emem Joseph Ekong of Women United for Economic Empowerment, WUEE as Treasurer/Financial Advisor, Kingsley Atang of Youth Alive Foundation (YAF Africa) as Compliance Advisor, and Elkanah Oluyori of Clement Isong Foundation as Secretary.
The Interim EXCO has been saddled with the task of steering the Forum through a six-month transitional phase aimed at repositioning it for stronger governance, inclusiveness, and impact. Meanwhile, Bolton-Akpan and Emem Nkereuwem of Arts and Skills Development Initiative had earlier been returned as interim Board Chair and Board Secretary respectively.
Speaking after the inauguration, Bolton-Akpan expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support received, assuring members that the team will deliver with dedication, integrity, and inclusivity.
“This mandate comes at a defining moment when civil society faces a twin challenge of ensuring internal accountability within our own structures while also holding duty bearers externally accountable for inclusive and sustainable development in the face of dwindling global resources. We will work together to strengthen the Forum’s governance systems and safeguard the participation of every member organisation in driving reforms, while forging a united front to enhance our visibility, build trust, and reposition our Forum as a respected and effective voice for the Third Sector in Akwa Ibom State.”