Diaspora Convention: NAAKIBOM USA splashes Education Grants on 103 students
The city of Uyo was abuzz with excitement over the weekend, as the National Association of Akwa Ibom USA (NAAKIBOM USA) held its first Diaspora Convention/Homecoming in the state capital.
The homecoming ceremony which began with a menstrual health hygiene campaign across the three senatorial districts of the state and a cultural day celebration, culminated in a Convention where NAAKIBOM USA presented education grants to 103 students from different tertiary institutions in the state.
Speaking at the Convention held over the weekend at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo, with the theme ‘Building Strength and Capacity Through Education, Economic Empowerment, HealthCare Services and Tourism in Akwa Ibom State’, the National President of NAAKIBOM USA, Mr. Eyaema Aanamndu, disclosed that the body, established as a non-profit organisation in August 2020, is aimed at serving the less privileged in Akwa Ibom State.
He said NAAKIBOM, predicated on sincerity and integrity, has been working tirelessly to provide support to its members, other NGOs, and beneficiaries, with a focus on health, education, and economic empowerment.
Mr. Aanamndu expressed gratitude to donors who have made significant contributions to the organisation’s success, citing their practical deeds as a testament to the power of serving the underserved.
He also highlighted the ingenuity of NAAKIBOM USA’s talented members, who have brought their diverse professional backgrounds and experience to serve the poor.
“Our association is a non-profit. That means that we are here to basically help and don’t look for anything in return. Our happiness as an organisation is based on how many people we can uplift and to how many people we can put smiles on their faces. Our Association was formed based on one basic principle-the willingness to do good. The ability to do good is what we encapsulate as an organisation.”
“We give grants to help students in terms of food, transportation, even clothing. It’s basically pocket money. I know most organisations focus on scholarships, but we don’t. So we just thought we’ll cut through the red tape and then just fast walk that money to them”, he said.
While emphasising the organisation’s commitment to providing directional leadership in Akwa Ibom State, the National President assured Akwa Ibom people in diaspora and in the state that NAAKIBOM USA is poised to make a positive impact, with a clear and certain vision for the future.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, who delivered the keynote address at the event, praised the diasporan community for their homecoming initiative, which he described as a gesture of giving back to their homeland and collaborating with the state government towards its development.
Udoh while encouraging potential investors to explore opportunities in the state’s tourism sector, commended the Governor Umo Eno-led administration for prioritising tourism development as a key revenue generation sector, as outlined in the ARISE Agenda.
He expressed gratitude to NAAKIBOM, USA, for restoring the Slave Boat at the Marina Resort and invited them to the upcoming Christmas Unplugged 2.0 and Guinness Book of Records Christmas Carols events, promising a bigger and more memorable celebration this year.
Similarly, the Chairman on the Occasion, Elder Ubong Obot, represented by the Chairman of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), Mr Ide Owodiong-Idemeko, lauded NAAKIBOM for its philanthropism and prayed for more grace on the group.
Speaking with newsmen after the event, the National Vice President of NAAKIBOM, Otuekong Andy Akpan, revealed that the group was also partnering with the Wife of the state Governor, Pastor Patience Eno, through her pet project, Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), to reach out to more people in the society.
Responding on behalf of the education grant recipients, Etiakam Marcus, of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Uyo, lauded NAAKIBOM for its contributions to the economic growth of the state and upliftment of the people.
He pledged to make judicious use of the funds and asked God to bless the group.
TheMail reports that the well-attended event featured award presentation, presentation of education grants, donations and cultural performances.
Those who received awards included the state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, his wife, Pastor Patience Eno, Elder Ubong Obot, Pastor Anne Abraham, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, Amb. Udo Moses, Imo-Abasi Jacob, Andy Eyo, amongst others.