AKISAN National Convention
| AKISAN National Convention | |
|---|---|
| Begins | TBD |
| Ends | TBD |
| Location(s) | Miami, FL |
| Inaugurated | 1990, Atlanta, GA |
| Most recent | August 5-8th, 2010 |
The Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA Inc. (AKISAN) National Convention is the highest legislative activity and is generally held in August of every year. Divided into Business and General Sessions, the Convention is a gathering of all the chapters of the Association for legislative, cultural and social reasons. Until the 1990 gathering at Atlanta, Georgia, the convention was known as the Colloquium.
Contents |
[edit] Past Conventions & Highlights
[edit] Notable Attendees & Speeches
It is a matter of record to note that for the first time and during Mr. Paul Ekwere’s administration in 1977, the Colloquium was addressed by the Cross River State Military Governor His Excellency Major General Paul Ufuoma Omu, through the presentation of Mr. B.E. Bassey, the Cross River State Commissioner for Education. This gesture which demonstrated government concern and appreciation of our efforts to help in nation building, though far away from home, encouraged the Association to strive harder in its direction. As a further boost of energy to the Association, the elected civilian Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Obong Victor Attah and his wife Mrs. Allison Attah attended the 1999 Convention in Houston, Texas. In 2007 the Executive Governor, His Excellency Barrister Godswill Akpabio sent a goodwill message to the convention which was read by Mr. Sebastian C. Ikpe. The 2007 convention was attended by 2 ex-Governors of the state His Excellency Excellency Obong Victor Attah and His Excellency Air Cmdr. Idongesit Nkanga (Rtd.) among other dignitaries.
[edit] Free Education Policy Announcement[1]
![Governor Godswill Akpabio delivers key policy speech declaring a free universal education system to all citizens of Akwa Ibom State from primary to secondary school level, during the 2008 AKISAN National Convention in [[Alexandria, VA}]].](/wiki/File:Akisan2008-akpabio.jpg)
However, during the last year of Hon. Monday R. Affiah's administration in 2008, His Excellency Governor Barrister Godswill Akpabio led a very strong, impressive and high level 50 member delegation from Nigeria to the convention hosted by the Washington, DC Chapter in Alexandria, VA. This convention was unique among others. The governor announced an unprecedented donation of 100,000 U.S. dollars to the Association. He also used the occasion to deliver a major policy speech of his administration by declaring a free universal education to all citizens of the state from primary to senior secondary school level. In addition he rewarded the 2008 Miss Akwa Ibom USA beauty pageant contestants with cash prizes and a round trip air ticket to Nigeria to attend the 21st anniversary of Akwa Ibom State creation in Uyo, the state capital.
[edit] State Government outreach
Furthermore, His Excellency invited a dance troupe that entertained at the convention to Akwa Ibom State for performance. The Governor further announced the creation of the Diaspora Desk to coordinate the flow of information between the State Government and the Association. At this history making convention the former United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Howard F Jetter who met with the governor and accompanied his delegation to the convention announced the donation of thousands of volumes of books to Akwa Ibom State during the governor's Town Hall meeting.
[edit] Notable Delegates & Ambassadors
Some members of the delegation to attend the AKISAN National Convention in 2008 included Her Excellency Helen Esuene, former Federal Minister and wife of the late first military governor of South-Eastern State Brigadier Udokaha Esuene, His Excellency Air Cmdr. Idongesit Nkanga (rtd.) first military/indigenous governor of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Umana O. Umana Secretary to the government of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Aloysius Etuk, Otuekong Sunny Jackson Udoh, Hon. Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission Barrister Bassey Dan Abia, Executive Director of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited Mr. Udom Inoyo, the first Akwa Ibom State female Head of Service Elder Grace Anwana, and the Convention Chairman Obong Stephen Udofia and his wife Mrs. Idongesit Asuquo Udofia.
Other attendees from Nigeria included Nollywood stars of Akwa Ibom State extraction led by actress, song writer and television personality Ms. Anne Inyang with 8 albums to her credit and whose international hit song "Akanam Nkwe" was performed live to a standing ovation at the Convention.
[edit] 2010 National Convention
The 2010 AKISAN National Convention was held at the Radisson Plaza Lord Baltimore, 20 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD between August 5-8th[2].
[edit] References
- ^ Gov. Akpabio’s Anniversary Gift: Free Compulsory Education,"AKSG Online"
- ^ Annual Nigerian National Convention comes to Baltimore,"ABC 2 News Baltimore"
