Ukanafun: Ward 4 Youths begin monthly Solemn Assembly …congratulate political appointees

Youths of Northern Ukanafun Clan under the aegis of ‘Supreme Youth Council of Ward 4’, has recently conducted a Solemn Assembly seeking the face of God concerning the affairs of the political leadership of the nation, state, local government and the ward respectively. 

The prayer summit which was a part of their monthly Solemn Assembly was held at the ward center, Primary School, Ikot Akpa Ntuen and had in attendance over 550 youths from the 7 villages making the ward.

 During the Solemn Assembly, the youths of the area used the medium to pray for better welfare of the youths and God’s continuous protection and wisdom for their political leaders serving at the local government and state levels.

The body which consist of all the youth leaders across the ward however acknowledged God for the appointments of their illustrious sons into the government of the day, stressing that the recent appointments of Rt. Hon. Elder Aniekan Akpan as Commissioner for Education, Obong Godwin Sandy as Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Tourism, who are both from the ward is a feat worthy of thanksgiving. The body equally celebrated God for the emergence of youthful leaders in the persons of Barr. Samuel Udokoh as Ukanafun Transition Chairman, Hon. (Deacon) Otobong Jonathan Akpan as Member Ukanafun State Constituency and his counterpart at Abuja, Rt. Hon. (Obongunwana) Emmanuel Ukoette from the local government and the federal constituency respectively. 

Others whom the group also paid loyalty to included; Obong Udo Ekpenyong, South- South zonal representative of PDP at Abuja and Hon. Nsikak Udoibe, the local government representative of PDP in the state exco, amongst others. 

Speaking at the venue, the President of the body, Comr. Iniobong Young Mark hinted that the solemn assembly was aimed at thanking God for His enduring mercies over the affairs of the nation, state, local government and the ward as well as praying for the political leadership of the nation and of the ward in particular.  The forum’s national president also called for the empowerment of the youths as it will help to reduce youth restiveness, social vices and other negative impacts that could hinder the peace and absolute tranquility of the society.

The ex-NAUS Worldwide President also stressed that the youths are full of potentials if carefully utilized or put to use can help to shape the socio-economic and political landscape of the nation at large. He reiterated the need for their political leaders serving in government parastatals to initiate scholarship programmes in order to help reduce the number of dropped out students due to their inability to financially sustain their academic activities.

In his response, the Vice President of the union, Deacon Nsidibe Ntibe noted with delight that the solemn assembly was not only apt and timely but a right step at the right direction that will help reposition the ward in the comity of 11 wards making the local government area. Deacon Ntibe who is also the Secretary of PDP in the ward noted that ward 4 constitutes the voting strength of Ukanafun with the highest number of units and as such deserves pre-eminence in the scheme of things from government. According to him, “the youths of ward 4 thought it wise to come together for the first time to seek the presence of God Almighty in the affairs of the ward and also pray for our leaders who are holding various political offices, for God to give them the wisdom, grace and direction to function optimally to the glory of God and service of the people. We have also resolved to make it a monthly routine to handover the land and the people into God’s hands”, he added.

He further advised the youths to be hopeful and watch out for a more productive administration which has only begun, having in mind that their illustrious sons aforementioned who are currently in government have the political will to meet their needs considering their proven track records of services.

Also responding in the same vein, the Secretary General, Elder Idiongo Joseph described the summit as a welcome development to the ward. He admonished the youths to identify with God while they are still youthful and should always pray that God should send them sure helpers from above, warning that ‘vain is the help from man (Psalm 60 :11)’.    

Elder Joseph expressed optimism that the prayer summit will go a long way towards repositioning the youths of the ward in the scheme of things, stressing that the emergence of youthful political office holders in the persons of Hon. Otobong Akpan, member for Ukanafun State Constituency; Obong Godwin Sandy, S.A to the governor on Tourism and Barr. Samuel Udokoh as Ukanafun Transition Chairman is a sign that God has started to answer their prayers noting that more of such is in the offing. 

Elder Idiongo also used the medium to congratulate all political elected officers and appointees especially those from the area and prayed God for their good health and wisdom.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the body has concluded the selection of key persons to man her executive arm, these persons included but not limited to: Comr. Iniobong Young as National President, Deacon Nsidibe Ntibe as Vice President, Elder Idiongo Joseph as Secretary General, Deacon Idorenyin Benson as Treasurer, Comr. Mkponke Joseph as Financial Secretary, Comr. Nsikak Tom as Public Relation Officer (P.R.O), Comr. Abasiodiong Udoakpong as Provost Marshal, amongst others.

Other youth’ dignitaries in attendance were: Comr. Joseph Anamama, Sir Kendi Jumbo, Comr.Nsemo Okon Akpan, Comr. Ubong Noah, Akparawa Peace Akpan Etuk, Mr. Effiong Michael,Comr. Udoette George, Comr.Nse Isaiah, Sir Etieno Williamson, Comr. Otobong Emmanuel William amongst others.