The front line socio cultural organization in Annang nation, the Nto Afe Annang last weekend hosted the 2017 Annual convention with theme sustainability of purposeful leadership: A culture in Annang nation in memory of Obong Ikpaisong Sampson Udo Idiong, honored distinguished Akwa Ibom sons and daughters.
The epoch making event took place at the independence hall, Abak had in attendance crème-de-la-crème in the politics of Akwa Ibom state including the deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Moses Ekpo, member Abak state constituency, Rt. Hon. Friday Iwok, member Ukanafun state constituency, Hon. Oto-obong Akpan, Vice Chancellor, Ritman University, Prof. Celestine Ntuen as chairman on the occasion, Itai Afe Annang (IV) HRM. Okuku Pius Effiong Esideh III, Paramount Ruler of Abak, HRM. Obong Christopher Ukpe, youth and women groups among others.
Adede (Elder) Isidore Archibong, President Nto Afe Annang in his welcome address said Nto Afe Annang is socio cultural organization to bring Annang people together to foster love, peace and unity and to promote social, cultural, economical and political development in Annang Nation in particular and Akwa Ibom State in general.
He noted that, this year National Convention, apart from being a meeting point of all sons, daughters, grand-children and in-laws of Annang Nation has an impressive course of action, initiated and pursued with respect to immortalize the founding member of Ibibio/Annang Union in then Cross River State, Late Obong Ikpaisong Sampson Udoidiong of Ata Obio Akpa in Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
The national president of Nto Afe Annang assured His Excellency the Nto Afe Annang unwavering position to support for his second term in office come 2019. “As far as Nto Afe Annang is concerned, the second term of our in-law, the Governor is a done deal, Non-negotiable and a task that must be accomplished”. He however listed some of the challenges facing the organization to include lack Annang Hall of Frame in the state capital, lack of skill acquisition centre at Afe Annang Complex, Ebebit Afaha Obong, and means of transportation (buses) and appealed to the state government to come to the aid of the organization.
The Transition Chairman, Prince Ubong Idiong, the grandson of late Obong Ikpaisong Sampson Udo Idiong while paying tributes to his late grandfather on behalf Sampson Udo Idiong’s Royal Family members including her Excellency, the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State Adada Martha Udom Emmanuel said he was founding member of Ibibio/Annang Union in Calabar in 1928, First Chairman Southern Annang County Council then known as “Main Council” in 1934.
He was elected to represent Southern Annang at the Calabar Provincial Council which gave birth to Eastern House of Assembly in 1944, the Pioneer Founding member of NCNC and later Action Group in 1945/1957 with his political ally with Azikiwe and Awolowo. Prince Idiong also in his tribute said Obong Ikpaisong Sampson Udo Idiong requested for the establishment of the First Government Farm in Eastern Nigeria, government Farm Obio Akpa now campus of Akwa Ibom State University in 1945, Ikot Okoro general hospital in 1954, Southern Annang Secondary School in 1964 and pioneered several scholarships to the indigenes. He also established Abak Motor Park with seven vehicles in 1948 as a pioneer chairman. He was elected Political Leader of Annang People in 1958.
In 1962 he was installed Obong Ikpaisong Annang/Ibibio, the highest title in both Annang and Ibibio nation. He was coroneted as the Clan head of Obio Akpa in 1940. He was the 1st Paramount Ruler of Abak in 1970, 1st Paramount Ruler of Ukanafun in 1976 and 1st Paramount Ruler of Oruk Anam in 1989. Obong Ikpaisong Sampson Udo Idiong died at the rightful aged of 115 years for the glory of God in the year 2000.
The 2016 best performing transition committee chairman in the state thanked the Nto Afe Annang for their foresight to immortalized Obong Ikpaisong Sampson Udo Idiong and expressed his profound gratitude to the transition chairman of Abak, Barr. Emmanuel Udosen and the good people of Annagland for naming the road after an Icon, which he said during his life time has contributed immensely for the development of annang land in particular and the nation in general and pledged the Royal Family support/sponsor of the popular AKBC TV Programme (ASUAMA).
Highpoint of the event were: Unveiling of Obong Sampson Udo Idiong Way by state Deputy Governor; Award presentation to deserved sons and daughters in the state, First Obong Ikpaisong Sampson Udo Idiong Memorial lecturer, Cultural display among others.
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