ANIEKAN AKPAN EMERGES 7TH AKWA IBOM PDP CHAIRMAN

A former state House of Assembly member, Elder Aniekan Akpan has emerged the new chairman of  Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party.

He emerged during a Special State Congress of the Party  at the Godswill Akpabio international stadium,Uyo.

The state leader of the party,  Governor Udom Emmanuel, accompanied by his wife Martha, led other delegates to the special Congress.

Aniekan Akpan hails from Ikot Oku Usung, Ukanafun Local Government Area, and is a retired professional teacher and school  administrator.

His political profile commenced with his appointment as member, Caretaker Committee,  National Republican Convention (NRC) - 1992

He served as Secretary, Ukanafun Local  Government Council - 2000 - 2002, and was later elected executive Chairman, Ukanafun Local Government Council from 2008 - 2011.

He served as Member, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly from 2011 - 2015, before being appointed as the state Commissioner for  Education in 2015.

Elder Akpan, an elder of Qua Iboe Church of Nigeria served as a  Commissioner l, in the Local Government Service Commission from 2019 before he resigned few months ago to indicate interest in the party plum job.

As  the 7th Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Elder Aniekan Akpan is expected to serve out the remaining years of Obong Udo Ekpenyong's tenure which was truncated following his as sudden death earlier this year.

A'IBOM FA PROMISES PARTNERSHIP WITH AKWA IBOM STATE FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS CLUB ON FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT

By Theophilus Udo

The Akwa Ibom State Football Association chairman, Rt.Hon. Imoh Attat, has assured members of Akwa Ibom state Football Supporters Club of better days ahead as he appealed for all hands to be on deck to develop football in the state.

Imoh Attat, gave the assurance when he play host to the stakeholders and executive members of the Akwa Ibom state Football Supporters Club in Uyo the Capital of Akwa Ibom State.

According to the Akwa Ibom FA Chairman, " I want to assure you that the state FA under my leadership will make you our state supporters club to have your pride of place in our football development agenda as critical stakeholders".

The Akwa Ibom FA boss used the occasion of the courtesy visit on him to thank the Akwa Ibom state football supporters club who's major aim is to support all the state football owned clubs to victory for their understanding and sensitization of their members on COVID-19 guidelines regarding playing matches behind closed doors.

" I want to thank your leadership for working hard to ensure that fans and members of the supporters club obey the league Management Company's directives of no fans in match Venus as a way of preventing the spread of the corona virus.

"As soon as the government open the stadium gates for fans and supporters to cheer their teams, we will make sure that all the football clubs in Akwa Ibom state gets the best support in tandem with the laws governing their activities. You will be given your right of place in football promotion".

On his part, the Akwa Ibom State Supporters club chairman, Mr. Paul Hillary, said his executive and selected stakeholders were in his office to intimate him and his board of the successes and the challenges facing the Akwa Ibom Football Supporters Club since the emergence of the new leadership.

" My leadership has been up and doing in supporting football teams in the state despite the challenges of  COVID-19 pandemic.

"We came to appreciate your leadership and openness in ensuring that football stakeholders come together to make Akwa Ibom the hub of football in Nigeria.

" On our part as supporters club we will continue to do everything possible within the law to support you and football development in Akwa Ibom State.

Furthermore, Paul Hillary, hint that despite the challenges of COVID-19, Akwa Ibom State Football Supporters Club under his leadership has consistently pray and fast every Tuesday for Akwa United football club.

Naira Rain As Akwa Ibom State Athletic Association Honours Edo 2020 Medalists

 By Ekemini Akpan

Victorious team Akwa Ibom athletics contingent to the Edo2020 National Sports Festival were on Wednesday 2June, 2021 hosted to a reception and cash gifts at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

In the reception facilitated by the vice chairman Akwa Ibom State Athletic Association, Engr. Nyakeno-Abasi Patrick Akpan and Engr Akaneye Ntuk, for the contingents,   gold medals smile home with 50 thousand naira each, silver medalist went home with 30thousand naira each while  bronze medalists got 15 thousand naira each.

Members of the team were not left out of the cash gifts as they were given consolatory monies.

Speaking, Engr. Nyakeno-Abasi expressed profound joy towards the victory that was won in Benin City by the Athletes representing Akwa Ibom in the sport festival.

He admonished the Athletes to stand firm, be resolute about their passion, dreams and talents as that will be the force that will propel them to go forward when it seems like what they ventured into is not forthcoming.

"Talent can't be hidden. Today Imaobong is now an international figure sought after by 12 schools in the United States and we are all aware of how she started.

" I want to thank Coach Janet Edet, for accepting to house her and I urge all of you not to dwell in the present situation you are faced with but rather look at the brighter side of what tomorrow will bring".

Also speaking, a member of the Athletic Association board, Engr Akaninyene Ntuk thanked the Athletes for not just representing Akwa Ibom State but bringing medals to the state stating that it was a product of hard work. 

Ntuk encouraged the athletes to be steadfast and committed to trainings as all hands were on deck to ensure that their welfare, both financially and physically were properly taken care of to boost their athletic career.

Also, Comfort James who won two silver medals in the 1500 meters and 800 metres who responded on behalf of the Athletes, expressed gratitude to Engr Nyakeno-Abasi whom she referred to as Uncle Napa for his unfaltering support towards the Akwa Ibom Athletes.

She also thanked Engr Akaninyene Ntuk, and all the coaches who trained them tirelessly for the Sport Festival in Edo State.