Akwa Ibom state governor Deacon Udom Emmanuel was guest of honor on Saturday, 25 March 2017, at the foundation laying ceremony and investiture of 150 Million Naira Akiscom Plaza, Lagos.
Joining the Akwa Ibom state governor in the epoch-making occasion were some state commissioners, the Akwa Ibom state Liason officer Akparawa Micheal Ekpeyong and Special representative to AKSG Elder Sam Bassey
Nollywood star actor and member Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Desmond Elliot, the Secretary to the State Government, Sir Etekamba Umoren and Chief Edwin Igbokwe former General Manager of Punch Newspaper (both members of CMC Gladiators) were also among the dignitaries that graced the event at Plot 1/3, Adeniji Durojaiye Street,off Itire Road, Ekololu Bus stop, Surulere, Lagos.
Chief host at the foundation of the ‘Akwa Ibom House’ was Chief Elijah ifot(JP) (ufokeyo Ikot Ekpene) who is President, AKISCOM Lagos while the occasion was chaired by Chief (Barr.) Asuquo Okpo the Managing Director/CEO of Domino Chambers, Lagos.
The Entire excos of the Association including the women wing, NAAKISS students and the youths wing proudly supported the event.
Media partnership came from NTA, AIT, Ovation Tv, The Sun, I-zone TV, Vanguard, MITV, Thisday, Akiscom voice, Pioneer Newspaper, E-247, Watch Out,YES International, Security Express Magazine and CMC TV. Owed by ‘Ambassador’ Cornell Udofia.
The Akiscom Plaza Foundation laying ceremony & Investiture inducted the following into thier Hall of Fame: Governor Udom Emmanuel (Grand Patron), Onong (DR)Nsima Umoh Patron,Dr.(MRS) Mfon Usoro Patroness and Chief (BARR) A.A Okpo, a great member of the CMC gladiator as a patron.
The Special representative of Akwa Ibom state government in Lagos Elder Sam Bassey
announced the award of scholarships to ten students from Akwa Ibom state residing in Lagos at the epoch event.
“I want to urge you all to remain focused in your academic pursuit. You deserve this scholarships because you have proven to be brilliant, dogged and hard working.
“I want to encourage you all. I want to advise that you continue to strive for excellence. Let not your passion for education desert you,” Bassey, a renowned banker before his appointment to the Akwa Ibom government house stressed.
Akwa Ibom state Governor Deacon Udom Emmanuel also instantly gave out scholarship to an eight-year-old pupil who recited DAKKADA Creed correctly to the admiration of all.
The venue came alive with an ecstatic crowd of indigenes and friends of Akwa Ibom.
The three comperes (Uwem Umoh, Raphael Edem and Plus 1) entertained guests with rib- cracking jokes.
The Nka Idorenyin Band exploded with scintillating highlife music rendered mostly in “Akwa-Cross” vernacular accompanied by cultural dancers.
“I congratulate AKISCOM Lagos, for the fantastic conduct of the ceremonies and the radiance of the decoration at the venue.
“I thank the Youth Wing, Women and Ushers for a wonderful participation. I also thank the Lagos State Police Command, the AKSG Protocol Unit, LASTMA and the Lagos Liaison Officer of the AKSG for the extremely smooth and mature enforcement of security at the venue.
“I doff my hat for the Chairman of the occasion, Chief, Barrister Okpo, for his kind words and very generous donation which set the tone for others to emulate. With these torrential donations, the project is ready to take-off.,” Cornell Udofia, an entertainment and Public Relations guru who is the P.R.O/Image Maker of the youths Wing of Akiscom said in his vote of thanks.
Governor Udom’s Entourage were as follows:
- Barr. Paul Usoro (SAN).
- Dr. (Mrs.) Mfon Paul Usoro.
- Chief Edwin Igbokwe (Husband of the late Christy Essien).
- Pharm. Olujimi Kolawole Agbaje (PDP Gubernatorial candidate).
- Obong Paul Ekpo (Akwa Ibom State PDP Chapter Chairman).
- Sir Val’ Attah (Chairman, Local Govt Service Commission).
- Mr. Udom Uko Inoyo (Executive Director, Exxon/Mobil).
- Prince Udom Ekpoudom (Rtd Deputy Inspector General of Police).
- Barr. Emmanuel Moses Enoidem (former Commissioner for Investment, Commerce & Industry and former Dean, Forum of Commissioners).
- Barr. Uwemedimo Nwoko (Attorney General).
- Dr. Nse Udo Essien (Commissioner for Science & Technology).
- Arc. Ime Ekpo (Commissioner for Lands & Town Planning).
- Mr. Charles Udo (Commissioner for Information & Strategy).
and so many others whose names are still being verified for publication as at press time.
Over N70 Million was realized at the occasion. Below is the list of donors.
- Obong Paul Ekpo – N1.0million.
- Chief (Barr.) Asuquo A. Okpo – N1.0 million.
- Prince Udom Ekpoudom – N1.0 million.
- Paul Usoro (SAN) – N0.50 million
- Sir Valentine Attah – N0.50 million.
- Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem – N0.50 million.
- Chief Edwin Igbokwe – N0.5 million.
- Dr. (Mrs.) Mfon Paul Usoro – N0.30 million
By Izuchukwu Okosi