ASACOP Holds Maiden Biennial Conference in A’Ibom

…Calls for diaspora legislation, honours Gov. Eno, others with awards

The Association of Akwa Ibom Communities’ Presidents Worldwide (ASACOP) has hosted its maiden Biennial Conference in Uyo, uniting leaders of Akwa Ibom communities from over 21 countries in a historic gathering aimed at strengthening diaspora contributions to the state’s growth.

The three-day event, themed “Akwa Ibom State Across the World: Promoting Diaspora Values”, held at Watbridge Hotels and Suites, Uyo yesterday, brought together government officials, traditional rulers, development experts, and Akwa Ibom indigenes from across the globe.

In his opening address, ASACOP International President, Obong (Engr.) Itoro Akpan-Iquot, stressed the importance of unity and self-reliance among Akwa Ibom people at home and abroad. He called on indigenes to support local enterprises and pool resources for collective advancement.

“We firmly believe that we are the only ones, as Akwa Ibomites, to build and develop our State. We want Akwa Ibom to be the best State in Nigeria and the world,” he said.

Akpan-Iquot announced that one of their members, Engr. Uwem Iquan, was set to commission a ₦300 million table water factory in Itu LGA, saying that the project is expected to create hundreds of jobs and boost the local economy.

He also advocated for formal diaspora inclusion in governance, urging the State Assembly to pass a bill establishing an Akwa Ibom Indigenes in Diaspora and Internal Migrants Commission.

According to him, such a law would institutionalize diaspora participation in policy-making, investment, and state development.

Delivering the keynote, Obong Ide Owodiong Idemeko, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Investment Corporation, emphasized the potential of diaspora investments, remittances, and global expertise in driving industrialization and human capital development.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Edidem Bassey Etim Edet, commended ASACOP for being good ambassadors of Akwa Ibom and urged for greater unity to maximize the state’s abundant resources.

The conference featured cultural performances, musical showcases; including Acapella African, and the award of educational grants to 63 indigent students across the state’s 31 LGAs, underscoring ASACOP’s commitment to human capital development.

A major highlight was the ASACOP Award and Gala Night at Ceedapeg Hotels, Uyo, where distinguished awards were conferred on eminent personalities.

Governor Umo Eno received the Diaspora Legacy Award for his inclusive governance style under the ARISE Agenda and for fostering closer ties with Akwa Ibom’s global community. Other honourees included: Prince Enobong Uwah, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Uwem Equan, Industrialist, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Former SSG, Rt. Hon. Uyime Idem, Member, House of Representatives, Obong Ide Owodiong Idemeko, AKICORP Chairman, Moriah Inyang-Otu, Diaspora Leader, Amb. Dr. Elisha Attai, Global Advocate, Mr. Ime Uwah, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

Presenting the awards, Engr. Akpan-Iquot described the honourees as “pillars of service and catalysts for growth” whose selfless contributions have shaped both local and diaspora communities.

In their responses, recipients thanked ASACOP for the recognition and pledged to continue driving socio-economic progress in the state.

The biennial conference was widely described by stakeholders as a landmark bridge-building platform, connecting Akwa Ibom’s diaspora with the home front for sustainable development, unity, and global visibility.