Itoro Akpan-Iquot, National President, AKISAN, USA.
By Contributor
On August 22, 2020, Mr Itoro Akpan-Iquot, was elected as the 21st National President of Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, AKISAN, USA. AKISAN, a 33-year-old non-profit organization was established to, among others, promote the economic, educational, cultural, scientific and social progress of Akwa Ibom State within the framework of one Nigeria.
Itoro, the first American born National President, won with perhaps the largest margin in AKISAN USA’s history, with a vote of 21 to 1. Not taking this mandate for granted, he set about living up to his campaign’s promises of starting work from day one. He came into office on a promise of following the constitution, radical transparency, inclusiveness, actively engaging the youth, organizational reform and better accountability.
Mrs Uwem Inyang, Executive National Vice President, AKISAN, USA.
Right after he was sworn in, Itoro announced his cabinet of professionals within the first week, viz: Mrs. Uwem Inyang (National Vice President), Sir Michael Asuquo, KSJI (National Secretary), Mrs. Elizabeth Ekpenyong (National Treasurer), Mr. Assian Ekpoudom (National Public Relations Officer) and Dr. Idorenyin Okpok (National Social Secretary). With respect to the current administration’s executive committee, it is noteworthy to mention that two of his cabinet members are women and two of his cabinet members, in line with his promise to engage the younger generation, are young adults.
The Akwa Ibom State Governor was informed about the new executive and in the letter he sent, he pledged to work with them as symbiotic partners to improve the lives of Akwa Ibomites both at home and in the United States. In the spirit of inclusiveness, Itoro reached out to all chapter presidents and asked for their recommendations to committee positions.
Dr Idorenyin Orok, National Social Secretary, AKISAN, USA.
For better communication and transparency, Itoro added Board of Trustees members and the Youth President to all meetings. With respect to the youth and young adults, the youth portfolio is assigned to Ms. Idomfon Imeh. She is a young and vibrant adult who has been actively involved in the association from childhood. Youth and young adults are currently serving in a few key committees as well. The webmaster position, a role Itoro has held since 2009 was also transitioned to a young adult, Mr. Uduak Inwang of AKISAN Metro Detroit.
Mrs Elizabeth Ekpenyong, National Treasure, AKISAN USA.
To help financially empower our people back at home, Itoro has sought and arranged virtual meetings with the owners of schools that they will propose, at the appropriate time, AKISAN USA work with, to offer training to Akwa Ibomites back at home. This initiative is based 100% on member donations directly to those they want trained. No AKISAN funds will be spent on this. So far, he has organized zoom town halls with Mr. Hanson Johnson of Start Innovative Hub and Mrs. Mariatherese Akpan of Uyai College of Creative Arts. Itoro is also looking at the possibility of working with small and medium enterprises, especially in the agricultural space, to export their products for sale to the United States. This will help market Akwa Ibom State to the world.
Sir Michael Asuquo, National Secretary, AKISAN USA.
Unfortunately, at a very short notice, Itoro’s administration was alerted to the situation involving an Akwa Ibomite, Ms. Inyene Okokon of the Dallas Metro area who had passed away. Her body was at risk of being turned over to the county as no one had claimed her corpse. Within a few days, he organized a fundraiser for the money needed to give her a befitting burial. Within a month, we were able to raise more than twice of what was needed, about $14,000.00. With what’s left over, an account will be set up in Inyene’s 3-year-old daughter, Bella’s name. To say the least, it has been a very busy first 84 days!
Assian Ekpoudom, National Public Relations Officer, AKISAN USA.
Itoro’s administration is keen on 4 areas of improvement: restructuring the organization, financially empowering our people in Akwa Ibom State, engaging the youth and coming up with creative ways to raise funds for projects outside of the usual fundraising at AKISAN’s annual conventions in August of every year.
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According to Itoro, next year’s convention will be held in Atlanta, Georgia from August 5th to August 9th. Everyone is invited. Though it is the desire of his administration to continue with the scholarship and medical mission projects, Itoro would like to source for funds externally so as to reduce AKISAN’s financial footprint in these areas.
Itoro, a web developer with over 20 years of experience, is married with 5 children. His hobbies include reading and traveling.
You may reach him at president@akisan.org..AKISAN.org or email at secretariat@akisan.org. Also, under projects, we always offer scholarships and do medical missions and we look forward to doing same in my administration as well.
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