Mr. Itoro Akpan Iquot, is the National President of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (AKISAN) – USA Inc. In a stop over in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State over the weekend, he spoke with Edet Edet and Kyte Usen on the upcoming 2024 AKISAN Convention. He also evaluated the first year of  Akwa Ibom governor, Pst. Umo Eno’s administration, while emphasizing the importance of promoting Akwa Ibom State culture overseas.


Excerpts:


Q: The theme of the 2024 AKISAN Convention is “Igniting the Future; Sparking Transformation and Empowering Change.” What inspired this year’s theme, and how does it reflect AKISAN’s current objectives?


A: I would like to start by providing an overview of our organization. AKISAN is a 37-year-old, non-profit, non-governmental, membership-based organization. Simply being an AkwaIbomite doesn’t automatically make one a member. We’ve been around since 1987 and have 30 chapters across various U.S. cities, with around 4,000 members. Our main goal is to protect the interests of AkwaIbomites both in the United States and in Akwa Ibom State. Over the years, we’ve conducted medical missions and provided scholarships to over 200 students in Uyo, worth about twelve million naira (₦12,000,000). I became the National President in 2020, the first U.S-born National President.


Mr. Itoro Akpan Iquot 

Regarding the theme “Igniting the Future; Sparking Transformation and Empowering Change,” significant transformations have taken place between 2020 and 2024. I believe in pushing the envelope, thinking as if there is no box at all. We’ve introduced digitization, moved our finances to electronic platforms, increased our social media presence, and sought corporate and government support instead of taxing our members. As this is my last convention as President, the goal is to inspire future leaders to elevate the organization to even greater heights.

Q: What specifically inspired you to choose this theme?


A: Before my tenure, we operated in a more traditional manner, with finances recorded on paper or spreadsheets. I modernized these processes and implemented changes. My fear has always been reverting to old practices. Additionally, our younger members are not as involved, even though they often have greater financial potential. By igniting this flame, we aim to ensure progress and encourage taking the organization ten steps ahead into the future.


Q: The annual convention features events such as business summits, cultural nights, and tech summits. Which event do you believe will have the most significant impact on attendees, and why?


A: Fundraising is crucial, so the Saturday (August 10, 2024) night gala is the main event. Without funds, we can’t carry out our projects. The cultural night on Friday (August 9, 2024) is also significant, showcasing our heritage and involving our children in cultural preservation. Those attending might be surprised by the cultural displays, reminding them that despite being in America, we haven’t forgotten our roots.


Q: AKISAN has been involved in numerous charitable activities, including scholarships and medical missions. Could you share some success stories or notable achievements from these initiatives over the past year?


A: In 2020, I introduced vocational training because I felt that while scholarships and medical missions are valuable, they are akin to giving people fish. I wanted to empower people by teaching them how to fish. Our vocational training programs cover ICT, Agric business, fashion design, and cosmetology. Unlike scholarships, where we often lose track of recipients, I made sure to follow up with those in the vocational training programs. For example, some ICT trainees are now working for companies in Lagos and Abuja. This information is available on our website, www.akisan.org. Additionally, two individuals have secured jobs in Canada.


The cosmetology programme has been particularly successful. I live in Atlanta and discovered an Akwa Ibom native who has been here for 25 years. Due to our publicity efforts, he noticed our work and decided to help. He donates 30,000 Naira to each graduate and partnered with the school to export soaps made in Uyo to Atlanta, selling them across the country. Initially, he started with about 2,000 bags of soap per month, and now, the volume has increased to 50,000 bags. One of our beneficiaries, who initially had two workers, now employs three and has purchased land to build a warehouse. Her current location on Eka Street is too small to accommodate her growing business. This initiative not only empowers individuals but also boosts the local economy by bringing hard currency to the state and creating more jobs. To me, this is one of our most successful programs.


Q: How has AKISAN collaborated with the Akwa Ibom State Government to enhance the prosperity of its people, both within the state and in the Diaspora, given its significant contributions to the State’s growth?


A: We frequently partner with the State Government. For instance, on the Friday (Agust 9, 2024) morning of the convention, we host a business summit where Akwa Ibom businesspeople from the U.S. present ideas to the State government, and the government shares its initiatives with us. While these collaborations haven’t always been highly successful, there have been instances where individuals were invited to contribute further.


Personally, I have introduced three individuals to the current government. One is involved with Silver Energy, and another produces laptops and tablets in Atlanta. Beyond entrepreneurship, a group of healthcare professionals in the United States is currently working to liaise with the Ministry of Health in Akwa Ibom State to revamp the healthcare sector. This ongoing effort exemplifies our commitment to enhancing the State’s prosperity through diverse and impactful collaborations


Q: How will AKISAN Assess the Performance of the Present Administration in One Year of Governance


A: I will speak for myself, as I cannot represent the organization’s views since we are a non-profit with members holding diverse political ideologies. As someone who visits Akwa Ibom State at least twice a year, I have observed some commendable actions by the current Governor, Pst. Umo Eno. One significant aspect I appreciate is his inclusive approach. Although he is in the PDP, he reaches out to everyone, regardless of their political affiliation, whether PDP or APC.


There have been longstanding issues with the payment of pensions and gratuities, but Governor Eno has made notable progress in this area. He has also prioritised rural development, and so far, his efforts have been promising. Personally, I am particularly grateful for the resolution of pension payments, as my mother, who had not been paid for years, has finally received her dues under this administration. For these reasons, I hold a positive view of his performance in these areas.


Q: As the convention is set to feature a fundraiser/banquet, could you provide insights into the specific projects that AKISAN aims to support with the funds raised, and how these projects will benefit both the Akwa Ibom community in the USA and back home in Nigeria?


A: This is a National Convention, and the funds we raise support both the national organization and its chapters. Each chapter has local community projects, while at the national level, we consistently focus on medical missions, scholarships, and vocational training. Therefore, all the money we raise will be allocated to these ongoing projects, benefiting the Akwa Ibom community both in the USA and back home in Nigeria.


Q:  Vocational training has been a significant focus for AKISAN, with over 200 students trained in various fields. What feedback have you received from these graduates, and how is AKISAN planning to expand this program in the future?


A: After every batch, I personally follow up and share the outcomes on the organization’s website to provide transparency and encourage potential donors. I maintain a WhatsApp group for each batch to ensure continuous communication and feedback. While not everyone responds, those who do contribute valuable insights, which I incorporate into our program evaluations. Overall, I consider our vocational training initiative highly successful.


Currently, all funding for these projects comes from sponsors rather than the organization itself. This external support has been crucial as our internal funds are limited. However, with each successful batch, we attract more interest, leading to increased numbers in subsequent years. Moving forward, I aim to broaden our reach by engaging a larger audience, including companies and the Akwa Ibom State Government.


I would like to highlight a promising opportunity regarding the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Complex. During Governor Udom Emmanuel’s tenure, we discussed our programs, and he was so excited and expressed interest in supporting our efforts by giving us a place in the center. Although he couldn’t fulfill his promise before leaving office, the completion of the center presents a new opportunity. I plan to remind the current Governor of his predecessor’s commitment and hope for his support in providing a space for our vocational training programs.


Q: AKISAN just nominated the Plenary as her official Newspaper, I will ask, why the Plenary?


Ans: I have known Mr. Udo Silas, the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief for a very long time, he is a consummate professional I hold him in high regards.  He possesses depth, professionalism, and remarkable communication skills. I am confident that any team he assembles will consistently exceed expectations. Despite being relatively new, The Plenary demonstrates the capability to provide thorough and professional coverage. I believe there is nothing amiss in selecting The Plenary as AKISAN’s Official Newspaper and evolving alongside it.