UNIUYO VC to Chair Ikono/Ini Economic Symposium Saturday
…as Sen. Etok, Sir Akpan commend Media Professionals on developmental project
Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, is to chair the Maiden Ikono/Ini Economic Symposium scheduled for Saturday, January 22, 2021, at Ikono local government council secretariat, Ibiaku Ntok Okpo.
Prof Ndaeyo confirmed this on Tuesday during a telephone conversation with the President of Ikono/Ini Media Professionals, Comrade Emmanuel Ufon.
Meanwhile, a former National Assembly member, Senator Aloysius Etok, and the Chairman of Ikono/Ini Elders Council, Sir Sunday Udo Akpan, have commended the leadership of Ikono/Ini Media Professionals over the symposium whoch they described as a developmental project to the areas.
Senator Etok and Sir Sunday Akpan count among noteable leaders and stakeholders from Ikono/Ini federal constituency the media professionals have consulted ahead of the symposium which has as theme: “Reviving the Rural Economy for Sustainable Development”, with particular focus on exploring the economic potentials and possibilities in Ikono/Ini federal constituency.
The Initiator of Ikono/Ini Economic Symposium and President of Ikono/Ini Media Professionals, Comrade Emmanuel Ufon, who gave illuminating merits of the planned symposium, explained separately to Senator Etok and Sir S. U. Akpan during a courtesy call on them, on Tuesday, that the symposium aims to set the economic tone for Ikono/Ini federal constituency beginning from 2022 by providing an opportunity for participants to learn directly from economic experts on the way forward for the progress of Ikono and Ini local government areas.
Ufon also noted that some deserving sons and daughters of Ikono/Ini federal constituency who have successfully distinguished themselves creditably in their different areas of endeavors would be inducted into the Ikono/Ini Development Hall of Fame during the occasion as a mark of encouragement to others.
“Ikono and Ini are two sister local government areas rich in human, natural and material resources. We are looking at ways of harnessing and exploring these God’s blessings in our areas for the economic benefits of our people, and we want to ensure that our people are economically independent with the knowledge we are going to gather during the symposium”, he said.
Comrade Ufon expressed gratitude to Governor Udom Emmanuel on his recent approval for the construction of 21.5KM Ikot Ayan Ediene-Ikot Ntia-Urua Naira-Ikot Nseyen-Nkwot-Nung Ukim Road with 45M Span bridge in Ikono Local Government Area, saying that the road when completed would provide easy, smooth and productive access for business people, farmers, traders entrepreneurs and commuters to economically explore the areas.
He said that the symposium is open for everyone as discussants would extensively expose the economic outlook of Ikono/Ini federal constituency so that participants are knowledgeably equipped to make the right economic decisions in 2022 and beyond.
In his response, an elated Senator Etok thanked Comrade Ufon and his team for initiating the Ikono/Ini Economic Symposium, and for settling to discuss about exploring the economic potentials and possibilities in Ikono/Ini federal constituency.
He said that the occasion would further announce Ikono and Ini local government areas to the world, together with providing opportunities for the youths, men and women of the two local government areas to gather knowledge on national and global economic trends.
Senator Etok urged members of the Ikono/Ini Media Professionals not to be deterred in their quest to organize the symposium, even as he expressed optimism that the occasion would bring light on issues concerning reviving the rural economy for sustainable development.
On his part, Sir S. U. Akpan expressed delight that the young media professionals have decided to change the narrative of Ikono/Ini federal constituency for good through the forthcoming economic symposium.
“I am so much encouraged and happy seeing Ikono/Ini Media Professionals volunteering to organize this symposium, particularly as it is talking about the economy, and because that is the key thing.
“It is very dynamic. It will certainly have an economic advantage to the two areas and I’m sure that our people will appreciate the move”, said Sir Akpan who added that Ikono and Ini lands are fertile for agriculture and commerce.
Paper presenters expected to grace the occasion include Dr. Emmanuel Ntatam, a development expert, who will serve as the keynote speaker and the Deputy Director/Trade Promotion Advisor in the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs Pauline Ndulaka, who will serve as guest speaker, while the State Manager of SMEDAN, Lucy Ekpenyong and Dr Emmauel Ekpenyong of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture will serve as speakers at the occasion.
Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on SMEs, Chief Mrs Janet Amba; Dr. Emmanuel Akpabio, Dr. James Essien Akpan and Dr. Pius Effiong Akpan, are listed to serve as discussants.
“Our elder statesman and Chancellor of Ibom Patriots, Obong Bassey Inuaeyen; Engr. Cyril Attang, Senator Aloysius Etok, Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Health, Prof Augustine Umoh; Col. Stanley Bassey Rtd., Ikono Council Chairman, Hon Nyaknno Okoibu, Hon Itoro Columba, Obonganwan Lovina Umoeffa, Dr Samuel Oworekpe, NULGE chairperson in the state, Mrs Anestina Iweh; Akwa Obongunwana Emmanuel Ntatam; Obong Etim Udofia, Ini Council Chairman, Rt. Hon. Isreal Idaisin will be inducted into Ikono/Ini Hall of Fame”, Ufon said.
© Ikono/Ini Media Professionals
19/01/2022
