By Richard Thomas, Ibadan
The Senior Special Assistant to Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, on Diaspora Honourable Bolanle Sarumi Aliyu has assured Akwa Ibom Indigenes in the state that the governor will always extend hands of fellowship to them such that will promote their well-being and strengthen their existence in the state.
The Special Senior Assistant gave the assurance at the 2021 Akwa Ibom Day, held at the Recreation club field Sabo in Ibadan on Saturday.
Bolanle Sarumi Aliyu who represented governor Makinde at the occasion described the Akwa Ibom people as very unique and wonderful people who have distinguished themselves as lovely and hard working people.
According to her, members of the Akwa Ibom state community in Oyo State are peace lovers people who will do anything to earn peaceful coexistence among other tribes in the state.
Speaking on the 2021 celebration of AKISCOM day, Mrs Sarumi described the occasion as very unique and wonderful, adding that their culture and reception was heartwarming.
“Yes, they have a unique culture and heartwarming reception. They are a very hard working people who have contributed meaningfully to the development of the state.
Sarumi encouraged the youths of Akwa Ibom to be up and doing, and spend their time on creative ventures such that will promote their well being and the tribe as a whole .
The Senior Special Assistant also urged them to continue to cooperate and support governor Makinde administration in his bid to move the state forward.
She however promised to offer scholarship to a male and female students of Akwa Ibom state in the state up to university levels.
Speaking at the occasion, president of AKISCOM, Mr Uwem Ndarake said the celebration was aimed at showcasing the cultural heritage and values of AKWA IBOM people and the need to make the coming generation to know the importance of the day.
He urged the youths to be responsible and be good ambassadors of the tribe in the state.
Also speaking, the Special Assistant on Inter-Faith Affairs to governor Makinde, Reverend Olufemi Ibikunle described the culture of the Akwa Ibom people as a unique one urging them to continue to be a peace loving people.
“They are a unique people in the state, I have been working with them since 2014 and I appreciate meeting them.”
“I want to assure that you are part of Oyo state, and I also want to urge you to be good neighbours who will continue to support the governor.
Leader of the AKISCOM youths, comrade Udoro Efere while thanking the Obong and leaders of the Akwa Ibom community for the celebration and the feats they have achieved appealed to the youths to represent the good interest of the AKISCOM, and support the good course of governor Makinde.
Addressing the youths, Dr. Olatunde Oladoyinbo an advocate of peace and development in the administration of Engr Makinde took some time to educate the youths on the need to obtain their Permanent Voters Card to enable them contribute positively to the on going development in the state, and also use it to shape their future.
He thanked the Obong and leaders of AKISCOM for embarking on programmes that will promote and facilitate peace and development in the state.
In his royal address, the Obong Iberedem Akwa Ibom in Oyo State, Edidem Etim Bassey Akanyak (ARSM) commended the people for their understanding and cooperation which has continued to promote peace and progress in AKISCOM and the state as a whole.
He however expressed his gratitude to governor Seyi Makinde for according them the opportunity to freely express their freedom in the state.
“I really want to thank and appreciate our God given governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for his understanding and love for our people since he assumed office. And I want assure him of our continued support in all his endeavours.”
The Obong then called on members of AKISCOM across the state to cooperate with one another and to be good ambassadors of the tribe.
