Akwa Ibom Community Honours Akpabio, Eno, Others

The Akwa Ibom community in Abuja held a grand reception on Wednesday evening in honour of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno, National Assembly members, and federal appointees of Akwa Ibom origin. This event blended celebration with major development initiatives.

A key highlight of the gathering was the formal unveiling of the Ibom Bowl Project, described as a cultural and community identity landmark for Akwa Ibom people in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The occasion also featured the inauguration of the 16th Executive Council of the Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja.

President of the Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja, Mkpisong (Barr.) Gabriel Fan said the group remained one of the most organised state communities in the nation’s capital.

“As a community, we strive to empower our youth with skills, mentorship, and opportunities; provide service to our women whose strength sustains us; and support our elders with dignity,” he said. He reiterated the community’s commitment to the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno.”

Barr Fan expressed appreciation for the presence of the Senate President, the governor, lawmakers, and federal appointees, noting that their attendance underscored unity among the people of Akwa Ibom.

The traditional leader of Akwa Ibom residents in Abuja, Chief Jackson Ndueso, described the day as historic, saying the project represents qualities that define the Akwa Ibom identity.

He revealed that the land for the Ibom Bowl—about 5,000 square metres—was acquired during his tenure as community president and that the project was now ready for full development.

“We are calling on all concerned to assist us in starting to build on this land,” he said. “We are showcasing the rich culture of Akwa Ibom people… industrious, honest and kind people.”

Chief Ndueso said the proposed Ibom Bowl would provide technology and industrial hubs, cultural displays, cuisine centres, and serve as a home for Akwa Ibom indigenes in Abuja, including NYSC corps members.

“It will be a place to export Akwa Ibom to the world,” he added.

The event also featured an empowerment exhibition, where beneficiaries of the community’s skills programmes showcased products ranging from fashion and leatherwork to culinary and digital services.

Public Relations Officer Mr Francis Xavier said the Ibom Bowl complex would serve as a hub for administrative, cultural, and economic activities. He noted that the community would partner with investors to fund the project, with leasing arrangements under consideration. Cost estimates, he added, were being finalised.

Governor Umo Eno, represented by Aniekan Ubong Akpan, Permanent Secretary, Akwa Ibom Liaison Office, Abuja, while congratulating the new executive council, urged them to uphold transparency, unity, and service at all times.

“This council must reflect the values of Akwa Ibom—integrity, innovation, and inclusiveness,” he said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Hon. Patrick Umoh, commended the unity displayed by the community and said his office belonged to “all Akwa Ibom people and Nigerians.”

He urged members to remain law-abiding and united, and to foster the state’s culture.

“I thank the exco for making this reception possible and uniting Akwa Ibom people across the FCT,” he said, calling for continuous support and prayers for Governor Umo Eno, President Bola Tinubu, and other elected leaders.

Akpabio also pledged to mobilise support for the construction of the Ibom Bowl Project. LEADERSHIP Friday learnt that the community has about 5,000 members in the FCT