AKWA IBOM STATE ASSOCIATION

Annual Report

Executive Summary United States is a land of immigrants. From the first waves of African immigrants to Irish, then Italian immigrants and all immigrants of the twenty first century, one thing is true, immigrants thrive in an environment in which they feel a sense of belonging. The Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA Inc. Twin Cities chapter provides such a communal back drop for immigrants, friends, and Americans of Akwa Ibom descent in Minnesota. Mission Statement To promote, advocate, and support the Akwa Ibom community in Minnesota, to contribute positively to the development of our community and cultural heritage; enhance the family structure, enable our members to excel personally, professionally and economically. Background Akwa Ibom State Association is a community based 501© (3) non-profit organization. The organization was formed for the following purposes: To promote, encourage and foster unity among the citizen of Akwa Ibom State in Minnesota, United States, and at home Nigeria. To promote economic, educational, cultural, civic, scientific, and social progress of Akwa Ibom State Citizens in the United States. To encourage and support the educational, professional, and legitimate aspirations of all Akwa Ibom State citizens in the United States and in Nigeria where practical. To assist and provide moral and financial support to members during sickness, death, or social activities. To support and promote various charitable organizations by cooperating with any such organizations, participating in its activities, or contributing to such organizations. Message from the President Dear Members/Friends/Stakeholders: The goal of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA INC, Twin Cities Chapter, is to make a difference in the Akwa Ibom community in Minnesota. With the help of donations from supporters such as you we will continue to see improvements in our community. Thank you for your support. On May 31, 2008 the wind of change ushered in new administrators to manage the business and affairs of our people in Minnesota. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the past administrators for all their hard work and successful accomplishment in obtaining 501© status for the association. Since taking over the administration of the association, we have worked to fill in some key positions. Currently the only open position is the Financial Secretary position. In consultation with the stakeholders, delivering valued services to the community in a timely manner was identified as one of the key items needed. To meet this demand, the new administrators decided to launch an ambitious undertaking of developing a robust virtual village for ease of communications, events, meeting minutes & announcements. The URL for the association's website is http://www.akwaibomstatemn.org. It has been exciting to have some returning members back to the association. The administrators are also farming for new members. Our hope is to reach out for our young graduates by next year. One of the benefits of joining the association include access to community life insurance. The Community life insurance, which is underwritten by Hartford Insurance Company, is offered to paid members only. This program has been very successful and beneficial to members. To obtain detailed information about the life insurance, please e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . In 2008, the association played an important role nationally by hosting executive of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA INC.  The association also organized a successful annual picnic over the summer and an end-of-year celebration in December. Both the picnic and end-of-year celebration brought together Akwa Ibomites in Minnesota. Family Day program was also introduced in 2008 and enjoyed a lot of success as friends and members of the association gathered for bowling. Three target areas of opportunity that will add value to our members include financial management, family health, and giving back to the community. To this end, some programs to be considered include: Adopt a school program – targeting primary school (s) in Akwa Ibom State with dilapidated school buildings Offering of 401K plan to members Health forum - including educational discussions by guest speakers / health screening Volunteering in the community We look forward to your continue support of the association as we strive to achieve our goals of promoting Akwa Ibom cultural heritage and strong family structure. Long live Akwa Ibomites in Minnesota, Long live Akwa Ibom State, and God bless America. Sincerely, Ezekiel M. Etukudo President Twin Cities Chapter Contact Information Website: http://www.akwaibomstatemn.org E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 2008 Officials of the Association Office Officer President Ezekiel Etukudo Vice President Mary Akpan Public Relations Office Edem Umoh Director of Socials Udeme Okon Secretary Emem Akpan Financial Secretary (Acting) Emem Akpan Committees End of Year Grant Writing Ofiok Ekanem Innocent Eyoh Ekong Uyanga Edem Umoh Dominic Okon Jim Akpan Okon Jackson Nse Umanah Book Shipment Health and the Family Stella Ekong (M.D) Bassey Eyoh (Dr.) Ekong Uyanga Stella Ekong (M.D) FINANCIAL STATEMENT The documents in the Financial Disclosure section are provided for informational purposes only. Request an official copy of the financial statement from the financial secretary. Overall, the association had a net income of $1,538.35! A bulk of our income was from contributions made by members and friends of the association towards events such as our hosting of the National Council Meeting. A total amount of $4,668.49 was spent by the association. Expenses made include payments made towards events as well as payments made to National. A total amount of $675.00 was paid to National for membership dues and registration, chapter registration, and National Emergency Trust Fund. Yearly View Monthly Report LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAM The Association do provide Community Life Insurance to her members through the Cultural Group Benefits underwritten by The Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company, Simsbury, CT. About 16 members of the association signed up for Life Insurance through the association.  Enrollment for the life insurance program is by September 30th of every year. MEMBERSHIP Overall, the association celebrated and welcomed the birth of three of our children: Seno Okon, Mfreke Olu, and Laryssa Akpan. The year was without some sad news. The association mourned with our members whose relatives passed away. About 3 members mourn and celebrated the life of their love ones as the move to the land beyond. The year also brought to us families from Akwa Ibom. The association welcomed the Udo's family and also Andy and Lilian Umoh to Minnesota. The following individuals / companies have supported the association in the year 2008. Thank you for your support. AKPAN, Jim, Juliet, & Laryssa UDOH, Daniel OKON, Dominic, Uduak, & Emem UDOH, Aniekan AKPAN, Emem, Mary, Nora ETUKUDO, Ezekiel, Eric UYANGA, Ekong & Unyime EYOH, Innocent, Lila, Ini, & Eka ETUKO, Steve, Nse OGBE, Paschal, Ima-Obong EDET, Isonguyo EKPO, Maria OLOFINBOBA, Kayode, Ifiok, Babatunde, Banji ESSIEN, Mike, Stella, Mike Jr., Constance ARCHIBONG, Mfon, Mfon, Joshua, Eno, Joy, & Victor EKONG, Ekan, Stella (M.D) EKANEM, Ofiokuma OKON, Udeme, Anietie, & Seno ETIM, Dominic UMOH, Edem, Andem, & Lillian UKO, Idara UDOMAH, Elijah UDOH, Ime UMANAH, Ivory UMANA, Nse, Usoro, Iniobong, Ebenege, Sam , Ekaette UDOIBOK, Ken, Meredith, Peter EYO, Bassey (prof.), Abike, Eskor, Atimma, Arita, Ameena Ekaete ESSIEN, Akpan Udo (Dr.) Frendy Investment LLC UDOH, Emmanuel and Genevive Fondungallah Kigham and Essien Paschal Nwokocha Cultural Group Benefits Ubani and Associates Nwaneri and Associates Cenex Realty Igbabugo Partners Int. Law C-Kon Global Investments Inc. Chris Obasi (Obasi Law Firm)