NINNAKNA MARKS INCEPTION OF A NEW ADMINISTRATION

If one was expecting business as usual at the annual Nsit Atai day 2015 as was in previous years then such a person was in for a surprise! True to the invitations that were sent out to guests the association really had merriments in mind. At about 8:00 pm on Saturday September 5th, 2015, invited guests and well wishers had filled the hall of Highbridge Community Church Annex at 1272 Ogden Avenue, Bronx, New York. Some of the notable faces in the crowd included Dr. Udoh Ekanem, an award recipient, Maureen Jones, also an award recipient, Dr. Asuquo Onda, Dr. Nkanga Nkanga, Dr. Victoria Edem, Dr. Edet Afia, Obong Akpan Charles Akpabio, Chief Bassey Mbaba, President, “AKISAN”, New York chapter and his beautiful wife, Mr. / Mrs. Okon Akpan (Pharmacist), Mr. & Mrs. Samson Ekong and family, plus a host of other dignitaries too many to mention here.

The invitation from the association made it clear that guest were duly advised to come with their dancing shoes and that food and drinks needed no protocols except prayer. The opening prayer and thanks for food was rendered by Rev. Ekong E. Ekong. Immediately following the opening prayer, DJ Ricks a renowned DJ in the Nigerian community in the tri-state unleashed his musical repertoire of music from Nigeria that ranged from the high life music of yester years to pop music of the day for the younger crowd. DJ Ricks successfully kept part of the crowd on the dance floor unendingly, while some were torn between the food and drinks and being on the dance at the same time as one popular tune after another were being played.

A much needed interlude from dancing was observed for the presentation of awards of excellence to two none indigenes of Nsit Atai, Maureen Jones and Dr. Udo Ekanem, for their selfless service to the association. Also, the association which had conducted its annual convention/business night and general election the day before, uses the interlude to swear in the newly elected executive and board of trustees. Sworn into executive branch were Elder Imeh Akpan-President, Joseph Eyo- Vice President, Wayne Bassey-Secretary, Bassey Akpan-Publicity Secretary, Nse Eyo, Director of Welfare & Youth, Eno Mbatt, Assistant Director of Welfare & Youth, Glory Essiet – Financial Secretary / Treasurer Rev. E. Ekong and Primus Okon as Patrons. Sworn into the Board of Trustees were, Minister. Felix Bassey-Chairman, Arch. Archibald Mbatt- Vice- Chairman of the Board, Mr. Samuel Essiet- member, Dr. (Mrs.) Enobong Akpan- member, and Mr. Joseph Oworoetop.The occasion ended on the same high note that it started with, a celebration of dancing and merriments.

Long Live Nsit Atai,

Long Live Akwa Ibom State,

Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria.