All is set for the hosting of a one-day intellectually stimulating forum on the Federal Government proposed Water Resources Bill now in the National Assembly in Uyo, Akwa Ibom capital.
Organised by Open Forum, a registered Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), participants will deliberate on Water Resources Bill: an Analysis of its Implications for the People of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.
Mr. Matthew Koffi Okono, convener of the forum, said Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, National Chairman, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and Founder, Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene will serve as Chairman of the occasion of the event at NUJ Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo, on Tuesday, December 13 at 11 a.m.
Related news
- National Water Resources Bill Is Another Version Of Ruga Settlement – Ortom
- Resist National Water Resources Bill – Prof Soyinka Tells Nigerians
- FG Defiant To Implement National Water Resources Bill
A press release issued by Mr. Okono in Uyo on Monday, December 12, said Prof Ubong Umoh, Associate Professor of Military History and Head, Department of History and International Studies, University of Uyo, will serve as Guest Speaker at the forum, which is the 8th Edition of the Town Hall Meeting in Uyo.
Eminent panelists include Dr. Emmanuel Akpanobong, Chairman, Adaha Ibibio (Ibibio Elders Forum) and Director General, Centre for Leadership Development and Conflict Resolution; Prof. Otoabasi Akpan, Professor of History of Ideas and International Security Studies, and Director of International Collaborations and Languages, Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) and Dean, Ibibio Academics Roundtable.
Others are Hon. Idongesit Okoko, President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Akwa Ibom State Chapter and Emem Nkereuwem, journalist and Public Affairs Analyst.
Royal Fathers of the Day expected include Edidem Raymond Inyang, Paramount Ruler of ONNA and Secretary-General, Ifim Ibom Ibibio and Edidem (Dr.) Edet Akpan Inyang, Paramount Ruler of Itu LGA and Chairman, Open Forum Advisory Board.
Others are Edidem Peter Okon Effiong, Paramount Ruler of Nsit Atai LGA; Ubuong Harry Etettor- Paramount Ruler, Eastern Obolo and Edidem Bassey Etim Edet- Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko Local Government Area.
Special guests of honour are Atai Obonganwan Imo Essien, representative of Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio; Mkpisong Ememobong Essien, Founder/President, Akwa Ibom Elderly Citizens Assembly (AKECA) and Prof John J. Okon, President, Ibom Peoples Congress (USA) Inc. and Professor of Communication Studies, Washington Adventist University, USA.
The Chairman of communique committee is Mr Israel Umoh, former Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, and a one-time Chief Information Officer to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
The event targets National and state legislators, 2023 candidates of political parties, government officials, community and religious leaders, traditional rulers, leaders and members of socio-cultural organizations, civil societies, student bodies, professional unions, the press and the general public.
The release, therefore, invites all to the event and encourages them to contribute to the discourse, noting ‘‘It’s time for our people to go beyond partisan campaigns and entertainment jamborees to high-end intellectual cross fertilization of ideas and collective decision on where we stand as a people in critical local and national issues.’’
