As Ati Annang Foundation, a foremost socio-cultural organization in Akwa Ibom State, marked its silver Jubilee, Governor Udom Emmanuel has implored the organization to join in tackling the scourge of drug abuse and secret cultism among youths in the state.
Owing to the damaging influence of cultism, Akwa Ibom government proscribed 32 secret cults last year in the state, though nobody has been convicted since then.
Emmanuel, who handed down the advice as the special guest of honour at Ati Annang Secretariat, Cardinal Ekanem Avenue, Ikot Ekpene, on Saturday, decried the rate of cultism right from the primary school level in the state.
This was as the organization inducted 50 illustrious sons and daughters of Annang nation into the Hall of Fame while 10 associate members and nine members bagged award of honours.
Emmanuel speaking during the grand-finale of Ati Annang 25th Anniversary/International Convention, stressed the need for people to discourage the vice since “it could mortgage the future our youths.”
Underscoring the role of effective parenting, he called on parents to live up to their responsibilities, saying “drug abuse has destroyed our children, parents, teachers and the Church have a role to play to mentor the kids to know that their future lies before them.”
To the beneficiaries of Ati Annang Foundation scholarship scheme in primary and secondary levels, he enjoined them to prove their mettle with an outstanding academic excellence.
The governor, therefore, directed Ati Annang to withdraw sponsorship of any child who performs poorly, noting “Let them note that it is scholarship, they must defend it with good grades, good conduct and discipline that will also encourage Ati Annang to do a lot more.”
Emmanuel scored Ati Annang high for induction of Annang indigenes into the Hall of Fame and their contributions to the development of the state.
After unveiling its Hall of Fame, Governor Emmanuel donated N15 million to Ati Annang, calling on other socio-cultural groups in the state to emulate Ati Annang.
Earlier in his welcome address, Udo Kierian Akpan, the International President of Ati Annang, had thanked the Governor for honouring Annang Nation, during its silver jubilee celebration.
Kierian maintained that Ati Annang has been working hand in gloves with such socio-cultural organizations as Afe Annang and others to support the government, thanking their members in the Diaspora and others for gracing the event.
The International President announced that under its scholarship programme, Ati Annang Foundation has awarded scholarships worth N50,000 to each of the 200 secondary school students this year.
The chairman of the occasion, Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, congratulated Ati Annang members for contributing to the success of the week-long event, which, according to him, showcase the rich cultural heritage of Annang Nation and the accomplishments of Annang people in the State.
