Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo has challenged women in the state to take the bull by the horn and join forces with the Jewels in contributing their quota to the making of a great state.
Ekpo spoke recently during the launching of the third and Special Edition of IBOM JEWELS’ Compendium, the foremost publication of women of Impact, women inspirers, women Leaders and women Influencers of Akwa Ibom stock the world over, at Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo.
Jewels enlisted in the Compendium were officially inaugurated with Ibom Jewels’ emblem into the great family of Ibom Jewels’ Community.
It was a moment of deep reflection watching great Jewels of inestimable value very visible all over the prestigious venue…women who have gone through the fire of life, yet not burnt but refined to become the high and mighty in the society.
Represented by Dr. Mrs. Grace Akpan, he noted that women are naturally imbued with potentials which, according to him, should be effectively put to use as seen in the Ibom Jewels.
Speaking also, Sir Edet Amana, OON, the Chairman on the occasion, spoke glowingly about the “can do” spirit of women describing them as pillars in nation building.
Sir Amana commended the Editor-in-Chief and Visioner of the Compendium, Mrs. Eme Atakpo for taking a bold step to birth such an impactful tool for societal development.
He was optimistic that the Compendium would inspire the younger ones to tow the line of greatness
The former Deputy Governor of the state and mother of the day, Noble lady Valerie Ebe, herself a distinguished Jewel, gave kudos to Akwa Ibom women for not sitting on the fence but making bold steps to ensure that they are carried along in the affairs of the state and nation.
The book Reviewer and Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Prof. Peter Esuh noted that right from the cover to other pages with designs and segmentations, the book is depicted as a special edition indeed, to celebrate Akwa Ibom at 35.
Earlier, the Publisher and Editor-in-chief, Mrs. Eme Atakpo, had said the project has moved beyond the publication level only, to the physical gathering of the Jewels as a uniting force under the aegis of “Ibom Jewels’ Community,’’ a forum for mentorship, counseling, advocacy and skills training of the next generation to enhance state and national development.
Mrs. Atakpo congratulated the Jewels on their listing in the Compendium while commending their resilience and cooperation which has brought about the success story.
It was awesome having fun and pleasantries with all the female Professors, Deputy VC, former VC, former Accountant general, former DGs, Legal luminaries, Medical doctors, political appointees, Technocrats and many other great women of no mean repute.
The event also featured a word of exhortation to unveil the Compendium, by the National President and Archbishop of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Dr. Christian Ekong, accompanied by wife, Offiong as well as a run-down of activities of the group by the President, Ibom Jewels’ Community, Lady Ivy Esin.
Other highlights were Awards’ presentation to some Jewels in appreciation of their outstanding representation of women in public offices, presentation by pupils of Aunty Jewel Montessori Academy, Uyo and special performance by an upcoming Jewel, a nine-year old girl- Saxophonist as well as a cultural display.
