Israel Umoh
The 31-year-old Ati Annang, a socio-cultural organisation, in Akwa Ibom State has brought to fore the vision of its forebears by pioneering the formal usage and teaching of Anaan Language in Nigerian public schools.
This bold effort prompted the 6th International of Ati Annang Foundation, Mr. Aniekpeno Mkpanang, also a retired Permanent Secretary in the state, to have vowed to draw the world’s attention to Ati Annang.
Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who was the Special Guest at the occasion, emphasised the need to promote and preserve local dialects, especially, in the face of globalisation and cultural homogenisation.
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The Governor stated this on Saturday, at the Annual General Meeting, and official presentation of the Harmonized Orthography of Anaañ Language Curriculum and swearing-in of the 6th Executive Council of Ati Annang Foundation, at its International Secretariat, Cardinal Ekanem Avenue, Ikot Ekpene on Saturday, March 15.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Eno while commending the Ati Annang Foundation for developing a National Educational Research and Development Council-approved Harmonised Orthography of Anaañ Language, Curriculum, and Teachers’ Guide, noted that language plays a crucial role in preserving cultural identity and values.
He acknowledged Anaañ as one of the most intense languages, blessed with passionate and wise words.
Eno enjoined parents to speak their local languages with their children, stressing that it would enhance their mastery of the English language, as well as promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
“Let’s speak our local languages more and let’s proudly speak them with our children to help them relate with the contents of the orthographies. Speaking vernacular doesn’t detract from the mastery of the English Language. Rather, it enhances it. I believe learning our local languages can promote critical thinking, enhance creativity and imbue people with problems-solving skills”, he noted.
While tasking the new Executive Council of Ati Annang Foundation on unity, Governor Eno reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, through even spread of projects, appointments, and infrastructures to all parts of the state.
“As an administration, we will uphold the principle of inclusive governance by spreading projects, appointments and infrastructures to all parts of the State. Our One Project Per Local Government Area, road projects and empowerment schemes are carefully conceived and consciously executed in furtherance of this philosophy of reaching all Akwa Ibomites in all parts of the State”, Eno added.
Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, thanked the organization for sustaining the tempo of unity, peace and development among other ethnic groups in the state.
Usoro described the event as an avenue to re-echo the rich cultural heritage of Annang Nation and appreciated guests for finding time to grace the ceremony.
On his part, the immediate past President of Ati Annang, Mr. Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, expressed gratitude to past leaders of the group for their sacrifices towards the growth of the organisation and successful launch of the Harmonised Annañ Language Orthography.
In his goodwill message, Akparawa James Edet, the International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, congratulated the newly sworn in members of Ati Annang, saying this marks the beginning of a new era of brotherhood and unity in the state.
Earlier, Mr. Mkpanang, also a one-time Director of Protocol to ex-Governor Godswill Akpabio and the inventor of 9,999 Guinness award-winning event and the producer of the longest running but famed radio programme- Something To Remember, had said the world would stop, take notice and remember Ati Annang.
In his inspiring acceptance speech entitled: ”My Ati Annang Presidency: Pioneering a Fresh Vision in Community Service,” Mkpanang declared ‘‘I stand here deeply humbled by the immense trust and the sacred responsibility you have given me to lead Ati Annang into a bold new era. I stand here as the voice of a people, the servant of a cause, and the vessel of your collective will.
He noted ‘‘31 years ago, the founders of Ati Annang carved a path where none existed and built a legacy. Today, as I take this role, I ask myself: How can I, as your new President, contribute meaningfully to the Ati Annang of the future?
Will I be remembered as a mere custodian of tradition or as an architect of transformation? The answer is clear. I must break new ground. I must embrace innovation, I must explore fresh ideas.
I must bridge the seen and unseen gaps that still exist in this organization. I am not here to make empty promises. I am here to build Ati Annang with you so that we can make things happen. I am ready to work tirelessly to achieve remarkable things.
Ati Annang was not built by spectators, so why must we stand on the sidelines? We will not sit and watch. We will serve. We will build. We will inspire ourselves and we will create change. We will not merely be an organization, we will make Ati Annang a beacon of relevance.
At this moment, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the confidence you have placed in me. I do not take this responsibility lightly. I come prepared to build, to innovate and to ignite a new spirit of excellence among us.
I deeply appreciate the Board of Trustees and my esteemed predecessor, for their wisdom and support throughout this process. We will honour their dedication and the legacy they have built.
Let me at this point, most respectfully thank our Chairman and our esteemed guests for gracing this occasion. To the distinguished representative of His Excellency, the Governor, your presence is a testament to the significance of this moment. To every member of Ati Annang, let me challenge you. It is not enough to wear the name Ati Annang, we must make it count.
Other EXCO Members of newly inaugurated Ati Annang
It is not enough to belong to Ati Annang, we must build on its foundation. So, step forward. Speak up and stand tall. With God as our guide, we will not fail. Ladies and gentlemen, the next three years will be different. They will be the years that the world will stop, take notice and remember the name Ati Annang. Thank you and God bless you in the mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.’’
