Akwa Ibom Youth Convention holds Sept 21

The third edition of Akwa Ibom Youth Convention (AYC) will kick-off on September 21, 2013 at the 3,000 capacity Multi Purpose Hall C of the University of Lagos. Organized by Ibom Youth Pathfinder, an arm of Akwa Ibom Youth Development Association, the annual event has become an avenue by which youths from all walks of life are brought together to promote the state’s rich cultural heritage.

Similarly it has become a platform that gives youths a strong voice in the decision-making in Akwa Ibom State.

According to Aniekan Eshiet, Chairman Central Planning Committee, the organisation will not deviate from its mission to equip and empower Akwa–Ibom youths to be good role models in all ramifications. This year’s convention is especially seeking to promote outstanding Akwa Ibom youths in all human endeavours, with outstanding examples drawn from show business (actors, comedians, models, fashion designers), sports and the academic, just as other professionals (architects, nurses, entrepreneurs, pilots, farmers, medical doctors, journalists to mention but few) are going to be recognized.

With over 3,000 youths expected from all states of the federation including FCT, Abuja the event has been adjudged the largest gathering of Akwa –Ibom youth and the most anticipated Akwa -Ibom youth event. This year’s edition themed ‘Accelerating Youth Empowerment’ in Akwa Ibom State has been designed to give prominence to high-flying Akwa-Ibom indigenes, who are expected to deliver speeches, one of whom is Miss Favour Ibok, a native of Urue-Ofong/Oruko in Eket Senatorial District in Akwa Ibom State that emerged the Best Graduating student in the last convocation ceremony of University of Lagos. Ibok, who graduated with First Class in Accountancy with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.89, will be honoured  with an endowment  Award of Excellence and will be expected to deliver a speech entitled “Empowering Akwa Ibom Girl-child Through Education’’.

Guest speakers and panelists at the forthcoming august occasion include Sam Bassey, Managing Director, Leverage Investment Ltd, Okon Iyanam, Chairman, Expetro Energy and Joseph Johnson Etem, Liason Officer, Akwa Ibom State Liason Office, Lagos. Others include Amos Akpan, Managing Director, Capital Airlines and Pastor Bassey James, Chancellor, Akpabio Centre for Leadership Development. The event, which will be anchored by the duo of Victor Ayara, Silverbird TV presenter and popular Akwa Ibom youthful comedian, CY, will also feature performances from Nigerian Idol finalists Abasiakan, Joe Blue, Centrik and other cultural performance and dance groups.

 As the largest gathering of Akwa Ibom youth, the event which will likewise attract captains of industry and showbiz icons of Akwa Ibom descent, will round off with an award presentation to His Excellency, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio (CON) for his contributions to the empowerment of Akwa Ibom State youth through his free education policy.