By Deborah Ekanem
The A’Ibom Oil Producing Community Development Network AKIPCON has taken a significant step towards decentralizing its operations to enhance grassroots engagement.
Speaking, Uyo Zonal Coordinator, Hon. Mary Akpan noted that the inauguration which took place on Thursday, 2nd October, 2025 at 111 Abak road Uyo was to decentralized AKIPCON for administrative convenience and community outreach.
She added that “The Uyo zone, comprising five local government areas – Uyo, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Itu, and Uruan Local Government Areas aimed to establish a strong presence at the grassroots level, to foster more effective community development initiatives and address the unique needs of oil- exploration in the region.
“This development is in line with AKIPCON’s mission to promote environmental justice, human rights, and sustainable development in Akwa Ibom State, ensuring that the benefits of oil exploration are equitably distributed among community members and that their rights are protected”. Hon. Akpan noted.
The Uyo Zone has Hon. Mary Akpan as the Zonal Coordinator, Hon. Emem Usoro- Ibiono Ibom coordinator, Mr. Ime Ekeng – Itu coordinator, Mr. Effiong Ubaha – Uruan Coordinator, Mr. John Ubom – Ibesikpo Asutan coordinator and Apostle Emmanuel Nseobot – Uyo LGA coordinator.
Also inaugurated were;
Prince Michael Essien – Secretary General (Uruan), Felicia Efiok – Environmental Monitoring Officer (Uruan), Engr. Ini Jackson – Adviser 2 (Uruan), Elder Ini Asuquo Ubo – Treasurer (Uyo), Apostle Maxuel Etuk – PRO (Uyo), Elder Emmanuel Jerome – Human Right Education Officer (Uyo), Mrs Idongesit Ekpe – Contact/women Affairs Officer, (Ibiono Ibom) Apostle Nkereuwem Nnanna – Religious Affairs Officer (Ibiono), Hon. John Isaiah – Welfare (Ibiono Ibom)
Mr. Kufre Essien – Contact/youth Officer (Ibiono).
Other members were;
Engr. Manoah Ikpe – General Duties Officer, (Ibesikpo Asutan ), Mr. Akpan Uko – Assistant Secretary General (Ibesikpo), Dr. Samuel Andem – Conflict Resolution Officer (Ibesikpo), Engr. Elisha Asuquo – Project Investment Officer (Itu), Mr. Ime Okokon – Financial Secretary (Itu), Uyoata Valentine – Adviser 1 (Itu)