Oro Nation Leadership Roundtable - OLR

ORO NATION LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE INAUGURATES NEW EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

…Receives Commendation from Eyakenyi, Ekuwem, Martins Esin, Okon Osung, Others

John NTEKIM

The newly elected third Executive Committee of the Oro Nation Leadership Roundtable (OLR) was formally inaugurated on Monday, with Engr. Okon Bassey assuming office as Convener, succeeding Barr. Omen Bassey, following the February 2026 leadership elections of the service-based organization.

The inauguration ceremony took place at Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, and was chaired by the immediate past Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem.

Several distinguished personalities who addressed the gathering, including the Chairman of the Oro Elders Advisory Council, Ikpoto Okon Osung; the representative of the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; and the Member representing Oron Federal Constituency, Rep. Martins Esin, represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr Ubuo Ubuo, commended the Roundtable for its distinctive leadership culture and sustained commitment to educational advancement and community development initiatives.

Speaking as Chairman of the occasion, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem described the Roundtable as a fertile platform for grooming future leaders. He expressed delight at the organization’s steady expansion and the remarkable progress recorded over the years.

Earlier in his valedictory address, the immediate past Convener, Barr. Omen Bassey, attributed the group’s continued advancement to the dedication, sacrifice and collective efforts of its members.

According to him, their support made his tenure eventful and impactful, enabling the successful annual delivery of the Roundtable’s flagship programmes, including the Holiday Mentoring Programme, Oro Education Summit, Ikpoto Okon Osung Undergraduate Essay Competition, Sir Etim Uye Science Quiz Competition, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi Girl-child Competition and a series of public discourse forums on issues of public interest.

In his inaugural address, the new Convener, Engr. Okon Bassey, pledged to build on the accomplishments of previous administrations, assuring members that all established annual programmes would be sustained while deliberate measures would be taken to enhance their quality and reach.

Announcing the reconstitution of the organisation’s standing committees, Engr. Bassey reiterated his commitment to an inclusive and consultative leadership approach.

He emphasized that the Roundtable was founded on the principles of equality, participation and shared responsibility, where every member is afforded the opportunity to contribute ideas and play a role in shaping the organisation’s future.

Also inaugurated alongside Engr. Bassey were Elder Udeme Ukoh as Deputy Convener; Engr. Iniobong Afahakan as Secretary-General; Dr Godwin Essang as Financial Secretary; Mr Michael Akadakhaene as Assistant Secretary I; Mr Christopher Anwana as Assistant Secretary II; Mrs Queen Onuoha as Treasurer; and Mr John Ntekim as Publicity Secretary.

The following members were inaugurated as chairmen of standing committees of the Roundtable: Dr Asukwo Onukak, Dr Emmanuel Ating, Dr Godwin Essang Esu, Mr Etim Asukwo Esin, Mr Joseph Ntekim, Dr Innocent Edagha and Hon. Tom Efombruh, while Barr. Godwin Etta was re-appointed Legal Adviser.

The ceremony was witnessed by the representative of Senator Ekong Sampson, Sir Michael Essang; Rep. Martins Esin, represented by Dr Ubuo Ubuo; Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission, Engr. Chief Benedict Ukpong; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Mr Daniel Eyakenyi; President-General of Urue Offong/Oruko Development Association and Patron of the Roundtable, Prince Asuquo Antai; former Chairman of Okobo Local Government, Dr Sylvester Attah; and President of Atak Oro Development Union, Chief Effiong Asanwana.

Others in attendance included the Assistant State Legal Adviser of the APC, Barr. Ita Okpoyo; Dean of Social Sciences, Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Monday Dickson; ex-Deputy Provost, UNIUYO College of Medical Sciences, Prof. Inyang Atting; Leaders of the Mbo and Urue Offong/Oruko Legislative Councils, Hon. Daniel Otu and Hon. Sunday Eyo respectively; the APC Chapter Chairman in Urue Offong/Oruko, Elder Sam Umiom; former Vice President General I, Oron Union, Barr. Ann Eyo; Managing Director, Standard Bridgeland Engineering Limited., Hon. Nkereuwem Okon; Arc. Victor Nyong Paul of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, among other notable guests.