• As 100 Beneficiaries Receive Scholarships

By Egufe Yafugborhi

UYO – SENATE President, Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno, joined by other eminent guests, will share the joy of the moment when the grand finale of month long 100 years anniversary celebration of Oron Union (OU) holds Friday in Akwa Ibom state.

The centenary which kicked off April 26 has witnessed the declarations of heritage sites including homes of Ekpu Edubio Odoro, John Anwana Esin and Okon Eyokunyi Isong, three colonial officers who in 1925 envisioned a reservoir of cultural identity and unifying vehicle to drive civilization in Oro territory and contiguous areas on accelerated development resulting in formation of the OU.

Sir Essang Nsa Bassey, President General, OU said, ahead of the grand final, that the celebrations have further witnessed award of 100 scholarships to deserving beneficiaries across Oro five Local Government Areas.

There have also been schools quiz and debate competition, novelty football match between Oro Unity Forum and Oro Youth Movement, boats regatta, traditional wrestling and Concert Night staged at the Oro Stadium.

Sir Bassey captured, “The scholarship schemes the Union introduced in 1933 for the training of teachers within Nigeria and its overseas scholarship in 1942, has led to the emergence of top class professionals in various fields of human endeavour.

“On Thursday, 22nd May, a colloquium will be held with Keynote Address to be presented by Ledum Metee, acclaimed civil rights Activist. Lead discussants will be Prof Peter Esuh of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies and Prof Emmanuel Onwidieokut, Department of Economics, both of the University of Uyo under the Chairmanship of Prof Akpan H. Ekpo.”

He added, “The grand finale at the Stadium is to be chaired by Chief. O.B. Offiong (SAN) as Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio will be Principal Guest of Honour, Governor Umo Eno as the Special Guest of Honour. Engr Etim Okpoyo is the Father of the day while Sen Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor is mother of the day.”