By Favour Onwuka
Whatever has a beginning has an ending. This is the case of Chief Elijah Ifot, president, Akwa Ibom State Community (AKISCOM) in Lagos. The journey, which started in 2011 ended recently when he handed over the mantle of leadership of the community to Prince Felix Udoh.
Ifot said at the inauguration of the new executives: “Today marks the end of a fruitful journey that began in 2011, and a new page in the annals of AKISCOM, Lagos written with the end of my administration and the emergence of a new one. In 2011 you graciously entrusted your faith in me and the same in 2014.
“My team and I came, saw and gave our best. I appreciate God who guided me and granted me the strength and enablement to carry on this journey.
“I acknowledge the invaluable support of the State government, past and present, my executives for their support and the entire members. I remain grateful to you all.
“We embarked on massive sensitization and mobilization of indigenes in Lagos and its environs in bringing them together under the umbrella of AKISCOM. We made efforts to build stronger, stable and united community through enduring peace and harmony amongst members especially the local government unions, chapters and groups. Today, the community has 30 local government unions, nine chapters, 59 groups spread across Lagos state, strong and functional women and youth wing.”
Ifot said the key area of concern of the community is fund. He encouraged the new administration to see that the local government unions, chapters and groups pay their monthly dues and levies as these are major sources of income to generate revenue:
“Another area of concern is the operation of groups by some members. The new administration should focus on their activities. I wish the new administration a very successful tenure.”