From Isaac Job, Uyo

A former Minister of Petroleum Resources and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) Atuekong Don Etiebet has been tipped as the Chairman of Board of Trustees (BoT) of an emerging socio cultural group known as Oruk Development Union in OrukAnam local government area of Akwa Ibom state.

Speaking to Daily Sun in Uyo on Sunday, Interim International President of the group Hon Namso Donatus Idiong listed objectives of the socio cultural group to include supporting the socio-cultural, economic, educational and industrial advancement of Oruk people in particular and Oruk Anam local government area in general.

Idiong explained that the group is made up of distinguished personalities of Oruk nation persuaded by the interest of community development and civic responsibility .

He disclosed that the group has made him the Interim international President while former Minister of Petroleum, Atuekong Don Etiebet has t tipped as the Chairman, Board of Trustees.

The Interim International President while describing the formative meeting as a product of several months of consultative vista to relevant stakeholders, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him to pilot the protem executive of the Union.

The former Aide to ex governor Udom Emmanuel who went down memory lane described Oruk people as those known for great exploits and needed to unite and champion development in the area.

”Out of the 9 clans we have in Oruk Anam, Oruk axis alone has 7 clans while Anam has the remaining 2. We have the numbers to unite and drive development in our area.

”From time immemorial, Oruk people are known for great exploits. Our forebears through the Southern Annang Development Union founded in 1934, established schools, Hospitals, development centers and even sponsored several sons and daughters of Oruk to greater heights.

”I strongly believe that with the faces at this meeting, if we have one heart, Oruk Development Union which is duly registered with the corporate Affairs Commission, will continue that vision of the formidable Southern Annang Development Union .

In his contribution at inaugural meeting , the Deputy Chief Whip of Akwa Ibom State House of assembly, Hon. Sampson Idiong maintained that love and unity remain the solution for development all over the world and charged members to unite for their own interest and overall development of the area.

The lawmaker who is also the Chairman, Akwa Ibom House of Assembly Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban renewal warned members against using the union to fight others in the state constituency adding He will give more support to the group.

Akwa Ibom state commissioner for Education Mrs Idongesit Etiebet and Chairman, Oruk Anam Transition committee, Dr. Kingsley Frank in their separate remarks said the coming together of Oruk people will reduce hatred, harped on the need to sustain bipartisanship, Unity of direction as well as unity of command in the union.

They assured of their continuous support towards ensuring the success of the apex socio-cultural group of Oruk People.