By Samuel Udofia
THe president of Abasiamanam Foundation, Pastor Bassey Effiong, recently paid a courtesy call on Ibiono Ibom and the paramount ruer of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom, Okuku Ime Usoro Inyang, where the monarch praised him for the foundation’s contributions to the common good of the area.
The monarch was particularly delighted that an Ibion Ibom son has not only attained such an enviable position but has also used it to impact lives positively in many ways.
He added that his going into politics was the beginning of a new normal, where people of proven records should be allowed to serve and not be served.
Effiong told the monarch that he was in the political fray to use the platform to serve the people the more. He stated that there were limitations as an entrepreneur but not as a political representative of the people.
He listed his achievements to include scholarships to over 120 indigent students within and outside Akwa Ibom State, payment of electricity bills for his community for over six years, providing employment for Ibiono Ibom indigens through his companies.
He revealed that there were plans to open animal feed processing factory in the local government and establish a printing press in Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency.
He assured the monarch that a medical team is due in three weeks to conduct free medical services in Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency through which those with critical conditions could be flown abroad for further treatment.
Effiong promised the paramount ruler that he would build a befitting palace for him in line with palaces in other parts of the country if he becomes their elected representative in 2023.
On the issue of clans in Ibiono Ibom, he assured that he would do his best to ensure that clans are recognized and gazetted ditto for villages not so gazetted.
In his response, the paramount ruler told the people not to allow the new beginning to pass by for posterity not to judge them unfairly, and also noted the need for people to change their narratives about governance.
Abasiamanam said he is committed to raising leaders and entrepreneurers in Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency from the population of the youth as he noted that a productive society is a peaceful community.
“Let us build the potentials of the youth for the future is now,” he said.
In the ancestral home of Okuku Ibiono Ibom at Obio Ibiono where he was received by the monarch, Okuku Essien Akpan Ebong, he promised to do his best to banish poverty from Ibiono Ibom and assured him of giving listening ears on all issues.
In a stakeholder meeting recently, his endorsement was swift as they praised his ingenuity and passion for the common good of all and wished that he should not be tainted by the old order.
Abasiamanam’s campaign mantra is: “Time for reality.”