Afaha Inang community in Ona Local Government of Akwa Ibom State has announced a scholarship scheme for its indigenes studying in institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.
The community, which boasts the highest number of university professors in the local government area, has been at the forefront in the training of its talented students within and outside the country since the 1960s.
Elijah John, a university don and President General of the community known as Afaha Inang Unity Forum, made the announcement during a meeting in Uyo, the state capital, which also served as the annual get-together for members from across the country and abroad.
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According to him, the scholarship scheme will reward talented students from the community who are already in higher education institutions and with the donations from the members, the community is set to revive its long-standing tradition.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure that our sons and daughters are seen and heard. We will no longer be satisfied with playing second fiddle,” he said.
He said that in the first set of the scholarship scheme, 16 students will be selected from the community and also four students will be selected from four communities.
“Our focus is to support our sons and daughters in positions of responsibility,” he said.
In his goodwill message, former Chairman of the State Hotels and Tourism Board, Ini Akpabio, described the gathering as a cultural revival and urged the younger generation not to abandon their indigenous language and said “there is no place like home”, while the Secretary of Ona Local Government, Ini Akpabio, urged members to move forward and rewrite the history of the community.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of an outstanding award to two prominent indigenous people of the area, including Obongwan Nancy Akpabio, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday.
Obongwan Akpabio is the brain behind Nanette Hotels which has branches in many parts of the country.
The other awardee, Ifiok Akpan, was recognized for his philanthropy and selfless service to the community.
Others present were renowned gynecologist Anikan Abasiatai, while the ceremony was presided over by retired Professor of Chemistry, Ukana Akpabio, and High Chief Ekanem Noah.
Also, friends and in-laws from the community were not left out at the year-end get-together.
