APF Concludes Inaugural Engagement Tour in Akwa Ibom … Uniting Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekoi, Ekid and Obolo for Equitable, Sustainable Development

A non-religious, non-partisan movement in Southern Nigeria, powered by Abasi People Foundation (APF), has successfully interacted with key stakeholders in Akwa Ibom, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and distinguished individuals from the political, business, and academic spheres.

Victor Udo, (FNSE, PhD,) Chairman and CEO of the APF disclosed this development during a press interaction on Sunday, July 13, 2025, sparking significant public attention.

According to Dr. Udo, Abasi People Movement campaign is aimed at uniting Ndito Abasi (Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekoi, Ekid and Obolo) for collective self enlightenment towards equitable and sustainable development.

Building on APF’s mission to unify, cement and celebrate diverse dialect groups that reverence, the supreme God as Abasi, the movement seeks to evangelize Abasi People or Abasi Nation as the 4th largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria.

The movement is projecting Abasi People collective self-emancipation, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting shared identity in Nigeria and the world at large.

Having received audiences from key stakeholders across various strata in the state, Abasi People Movement has significantly advanced its aim to mobilize and unite Ibibio, Efik, Annang, Oro, Ekid, Ekoi, and Obolo across 7 LGAs in Cross River and 31 in Akwa Ibom State to pave the way for unified development under the banner of “One God, One Voice”.

Notably, the foundation has garnered royal support from revered Royal Fathers, including the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon, CFR; HRM Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers and Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko LGA; and His Majesty Obong Blaise Awakama, Itai Afe Annang.

The Akwa Ibom State Chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr. Chris Nyong has endorsed the movement as well as key business, political and academic leaders including Otuekong Chief Sunny Jackson, Chief Ndueso Essien, Senator Ibok-Essien and the President General of Oro Development Union ; Sir Essang Nsa Bassey.

Also endorsing the movement are key religious leaders such as the General Superintendent of Qua Iboe Church, Reverend Ekpedeme Moffat Effanga, the Field Superintendent of African Apostolic; Apostle Edet Michael Udoka, and Pastor Ukafia of Insights Bible Ministry.

Abasi People Movement is backed by Paramount Rulers like HRM Akuku (Professor) Amanam Udoh of Etim Ekpo L.G.A, HRM Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon of Uyo L.G.A, HRM Edidem ECD Abia of Eket L.G.A, HRM Uboon Harry J.Etetor ix of Eastern Obolo, HRM Okuku Uwa Umoh of Obot Akara L.G.A, HRM Akuku Okon Udo Ukut of Ikot Ekpene L.G.A, HRM Edidem (Dr.) Edet Akpan Inyang of Itu L.G.A, HRM Akuku (Engr.) Amos Daniel Akpan of Ukanafun L.G.A, HRM Edidem Etim Nnana Itang of Ikono L.G.A, HRM Edidem Cosmas Nkanga of Uruan L.G.A, and HRM Akuku Saviour Sylvester Udofia (JP) of Abak LGA.

These leaders agree that Abasi People Movement is a timely call for Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekoi, Ekid and Obolo to come together as Ndito Abasi, Abasi People, Abasi Nation and Abasians.

Abasi People have one shared identity, one culture and one God in one contiguous space (land, water and air) as the old Calabar Province in 38 LGAs of Nigeria and Diaspora.

Destiny Isong writes from Edebom 11, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.