The Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic Alumni Association (AK-PALA) has successfully elected and sworn in a new National Executive Council to steer the affairs of the Association for the next three years.
At a well-attended Congress and election held today in Uyo, Comrade Ifiok Effiong Ekanem emerged as the National President, alongside Comrade Kenneth Alphonsus Ekong as Deputy National President, Comrade Uduak Akpan Esen as National Vice President II, and Comrade Emmanuel Edet James as National Secretary.
Other elected officers include Comrade Mercy Samuel Udofa (Deputy National Secretary), Comrade Nkoyo Udo Essiet (National Treasurer), Comrade Nsibiet Samuel Paul (National Financial Secretary), Comrade Ubokudom Gideon Etuk (National Auditor), and Comrade Ubokmfon Iwok (National Director of Information/Publicity)
For Organising Secretaries, Comrade Obiageri Christy Anyanwu emerged as National Organising Secretary I, while Comrade Marshall Bassey Ukpoho was elected National Organising Secretary II. Comrade Mercy Udofia Owu will serve as the National Woman Leader.
The Returning Officer, Dr. Nsikak Affia, declared the position of National Vice President I inconclusive following the absence of the candidate, Comrade Usoro Iboro Fred, who neither attended the election nor communicated any reasons to the Congress or the Electoral Board.
Affia affirmed that all other elected officers scored the highest number of valid votes and met the constitutional requirements of the Association. He subsequently presented Certificates of Return to them.
In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Dr. Godwin Benson, expressed gratitude to members for their support throughout the committee’s one-year stewardship. He described the Caretaker Committee as “a child of circumstance” but thanked God that the team was able to add significant value to the Association.
Benson highlighted several achievements, including the re-engineering of Alumni operations, strengthened public and media relations, and remarkable progress on the Alumni Complex Project — moving it from 30% block work to 90%, with major structural and finishing components completed.
He also noted improved relationships with key stakeholders such as the Polytechnic’s management led by Dr. Moses Umobong, the Board of Incorporated Trustees, and the host community. Benson praised the Electoral Board for delivering what he described as “the freest, fairest, and most seamless election in the history of the Association.”
The Chairman of the Board of Incorporated Trustees, Comrade Nse Bassey, expressed delight over the smooth transition, the accomplishments of the Caretaker Committee, and the quality of the new executives elected to lead the Association.
The new Executive Council was formally sworn in by Barr. Akanaono Umoh.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected National President, Comrade Ifiok Ekanem, appreciated the delegates for the confidence reposed in him and his team, promising to work diligently to advance the interest and development of the Association.
The Congress and election were witnessed by members of the Board of Trustees, including Comrade Ernest Udo, Comrade Uduak Ita, and Comrade Emmanuel Johnson.
