The President of Ekondo Efak Inang Socio-cultural Association, Asuquo Etim Okokon, has bowed out of office after completing two terms, marking the end of a four-year administration of the socio-cultural association NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
Okokon delivered his valedictory address during a ceremony attended by members, guests and stakeholders of the association, where he expressed gratitude for the support and cooperation he received throughout his tenure.
In his address, the outgoing president described his time in office as both demanding and rewarding, noting that the administration faced several challenges but remained committed to the unity and progress of the association.
“I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude, deeply humbled by the honour and privilege bestowed upon me and my team of executive members to serve this great association,” he said.
Okokon acknowledged that leadership sometimes involved difficult decisions and possible misunderstandings but appealed for understanding from members where his administration may have inadvertently offended anyone in the course of duty.
Reflecting on the administration’s achievements, he stated that the association had made significant institutional progress, including its successful registration as an incorporated trustee with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
He also noted improvements in the association’s financial standing, explaining that the outgoing leadership had cleared inherited debts and was handing over a financially stable organisation to the incoming administration.
Other achievements highlighted by the outgoing president included the strengthening of the association’s welfare system, support for members during medical emergencies, and corporate social responsibility initiatives such as visits and donations to the pre-natal unit of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and homes for the less privileged.
Okokon further cited efforts to promote Efik cultural heritage through festive cultural displays and the decentralisation of the association’s annual thanksgiving to encourage broader participation among members.
He also commended the electoral committee for organising what he described as a free and fair election that produced a new executive leadership for the association.
The founder and first president of the association, Charles Offiong-Obo, who spoke during the event, praised the outgoing administration for its contributions to the growth of the organisation.
According to him, the association had recorded significant progress within the last four years under Okokon’s leadership.
“Within the past four years, the administration has accelerated beyond bounds. They have taken Ekondo Efak Inang to a level that challenges the incoming leadership to sustain the progress achieved,” he said.
Offiong-Obo added that although no administration is without shortcomings, the achievements of the outgoing leadership outweighed any limitations.
Activities marking the leadership transition included the induction of new members into the association on Thursday, while further programmes are expected to continue in the coming days.
The association is scheduled to visit homes for the less privileged as part of its community outreach before holding a thanksgiving service and inauguration of the new executive members, who will serve for a two-year term from 2026 to 2028.
