As part of its ongoing grassroots sensitization and consultation campaign, the leadership of the Abasi People Foundation (APF) has continued its series of courtesy visits to traditional and religious leaders across the region.
During recent visits to the palaces of the Paramount Rulers of Ikono and Uyo Local Government Areas, the International President of APF, Dr. Victor Udo, FNSE, lauded the royal fathers for their enduring efforts in promoting unity and peace within their domains. He offered prayers for divine guidance and wisdom as they continue their service to their communities.
While addressing the monarchs, Dr. Udo emphasized the foundational vision of the Abasi People Movement, describing it as a non-political, non-religious, and unifying platform aimed at fostering unity among ethnic groups who revere God as Abasi. These include the Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekid, Ekoi, and Obolo peoples—collectively recognized as the fourth largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria.
“Our people are spread across the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State and the seven LGAs of the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State,” Dr. Udo noted. “As a movement and a foundation, we are committed to uniting our people under a common identity — Ndito Abasi.”
He further stressed the importance of ensuring that, in the event of any future national discourse on regional or confederal restructuring, the Abasi Nation should not be marginalized or subsumed under other geo-ethnic blocs.
In their responses, Edidem Etim Nnana Itang of Ikono and Edidem Sylvanus Okon of Uyo commended the vision of APF and offered prayers for the success of its mission. They affirmed that the Movement echoes the aspirations of the former Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers (COR) Movement, which sought to promote unity among related ethnic nationalities.
The royal fathers also graciously accepted to serve as Patrons of the Organization.
Dr. Udo was accompanied by a delegation comprising key APF leaders, including Dr. Itanwan James, Afianwe Victor Akai, Engr. Daniel Udofia (Chairman, LGAs Coordination Committee), and Elder Archibong Archibong (Co-Chair). Also present were senatorial leaders from Akwa Ibom State and Barr. Sunny Afiko, a Vice President of APF.
