Akwa Ibom State Guild of Community Development Advocates, AKGCODA has begun the celebration of its 2025 week in the state, themed ”Building Solidarity For Peace, Accountability, Human Rights and Development.”
AkGCODA is a recognised umbrella body of Civil Society Organisations in Akwa Ibom State.
Addressing a press conference in Uyo on Wednesday, the co-chairman of the planning committee, Dr Iboro Nelson said the celebration started on Monday, October 20 and will end on Saturday,October 25.
The event which was the first of its kind according to Nelson was aimed at bringing members together to chat a new course and strengthen their voice for good governance, human rights and sustainable development.
Nelson who read a statement endorsed by the acting chairman of AKGCODA, Tjah Bolton-Akpan said, “The event is designed to bring together civil society actors, development partners, media, government agencies, and citizens to strengthen civic space, foster collaboration, and amplify the voice of the Third Sector in promoting inclusive development across Akwa Ibom State.”
She highlighted some of the activities that would be featured to include: workshops, policy dialogues, advocacy sessions, exhibitions, and a Civil Society Summit, which will serve as the grand finale.
She added, ”As part of youth engagement and civic learning initiatives, AKGCODA has also launched the Essay and Short Video Contest for undergraduates and senior secondary school students in Akwa Ibom State. The contest encourages young people to reflect on the role of civil society in building a democratic and prosperous state, with scholarship prizes of ₦100,000, ₦70,000, and ₦50,000 for the top three winners from the senior secondary schools, and ₦150,000, ₦100,000, and ₦50,000 for the top three winners from the undergraduates.”
Also speaking, the Planning Committee, co-chairman Umoh Isua-Ikoh and the Advisor, Elkanah Oluyori reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration. They emphasized that the Week would be an open space for every CSO, community group, and stakeholder committed to positive change in the State.
