AKISAN 2027: Dallas Convention Sets Stage for Historic Homecoming to Uyo
By Aniekan Umanah
DALLAS, TEXAS — August 2026
The 39th National Convention of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA Inc. (AKISAN) has set the stage for a historic homecoming, following the decision to hold the organisation’s 40th National Convention in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in 2027.
The decision, taken at the four-day convention in Dallas, Texas, marks a significant milestone as AKISAN prepares to celebrate four decades of existence by returning to its ancestral homeland.
Beyond the cultural celebrations, Business Summit, fundraising activities and election of Mr. and Miss Akwa Ibom 2026/27, the decision to return to Uyo emerged as the defining outcome of the convention.
The homecoming is expected to bring together Akwa Ibom professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders, traditional rulers, families and other members of the Diaspora for what could become one of the largest gatherings of Akwa Ibom people in recent years.
At the convention, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, was represented by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, who delivered the Governor’s message to the gathering.
The Governor urged Akwa Ibom people in the Diaspora to bring their expertise, professional skills, international exposure, networks and investments back home, stressing that they should see themselves as partners in the development of the state.
The message resonated with the theme of the proposed 2027 homecoming, as Akwa Ibom continues to witness investments in infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, education, social development and economic diversification.
Tourism, Infrastructure to Welcome Diaspora
Among the developments expected to attract returning Diaspora members is the ARISE Palm Resort, a major tourism project situated on approximately 73 hectares of reclaimed and remediated land.
The resort is designed to provide facilities for leisure, business and family entertainment, including golf, swimming pools, restaurants, sports facilities, children’s playgrounds, floating bars and convention infrastructure.
The returning delegates are also expected to encounter the rehabilitated Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, reconstructed Ibom Hotels at the City Convention Arena, the 5,000-capacity International Convention Centre and the 2,000-capacity convention hall at the resort.
The ARISE Shopping City is also expected to add to the attractions available to visitors during the convention.
The developments are part of efforts by the state government to position tourism as an important component of Akwa Ibom’s economy.
Another major feature of the homecoming will be the newly completed terminal of Victor Attah International Airport, which is expected to strengthen the state’s connectivity and provide a modern gateway for visitors.
Improved Roads, CNG Transport
The journey from the airport into the state will also showcase Akwa Ibom’s expanding road infrastructure.
The state has developed and rehabilitated more than 1,300 kilometres of roads and constructed 41 bridges connecting communities across the state.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience the state’s CNG-powered buses, which provide an alternative public transportation system designed to be cleaner and more affordable.
For many returning sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom, however, the most significant aspect of the journey could be reconnecting with families, communities, ancestral homes, schools and places associated with their childhood.
Retirees, Vulnerable Citizens to Benefit From Social Programmes
The homecoming will also take place against the backdrop of social interventions by the state government.
According to the state government, Governor Umo Eno inherited a gratuity backlog of about N111 billion and has so far paid N88.6 billion, substantially reducing the outstanding obligations.
The administration has also pledged to clear the remaining obligations before the end of its first term.
For many families, the payments represent more than government expenditure, providing long-awaited financial relief and restoring dignity to retirees.
The Diaspora is also expected to encounter initiatives targeted at senior citizens and vulnerable residents, including the ARISE Senior Citizens Centre.
Another notable intervention is the construction of 461 Compassionate Homes, furnished two-bedroom houses provided for vulnerable residents.
Healthcare, Education Receive Attention
The state’s healthcare system is also undergoing expansion.
Nearly 230,000 residents are enrolled in the state’s health insurance programme, while the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital provides specialist medical services.
The state also has 31 model primary healthcare centres and 31 model primary schools, with interventions spread across the state’s 31 local government areas.
The developments could provide opportunities for Diaspora professionals, particularly doctors, nurses, pharmacists, engineers, academics and technology experts, to explore ways of contributing their skills and experience to the state.
Investment Opportunities Await Diaspora
Beyond infrastructure and social programmes, Akwa Ibom is positioning agriculture, tourism, the blue economy, power, housing and transportation as areas for future economic growth.
The establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission and the continued pursuit of the Ibom Deep Seaport project are among initiatives expected to shape the state’s economic outlook.
The state government’s message to the Diaspora is therefore not limited to financial investment.
Members are being encouraged to bring ideas, technology, professional expertise, international networks and partnerships that can contribute to sustainable development.
This was reflected in the Business Summit held during the Dallas convention, which brought attention to the enormous pool of expertise within the Akwa Ibom Diaspora.
Youths Central to AKISAN’s Future
The youth also featured prominently at the convention.
At the fundraising launch, Chairman of the occasion, Obong Dr. Itata Itata, Esq., challenged AKISAN members to stop viewing young people merely as “leaders of tomorrow” and instead create opportunities for them to lead today.
The planned Uyo convention could therefore provide an opportunity to reconnect younger members of the Diaspora with their heritage and create platforms for them to participate in the future of Akwa Ibom.
AKISAN Leadership Faces Historic Assignment
For Engr. Dr. Mbong Ekiko, whose second consecutive two-year term as National President begins unopposed, the decision to return to Uyo presents both an achievement and a major responsibility.
His administration will now have to work with AKISAN chapters, the Akwa Ibom State Government, traditional institutions, businesses and community leaders to organise a 40th anniversary convention capable of matching the significance of the occasion.
The anniversary will also provide an opportunity to honour the pioneers who established AKISAN, examine the organisation’s journey over four decades and develop strategies for engaging a new generation.
From Dallas to Uyo
The decision to hold the 40th AKISAN National Convention in Uyo has transformed the 2027 event from an ordinary convention into a homecoming.
Delegates are expected to arrive through the modern airport terminal, travel across improved roads, use CNG-powered buses, visit tourism destinations, reconnect with their communities and engage government and business leaders.
For many, it will be an opportunity to see how their homeland has changed since they left.
For others, particularly younger members of the Diaspora, it could be their first opportunity to experience Akwa Ibom not simply as a family story, but as a living homeland.
The 39th convention in Dallas may have ended, but its biggest chapter is yet to unfold.
Dallas gave AKISAN the vote. Uyo will give it the homecoming.
As Akwa Ibom prepares to welcome its sons and daughters from across the United States and beyond, the 40th AKISAN National Convention is shaping up as a celebration of four decades of identity, achievement, culture and renewed connection with home.
