Presenting the award, the organizers commended Dr. Ekiko for his 11-point transformational agenda, which focuses on transparency, empowerment, and innovation. His administration has successfully implemented several groundbreaking initiatives, including:
-Graduating 18 students who completed a 3-month fashion design vocational training program fully sponsored by AKISAN USA and their donors.
-Partnering with Start Innovation Hub to sponsor students in Information Communications and Technology (ICT) training, equipping young people with relevant digital skills to compete in the global marketplace.
-Disbursing over ₦60 million in scholarships to Akwa Ibom students studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
-Establishing a partnership with Akwa Ibom State University Center for Automotive Training, Transport, and Logistics (CATTL) to train individuals in automotive diagnostics, repair, maintenance, and logistics skills acquisition.
-Migrating AKISAN to 100% online registration for its national convention, which resulted in an efficient streamlined process for significantly higher revenue generation.
-Sponsoring Akwa Ibom indigenes to benefit from the ARISE Health Care Health Insurance Scheme, expanding access to quality healthcare.
-Hosting lecture series in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Healthcare etc.
-Driving the One AKISAN Transformation (1AT) Vision, fully integrating all stakeholders to work collectively towards sustainable progress and unleashing the full potential of AKISAN USA Inc.
-Implementing the AKISAN Strategic Fundraising and Sponsorship (SF) Ad Hoc Committee, which is now driving all year-round fundraising efforts to strengthen the association’s financial base. The committee even helped submit the first ever grant in AKISAN USA history.
In his message delivered through Mr. Inwang, Dr. Ekiko expressed heartfelt appreciation for the recognition and dedicated the award to all members of AKISAN worldwide, describing it as a testament to their collective efforts. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to excellence, preserving Akwa Ibom’s cultural heritage, fostering unity, empowering youths, transparency, and building global partnerships that will benefit both the diaspora and communities at home.
A second-generation Akwa Ibomite born and educated in the United States, Dr. Ekiko serves as Senior Vice President in the Aerospace and Defense industry, where he leads complex, high-impact technology programs. His academic achievements include a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, a Master’s in Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Engineering both from the University of Colorado, and a Doctorate in Business and Organization Management from Capella University.

Under his leadership, AKISAN has experienced a new era of transformation, positive change, growth and innovation through a dynamic executive team he fondly calls “The Dream Team.” Together, they are shaping a future where the Akwa Ibom diaspora community plays a vital role in both local and global development.
