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    <title>AKISAN USA News and Updates - progress reports</title>
    <link>https://www.akisan.org</link>
    <description>The AKISAN USA News &amp; Updates section is your official source for timely reports on the Association’s progress, programs, and impact across the United States and beyond. This space documents what AKISAN is doing, why it matters, and how it is delivering results for its members and the broader Akwa Ibom community.

Here, you’ll find clear progress reports on national initiatives, chapter activities, conventions, youth and professional programs, partnerships, scholarships, and strategic projects. Updates are shared with transparency and purpose—highlighting milestones achieved, lessons learned, and next steps.

This section is designed to keep members informed, leaders accountable, and stakeholders aligned with AKISAN’s mission of unity, development, and forward momentum.

Stay informed. Stay engaged. Track the impact of One AKISAN in action.</description>
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      <title>AKISAN USA Concludes 2nd National Council Meeting in North Carolina</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-concludes-2nd-national-council-meeting-in-north-carolina</link>
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          AKISAN USA Concludes 2nd National Council Meeting in North Carolina
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          AKISAN USA successfully wrapped up its 2nd National Council Meeting in Research Triangle, North Carolina, held from April 9 to April 12, 2026. It was a full and engaging few days that brought together leaders and members from across chapters for meaningful conversations, planning, and connection.
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          The meeting had strong participation from the Executive Council, Board of Trustees, Council of Chapter Presidents, Women’s Wing, Youth Wing, and other stakeholders. Everyone came together with one goal—to move AKISAN forward and strengthen the bond within the community.
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          Beyond the formal sessions, the gathering included youth-focused activities, a real estate and wealth management tour, and a fundraising gala that added energy and purpose to the event. These moments created room for learning, networking, and building ideas that will shape the future of the association.
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          Discussions during the meeting focused on practical steps to improve collaboration across chapters, support young people within the organization, and preserve the culture and identity of Akwa Ibom people in the diaspora. Leaders shared ideas, made key decisions, and aligned on the direction of the association going forward.
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          The event also reinforced the One AKISAN Transformation vision, with a clear focus on unity, growth, and long-term impact. There was a shared understanding that the work ahead requires commitment from every member, across all chapters.
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          AKISAN USA extended appreciation to everyone who made the meeting a success. Special recognition was given to Hon. Hugh Ette and the AKISAN Research Triangle, NC chapter for hosting and coordinating a well-organized event.
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          It was a strong outing for the association, and a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.
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      <pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:55:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-concludes-2nd-national-council-meeting-in-north-carolina</guid>
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      <title>Subject: AKISAN USA Announces Beneficiaries of the 2026 Merit-Based Scholarship  Program</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-announces-beneficiaries-of-the-2026-merit-based-scholarship-program</link>
      <description>AKISAN-USA-Announces-Beneficiaries-of-the-2026-Merit-Based-Scholarship- Program</description>
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           For Immediate Release:
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         ubject: AKISAN USA Announces Beneficiaries of the 2026 Merit-Based Scholarship Program 
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           AKISAN USA is pleased to announce the beneficiaries of the 2026 AKISAN USA Phase I - Merit-Based Scholarship.
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           This year, 62 outstanding students were selected to receive scholarships in Nigeria—two students from each Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State —for a total award of ₦6,200,000 Naira in recognition of their outstanding academic excellence.
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           On the International Students (IS) side, 10 U.S.-based students were selected to receive $500 each to support their educational pursuits.
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           AKISAN USA congratulates all the awardees listed below and remains committed to supporting education, excellence, and the future leaders of Akwa Ibom.
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           AKISAN USA has also kicked off Phase II of the scholarship program, in which members, individuals, organizations, and businesses will have the opportunity to sponsor additional students from their respective Local Government Areas (LGAs), helping expand the program’s reach and amplify its impact in our community.
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          A Special Thank You to the entire AKISAN USA Education and Scholarship Committee for an outstanding job, led by Chair Prof Kevin Ita and Co-chair Madam AKISAN USA National VP Mrs. Edeama O. Jonah. 
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          List of USA Based 2026 AKISAN Scholarship Recipients for $500 each – $5000.00 - Merit-Based Scholarship Program 
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          List of Nigeria 2026 AKISAN Scholarship Recipients for N100,000 each – N6,200,000 - Merit-Based Scholarship Program
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      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:07:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-announces-beneficiaries-of-the-2026-merit-based-scholarship-program</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">education,scholarship,News,Programs Update</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>AKISAN Dallas Metro Ends 2025 With $5,000 Cancer Support After Essien Udim Hospital Intervention</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-dallas-metro-ends-2025-with-5-000-cancer-support-after-essien-udim-hospital-intervention</link>
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          The Dallas Metro Chapter donates $5,000 to Children's Cancer Research
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          The Dallas Metro Chapter of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA Inc. (AKISAN), which began 2025 with a major healthcare intervention in Akwa Ibom State, has capped the year with a $5,000 donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the United States, reinforcing its cross-border commitment to life-saving healthcare.
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          The donation comes months after the chapter completed a comprehensive renovation of St. Mary’s Hospital, Urua Akpan, in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, where critical hospital departments were upgraded to restore effective service delivery after years of neglect.
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          At a cheque presentation held on Friday, December 19, 2025, the Dallas Metro Chapter formally handed over the sum of five thousand United States dollars to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, to support paediatric cancer treatment and research.
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          Speaking at the event, President of the AKISAN Dallas Metro Chapter, Mr. 
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          , said the donation was in furtherance of the association’s long-standing commitment to healthcare and humanitarian support, particularly for children facing life-threatening illnesses. He noted that the chapter deliberately aligned the gesture with its belief that saving lives should transcend borders.
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          Eyo, a cybersecurity expert who also serves as Speaker of the AKISAN Council of Chapter Presidents, explained that members of the association consistently mobilise resources annually for humanitarian causes. He said supporting St. Jude was a natural extension of their values, given the hospital’s global reputation for advancing paediatric cancer care.
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          He stressed that while AKISAN maintains an international outlook, its interventions remain deeply rooted at home. According to him, the renovation of St. Mary’s Hospital in Essien Udim earlier in the year required significant financial commitment and addressed long-standing infrastructural decay that had undermined healthcare delivery in the community.
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          Beyond hospital interventions, Eyo disclosed that AKISAN continues to invest in educational scholarships, vocational skills sponsorships and welfare support for Akwa Ibom indigenes, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, assuring that the association would sustain such initiatives as resources allow.
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          St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is globally recognised as one of the foremost paediatric research institutions, dedicated to the treatment and eradication of childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases through advanced research and care, provided at no cost to affected families.
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          Officials of the hospital commended the Akwa Ibom indigenes for their generosity, describing them as worthy ambassadors of their state and country. They assured that the donation would be deployed strictly for cancer and leukaemia treatment, while encouraging other organisations and individuals to emulate AKISAN’s example.
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          Written by Henshaw NYONG
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      <pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 19:24:22 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>2025/2026 Scholarship Awards for Students in Nigeria and the U.S.</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/2025-2026-scholarship-awards-for-students-in-nigeria-and-the-u-s</link>
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          AKISAN USA Scholarship Deadline is January 31st, 2026.
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          The Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (AKISAN) USA, Inc. is pleased to announce the official opening of the 2025/2026 AKISAN Scholarship Program. The initiative underscores AKISAN’s relentless commitment to investing in education, empowering youth, and supporting academic excellence both in the United States and in Nigeria.
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          USA Scholarship Details:
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          Ten (10) outstanding Akwa Ibom students studying in U.S. institutions of higher learning will each receive a $500 scholarship. Applicants must present a 2023 or recent transcript and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher to qualify.
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          Sixty-two (62) students—two from each of the 31 Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State—will be selected for the Nigerian category. The award tiers are as follows:
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           ₦100,000 for 62 students with GPA 3.5 and above
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          Applicants must be enrolled in a Nigerian institution of higher learning (University, Polytechnic, College of Education, or Maritime Academy) and submit a certificate of origin along with a recent transcript or WAEC result for first-year students.
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          Important Dates:
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           Application Portal Opens: November 10th, 2025
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           Deadline for Submission: January 31st, 2026
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          To apply, visit 
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          Let us continue to raise future leaders through education!
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          For inquiries, contact the AKISAN Education Committee at: 
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          scholarship@akisan.org
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      <pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 19:31:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/2025-2026-scholarship-awards-for-students-in-nigeria-and-the-u-s</guid>
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      <title>AKISAN Minnesota Chapter Expresses Gratitude Following Successful Council Meeting Weekend</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-minnesota-chapter-expresses-gratitude-following-successful-council-meeting-weekend</link>
      <description />
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          AKISAN Minnesota Chapter Extends Heartfelt Appreciation to Members and Guests
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          The Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (AKISAN) Minnesota Chapter has extended heartfelt appreciation to members and guests for their overwhelming support and presence during the just-concluded National Council Meeting weekend held in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
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          In a message shared by the Chapter President, 
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          Mrs. Nse Etuko
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          , the chapter acknowledged the collective effort and generosity that made the weekend a resounding success. “Thank you for coming out to the land of 10,000 lakes, and thank you for supporting our chapter with your donations,” Mrs. Etuko stated.
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           ﻿
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          She also expressed deep gratitude to those who could not attend physically but showed their solidarity through calls, text messages, and contributions. “For those that could not make it, thank you for the phone calls, text messages, donations, and all-round support,” she added.
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      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 22:01:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-minnesota-chapter-expresses-gratitude-following-successful-council-meeting-weekend</guid>
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      <title>AKISAN USA Holds Successful Inaugural National Council Meeting in Minnesota</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-holds-successful-inaugural-national-council-meeting-in-minnesota</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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          AKISAN USA Successfully Concludes Its First-Ever National Council Meeting
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          The Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA Inc. (AKISAN USA), has successfully concluded its first-ever National Council Meeting, hosted by the Minnesota Chapter from October 31st to November 2nd, 2025, at the Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport Hotel.
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          The landmark meeting brought together chapter leaders, national officers, and council members from across the United States in a weekend of strategic planning, deliberation, and organizational advancement. Attendees hailed the session as a groundbreaking moment in AKISAN’s transformation journey.
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          National President, 
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          Engr. (Dr.) Mbong Ekiko
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          , expressed appreciation for the high level of participation and engagement during the meeting. In his post-event address, he emphasized the significance of the collective decisions made, citing robust discussions and unity of purpose as the driving force behind the meeting’s success.
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          “I want to sincerely thank everyone for attending and contributing to this historic council meeting. Your thoughtful discussions and resolutions have positioned us for a stronger, more impactful AKISAN,” President Ekiko stated.
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          He particularly praised the Minnesota Chapter, led by 
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          Mrs. Nse Etuko
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          , for their outstanding hospitality and organizational excellence. “The Minnesota Chapter set a gold standard for hosting. We are deeply grateful for their gracious support and dedication,” he added.
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          Among the critical decisions made during the sessions were:
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           Approval of the 2025/2026 AKISAN Operating Budget
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           Renewal of Legal Counsel: Mrs. Essie Ndem-Edem was unanimously reappointed for another 3-year term in recognition of her exceptional legal service
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           Fundraising Success: A total of $8,500 was raised in support of Mr. &amp;amp; Miss AKISAN and the Youth Wing
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           Convention Host Approval: The Dallas Chapter was unanimously voted as host of the 2026 AKISAN National Convention, with Mr. Richard Eyo, the Chapter’s Speaker, receiving commendations
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          To further AKISAN’s mission, five major action items were adopted for implementation:
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           Enhanced Gala Night Fundraising Strategy for future conventions
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           Renewal of Liability Insurance to protect organizational interests
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           Development of a Low-Risk Investment Strategy to realize the long-term vision of an AKISAN Ibom Cultural Center in Washington, D.C.
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           Creation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for national convention planning
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           Boosting In-Person Attendance at council meetings while maintaining hybrid access
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          In closing, President Ekiko called on all chapters and members to continue in unity, excellence, and commitment to service. “Together, we are laying a stronger foundation for AKISAN. Let’s carry this momentum forward as we prepare for #AKISANDallas2026,” he concluded.
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          The 1st AKISAN National Council Meeting marked a pivotal shift in the association’s strategic direction and reaffirmed its commitment to transforming lives, preserving culture, and strengthening global Akwa Ibom unity.
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      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:52:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-holds-successful-inaugural-national-council-meeting-in-minnesota</guid>
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      <title>BREAKING NEWS: Dallas Chapter to Host 2026 AKISAN National Convention</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/breaking-news-dallas-chapter-to-host-2026-akisan-national-convention</link>
      <description />
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          AKISAN USA Selects Dallas Chapter to Host the 39th Annual National Convention in 2026
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          The Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (USA), Inc. (AKISAN USA) is proud to announce that its Dallas Chapter has been unanimously selected as the host of the 39th Annual AKISAN National Convention in 2026.
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          This significant decision, endorsed by the National Executive Committee and supported across all AKISAN chapters, reflects the Dallas Chapter’s unwavering commitment, strong organizational leadership, and consistent contributions to the AKISAN vision.
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          In his official message, AKISAN National President, Engr. (Dr.) Mbong Ekiko, extended heartfelt congratulations to the Dallas Chapter, emphasizing the importance of unity, cultural celebration, and setting new standards of excellence for the association.
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          “We are confident that the 2026 convention will not only celebrate our rich cultural heritage and unity of Akwa Ibom people but also set a new standard of excellence in our collective journey,” he said.
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          Preparations for the convention are expected to commence soon, and members across the United States are encouraged to rally in support of the Dallas team to ensure another impactful and memorable AKISAN event.
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          Congratulations once again to AKISAN Dallas!
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           Let the countdown begin.
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      <pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:39:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/breaking-news-dallas-chapter-to-host-2026-akisan-national-convention</guid>
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      <title>AKISAN USA National President – Engr. (Dr.) Mbong Ekiko Awarded Excellence in Disaporas Leadership</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-national-president-engr-dr-mbong-ekiko-awarded-excellence-in-disaporas-leadership</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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          AKISAN National President, Engr. (Dr.) Mbong Ekiko, Receives Excellence in Diaspora Leadership Award
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           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:
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          -Graduating 18 students who completed a 3-month fashion design vocational training program fully sponsored by AKISAN USA and their donors.
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           -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.
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            -Disbursing over ₦60 million in scholarships to Akwa Ibom students studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
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           -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.
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          -Migrating AKISAN to 100% online registration for its national convention, which resulted in an efficient streamlined process for significantly higher revenue generation.
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           -Sponsoring Akwa Ibom indigenes to benefit from the ARISE Health Care Health Insurance Scheme, expanding access to quality healthcare.
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            -Hosting lecture series in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Healthcare etc.
          &#xD;
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          -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.
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           -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.
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           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.
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           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.
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          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.
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          The National President of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA Inc. (AKISAN), Engr. (Dr.) Mbong Ekiko, has been honored with the prestigious ”Excellence in Diaspora Leadership Award” in recognition of his selfless service, exceptional leadership, dedication to community empowerment, and strategic contributions to the Akwa Ibom diaspora worldwide.
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           The award ceremony brought together dignitaries, community leaders, and professionals from across the U.S. and Nigeria to celebrate individuals and organizations making a significant impact on diaspora development. Dr. Ekiko, who could not be physically present at the event, was represented by Mr. Uduak Inwang, the National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of AKISAN.
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          While receiving the award on his behalf, Mr. Inwang reaffirmed Dr. Ekiko’s unwavering commitment to uniting and advancing the interests of Akwa Ibomites globally through visionary programs and partnerships.
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      <pubDate>Tue, 16 Sep 2025 22:30:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-national-president-engr-dr-mbong-ekiko-awarded-excellence-in-disaporas-leadership</guid>
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      <title>AKISAN Minnesota Set to Host the 1st National Council Meeting</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-minnesota-set-to-host-the-1st-national-council-meeting</link>
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          AKISAN Minnesota Chapter Invites You to the 15th AKISAN National Council Meeting
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          Get ready, Akwa Ibomites and well-wishers across the nation! The heartland of America is preparing to welcome us for a significant gathering. The Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria USA Inc. (AKISAN) Minnesota Chapter is proud to cordially invite you to the 15th AKISAN National Council Meeting from October 31st to November 2nd, 2025.
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          This highly anticipated event promises to be more than just a meeting; it’s a celebration of our heritage, a forum for progress, and a powerful opportunity to give back to our roots.
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          Event Details at a Glance:
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           What: AKISAN National Council Meeting
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           When: October 31 – November 2, 2025
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           Where: Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport
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           Address: 3800 American Blvd East, Bloomington, MN 55425
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          We have chosen a premier location to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all attendees. The host hotel is conveniently located just 3 miles from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP), and a complimentary shuttle service is available for easy transit. For those looking to explore, the world-famous Mall of America is merely a 5-minute drive away, offering unparalleled shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
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          The pinnacle of the weekend will be the elegant Gala Night and Fundraising Event on Saturday, November 1st, 2025, from 7:00 PM until Midnight. This evening will be filled with exquisite dining, cultural displays, networking, and lively entertainment.
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          Most importantly, the proceeds from this gala will be dedicated to a noble cause: “Empowering Youths in Akwa Ibom State.” The initiative aims to provide critical educational support to three students from each senatorial district in Akwa Ibom State, investing directly in the future leaders of our homeland.
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          Mrs. Nse Etuko, the President of the Minnesota Chapter, has expressed her unwavering commitment to making this event a resounding success. She has promised that the 15th National Council Meeting will be “an unforgettable weekend of thoughtful dialogue, cultural pride, and impactful philanthropy.” Under her leadership, the Minnesota chapter is dedicated to ensuring every attendee feels welcomed, engaged, and inspired by the collective mission of AKISAN.
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          A special discounted group rate of $125 per night has been secured at the Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport for attendees. We highly encourage you to book your rooms early to take advantage of this excellent rate.
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          Book your room here
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          : HOTEL
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          This is a call to all members, friends, and partners of AKISAN to join us in Minnesota for this landmark event. It is an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, participate in important discussions about our association’s future, and contribute to a transformative cause.
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          For more information and to stay updated on event schedules, please reach out to our dedicated team:
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           Mrs. Nse Etuko – Minnesota Chapter President – (763) 496-9439
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           Mr. Innocent Eyoh – Planning Committee Chair – (651) 295-2901
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          Mark your calendars and prepare to be a part of a weekend that truly makes a difference. We look forward to welcoming you to Minnesota with our famous hospitality!
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          AKISAN Minnesota Chapter: Progress Through Unity and Service.
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      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 22:37:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-minnesota-set-to-host-the-1st-national-council-meeting</guid>
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      <title>Thank You for Making the 2025 AKISAN National Convention a Success!</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/thank-you-for-making-the-2025-akisan-national-convention-a-success</link>
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          AKISAN USA Expresses Heartfelt Gratitude for a Successful 2025 National Convention
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          On behalf of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA Inc. (AKISAN USA), I extend heartfelt thanks to every member, volunteer, guest and partner who helped make our 2025 National Convention, held from August 7–10, 2025 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA, a resounding success
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          Your presence and participation turned our theme, “Shaping Our Future, Embracing Change: Transforming AKISAN Today for Tomorrow’s Possibilities,” into a vibrant reality.
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          This convention would not have been possible without the dedication and generosity of many. We especially wish to thank:
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          The Board of Trustees, whose guidance and support continue to inspire confidence in our mission.
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          The National Executive Council, led by Engr. (Dr.) Mbong Ekiko, for their leadership and unwavering commitment.
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          The Women’s Wing and Youth Wing for injecting fresh ideas, energy and creativity into the program.
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          Our Host Chapters (Washington, D.C. and Chesapeake Bay) for showcasing extraordinary hospitality and organization.
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          The Convention Planning Committee, whose tireless efforts turned a vision into reality.
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          All donors, sponsors and partners whose generous contributions funded scholarships, vocational training programs and community projects. Committee members and volunteers who gave their time and talents behind the scenes.
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          A special thank‑you goes to His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, for supporting AKISAN USA by sending a 5‑member delegation comprising Mrs. Helen Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, and Hon. Aniekan Umanah, Commissioner for Information. Their presence underscored the strong relationship between our state government and the diaspora community.
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          This convention reminded us what binds us together: our shared heritage as sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom. Whether we live in Nigeria, the United States or elsewhere, we are united by a common purpose, to uplift our people, preserve our culture and pave the way for future generations. By working together with kindness and respect, we showcased that unity truly is strength.
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          As we return to our chapters and communities, let us carry the spirit of this convention forward. Continue to connect, collaborate and support one another. Stay involved in your local chapters and be ambassadors of goodwill. Let’s keep embracing change, shaping our future and transforming AKISAN today for a brighter tomorrow.
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          Safe travels home, and thank you again for making the 2025 AKISAN National Convention an unforgettable experience!
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      <pubDate>Sun, 17 Aug 2025 22:44:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/thank-you-for-making-the-2025-akisan-national-convention-a-success</guid>
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      <title>Wishing You Safe Travels to the 2025 AKISAN National Convention</title>
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          AKISAN USA Welcomes Members and Supporters to the 2025 National Convention in Washington, D.C.
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          As the 2025 AKISAN National Convention kicks off in Washington, D.C., we extend our heartfelt gratitude and warm wishes to every member, friend, and supporter traveling from across the United States, Akwa Ibom, and other parts of the world to be part of this historic gathering.
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          We deeply appreciate the unwavering support of the Board of Trustees, National Executive Council, the energetic AKISAN Youth Wing, the dedicated Women’s Wing, and our incredible Host Chapters, AKISAN Washington, D.C., and AKISAN Maryland. Your commitment and unity have helped shape this convention into what promises to be a truly unforgettable celebration of culture, connection, and community.
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          Special appreciation goes to the Convention Planning Committee for their tireless efforts, vision, and coordination. We also thank our generous donors, committee members, volunteers, and every individual who contributed their time, talent, and resources to bring this dream to life.
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          We are especially grateful to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, for his continued support and for sending a 5-man delegation comprising of Mrs. Helen Obareki (Coordinator, Office of the First Lady) and Hon. Aniekan Umanah (Commissioner for Information), reinforcing the bond between the homeland and the diaspora.
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          As we come together this week, let us be reminded that our strength lies in our unity. No matter where we live or what role we play, we are bound by a shared heritage, pride, and purpose as sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom. This convention is more than a gathering, it is a symbol of our collective spirit and commitment to one another and to the future of our community.
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          On behalf of the entire AKISAN USA executive, we welcome you to the 2025 AKISAN National Convention. Let’s make it impactful, memorable, and filled with joy.
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          Signed,
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          Uduak Inwang
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          National Public Relations Officer (PRO)
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      <pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2025 22:50:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/wishing-you-safe-travels-to-the-2025-akisan-national-convention</guid>
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      <title>AKISAN USA Graduates 18 Students from our Cosmetology Vocational Training Program</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-graduates-18-students-from-our-cosmetology-vocational-training-program</link>
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            OBITUARY: Pastor Akpan John Esenyie (1943-2024)
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           ﻿
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          On Saturday, September 30th, 2023, 18 students from batches 4 and 5 of our cosmetology training program graduated in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The venue was 180 Idoro Street, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. We thank all our sponsors for empowering their beneficiaries with marketable skills and for making this day possible. We also thank our training partner, LaMags Collectionz.
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          Over the last 3 years, we have graduated 41 students. Most importantly, LaMags Collectionz, through our partnership with RA Cosmetics of Atlanta, Georgia, ships at least 10,000 bars of assorted natural soap bars to Atlanta for sale in beauty supply shops and Walmarts all over the United States.
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          Stay tuned for batch 6 training coming soon. For an assessment of our training programs in general, read the article, 
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    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/akisan-usa-vocational-training-programs-a-2-year-assessment/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          “AKISAN USA Vocational Training Programs: a 3-Year Assessment”
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      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Apr 2024 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-graduates-18-students-from-our-cosmetology-vocational-training-program</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>The AKISAN USA 2020 – 2023 Impact Report is now Available</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/the-akisan-usa-2020-2023-impact-report-is-now-available</link>
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            OBITUARY: Pastor Akpan John Esenyie (1943-2024)
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           ﻿
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           Our impact report for the years 2020 – 2023 is now available. We thank all our sponsors and donors for making everything we have been able to do, possible.
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          We also especially appreciate our volunteers without which our great association wouldn’t be where it is today. As volunteers, we sacrifice our time, energy and resources to further advance the AKISAN USA project.
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    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/akisan-usa-3-year-500-report-abridged.pdf" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Download the Abridged Impact Report
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          Download the Complete Impact Report
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          &#xD;
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      <pubDate>Sat, 24 Feb 2024 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/the-akisan-usa-2020-2023-impact-report-is-now-available</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>The 2024 AKISAN USA Almanac is now on SALE!</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/the-2024-akisan-usa-almanac-is-now-on-sale</link>
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            OBITUARY: Pastor Akpan John Esenyie (1943-2024)
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          For the first time ever, AKISAN USA now has an almanac! This year’s almanac features members of the national council – National Secretariat, Board of Trustees and Council of Chapter Presidents
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          There are only 150 copies in circulation. Own a piece of history today!
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          View a short video of the almanac 
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    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/documents/2024/videos/2024-akisan-usa-almanac.mp4" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          here
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          .
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          Cost (Buy multiple and get a discount):
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          $10 per copy (you pick up in person or at the council meeting (April) or convention (August)). This excludes shipping and handling. For a complete payment schedule, 
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          visit the payment page
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           and order your copies
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          All profits will be used to support our various projects
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      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Feb 2024 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/the-2024-akisan-usa-almanac-is-now-on-sale</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>10 Students in the United States get Awarded $500 each in Scholarships in 2023</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/10-students-in-the-united-states-get-awarded-500-each-in-scholarships-in-2023</link>
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            OBITUARY: Pastor Akpan John Esenyie (1943-2024)
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           ﻿
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          In May 2023, 175 students were awarded $12,000 in scholarships in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. 10 students in the United States were also awarded $500 each in scholarships.
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          Plans for the 2024 scholarship awards are underway. Stay tuned to the news section of our website for the upcoming announcement
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          Congratulations to all our scholarship recipients!
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      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jan 2024 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/10-students-in-the-united-states-get-awarded-500-each-in-scholarships-in-2023</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Unveiling Diversity in Medical Imaging: Akisan Member Angela Udongwo Leads Groundbreaking Research</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/unveiling-diversity-in-medical-imaging-akisan-member-angela-udongwo-leads-groundbreaking-research</link>
      <description />
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            OBITUARY: Pastor Akpan John Esenyie (1943-2024)
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           ﻿
          &#xD;
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          Meet Angela Udongwo, a dedicated member of Akisan and a third-year medical student at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Angela’s remarkable journey takes a significant turn as she leads a groundbreaking research project to enhance the interpretation of radiological scans for Black patients with braids, twists, and locs.
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          Driven by the desire to address the underrepresentation of Black radiologists, Angela seized an opportunity presented by her mentor, Hillel Maresky, a Temple radiologist. Maresky envisioned building a knowledge base that distinguishes protective hairstyles in radiological scans, recognizing the need for greater understanding in this area. In a field where only 3% of radiologists are Black, Angela’s project aims to bridge the gap in interpreting Black hairstyles accurately.
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          Beyond her research, Angela takes on the role of an educator at Temple’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine. She not only instructs fellow physicians on interpreting Black hairstyles in radiological scans but also emphasizes the importance of using appropriate language when discussing them. Angela’s commitment to education stems from her belief that continuous learning is key to becoming better physicians.
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          The research project holds immense significance in combating the issue of Black patients receiving suboptimal care due to misinterpretation of radiological scans. Angela explains that common Black hairstyles often create artifacts on scans, appearing as opaque squiggles and potentially being mistaken for signs of disease. With limited medical literature on interpreting these artifacts, physicians may make errors, leading to unnecessary tests and exposure to radiation.
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          Angela, along with Temple researchers, envisions utilizing their findings to develop educational materials. These resources will play a pivotal role in educating radiologists, particularly those who are not familiar with the nuances of Black hairstyles in medical imaging. Despite not having the same financial resources as some hospitals, Temple’s diverse patient population provides a unique strength that Angela and her team leverage for this groundbreaking initiative.
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          “I’m surrounded by people who really like to learn and want to become better physicians,” Angela expresses her excitement for the project’s future. The Akisan community stands proud of Angela Udongwo, a dedicated member whose efforts contribute to a more inclusive and informed medical field. As the research unfolds, Angela’s commitment to fostering understanding and bridging gaps in healthcare continues to make a lasting impact.
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      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Nov 2023 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/unveiling-diversity-in-medical-imaging-akisan-member-angela-udongwo-leads-groundbreaking-research</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Nashville, Tennessee to host AKISAN USA’s 2024 National Convention</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/nashville-tennessee-to-host-akisan-usas-2024-national-convention</link>
      <description />
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           &#xD;
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            OBITUARY: Pastor Akpan John Esenyie (1943-2024)
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           ﻿
          &#xD;
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          AKISAN USA is proud to announce Nashville “NashVegas”, Tennessee as the venue for our 2024 National Convention. Congratulations to AKISAN Nashville!
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          This will be the first ever convention hosted in Nashville. Known for its warm southern hospitality and vibrant music scene, attendees to our 2024 national convention will feel right at home. Nashville’s strategic location also makes it easily accessible for attendees from around the country. With a significant international airport and well-connected highways, getting to and around Nashville is hassle-free. Nashville also boasts a rich collection of historic sites and attractions like The Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, The Parthenon in Centennial Park and The Hermitage. Attendees can be rest assured that there will be plenty to do, both before, during and after the convention.
         &#xD;
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          We look forward to seeing you all in August 2024. Bookmark this page and visit it often for the latest information regarding our marquee event.
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  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          More National Convention Information
         &#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           For more information:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Call Mr. Aniekan Etim (+1-615-474-3776), Mrs. Uwem Inyang (+1-404-663-1991), Mr. Itoro Akpan-Iquot (+1-404-276-4267)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Preferred Airport:
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      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Nashville International Airport (BNA)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.delta.com/flight-search/book-a-flight?tripType=ROUND_TRIP&amp;amp;priceSchedule=price&amp;amp;originCity=&amp;amp;destinationCity=&amp;amp;departureDate=&amp;amp;returnDate=&amp;amp;paxCount=1&amp;amp;meetingEventCode=NY39U&amp;amp;searchByCabin=true&amp;amp;cabinFareClass=BE&amp;amp;deltaOnlySearch=false&amp;amp;deltaOnly=deltaPartner" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Book your Flights Online via Delta Airlines and get up to a 10% Discount
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            or call 1.800.328.1111, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY39U
          &#xD;
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           Dates:
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           August 8th, 2024 – August 11, 2024
          &#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Venue:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Sheraton Music City Nashville Airport
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           777 McGavock Pk
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Nashville TN, 37214
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.visitmusiccity.com/trip-ideas/10-things-do-nashville#" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           10 Things to do in Nashville
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?m=53415&amp;amp;i=810540&amp;amp;p=1&amp;amp;ver=html5" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Nashville Visitor’s Guide
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.visitmusiccity.com/plan-a-trip-to-nashville/discounts-deals/visitor-coupons#" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Get Discounts at Nashville Area Stores and Restaurants
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Register for the convention (see rates table below then register using the link below):
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://secure.givelively.org/event/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/2024-akisan-usa-convention-registration" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Register online
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (Members must register via their chapter presidents. Members are also encouraged to pay for their students and children via their chapter presidents, even though an online option, which can be used by our international and non-members, is available too)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Purchase your program booklet ads/reserve your booths (Early bird booth rentals enjoy $50 discount until June 30, 2024):
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://secure.givelively.org/event/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/2024-akisan-usa-convention-program-booklet-ad-booth-rental" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Purchase/Reserve Online
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Reserve your tables and Group Dance-ins:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://secure.givelively.org/event/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/2024-akisan-usa-convention-group-family-friends-alumni-table-reservations" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Reserve Online
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Hotel Room Rates:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           $179.00 per Night (Single/Double/Triple/Quad…Room rates are available 3 days before the start date and 3 days after the end date)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           How to Reserve:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Online:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://book.passkey.com/event/50748261/owner/874/home" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Book your Rooms Online
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Phone:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (615) 885-2200
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Reservation Cutoff Date:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Sunday, June 23, 2024
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Complimentary Airport Shuttle:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Runs from Hotel to the airport from 4am to 11pm CST. Hotel is 10 minutes drive from the convention hotel
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Self-Parking:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           $10 per day
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Nearby Restaurants
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.tennfold.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Tennfold Brewery
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.darfonsrestaurant.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Darfon’s
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://partyfowl.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Party Fowl
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.nectarcantina.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Nectar Urban Cantina
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://rocknrollsushi.com/locations/nashville-tn-donelson/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Rock N Roll Sushi
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.ilovesunflower.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Sunflower Bakehouse (Vegan bakery and sandwich shop)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.edleysbbq.com/donelson" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Edley’s BBQ
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo-1-1200x675.jpg" length="233883" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Oct 2023 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/nashville-tennessee-to-host-akisan-usas-2024-national-convention</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/yo-1-1200x675.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo-1-1200x675.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>It’s a wrap! AKISAN USA’s 7th Bi-Annual Virtual Roadshow Ends on a High Note</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/its-a-wrap-akisan-usas-7th-bi-annual-virtual-roadshow-ends-on-a-high-note</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            OBITUARY: Pastor Akpan John Esenyie (1943-2024)
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          This event took place on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 11am EDT/8am PDT
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Topics covered:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Current Affairs/Calender of Events
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Upcoming Elections
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Vocational Training Programs
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           2024 Scholarship Awards
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           2024 Medical Mission
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Slides Presented at the Roadshow:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/documents/2023/akisan-usa-exco-roadshow-101423.pdf" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Click here:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Video of the Roadshow:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cUCjYgKbDo" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Click here:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/AKISAN+Pin+for+social+media.jpg" length="91614" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Sat, 14 Oct 2023 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/its-a-wrap-akisan-usas-7th-bi-annual-virtual-roadshow-ends-on-a-high-note</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/AKISAN+Pin+for+social+media.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/AKISAN+Pin+for+social+media.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The State of AKISAN USA (2020 – 2023): A 3-Year Assessment</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/the-state-of-akisan-usa-2020–2023-a-3-year-assessment</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Make the most of the season by following these simple guidelines
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          At the time of the election in 2020, the association was in need of dire change. I was elected as the national president to a 2-year term and this led to the Itoro Akpan-Iquot Administration that started in August of 2020.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          In August, 2021, the AKISAN USA constitution was amended to allow for national presidents to run for a second term in office, serving a maximum of two terms. In August of 2022, I was unanimously elected to a 2nd term making me not only the first national president in the association’s history to serve a 2nd term but also the first US-born national president to ever be elected to office, not once but twice.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xrxsql-94dVOe4KrBoP0XJFaP3YjAuuR/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Click here to download my full Assessment report PDF
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          It has been a whirlwind 3 years for the organization but the results have been clear for all to see – renewed trust in the organization, increased membership, more transparency, inclusiveness and accountability, introduction of projects to develop human capacity, more innovation in areas like fundraising among others, as well as an increase in outreach and publicity, both in Akwa Ibom State and the United States, especially via social media.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Of course, all this wouldn’t be possible without you, the general membership, the sponsors and the donors. On behalf of AKISAN USA, I thank each and every one of you. You are because we are…and we are because you are.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Find below, the list of achievements the association has scored in the last 27 months:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Except for the 2022 medical mission, all other monies used to execute projects have been contributed by private donors
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           The AKISAN USA logo and letterhead were redesigned within the first 100 days of this administration, as part of a rebranding strategy
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           2022 medical mission carried out in 3 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State that have never felt our presence (Itu, Udung Uko and Uruan). 10,000 patients seen and treated, 150+ surgeries.
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Scholarships awarded to 185 students in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, in the amount of 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           N12m
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Scholarships awarded to 13 students in the United States, in the amount of 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           $6,500
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Raised about 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           $15,000
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            in sponsorship money for the 2022 national convention
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Raised about 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           $30,000
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            in sponsorship money for the 2023 national convention
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Raised over 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           $30,000
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            in external funding for our vocational training programs in IT, Culinary Arts, Agrobusiness, and Cosmetology. Visit our 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-vocational-training-programs-a-2-year-assessment/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           “AKISAN USA Vocational Training Programs: A 3-Year Assessment”
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            page for more information.
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Raised over 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           $10,000
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            in external funding for our 2022 scholarship program
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Raised about 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           $10,000
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            in external funding for the 2021/22 Mr. &amp;amp; Ms. AKISAN USA projects
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Raised about 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           $3,000
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            in external funding for the 2022 medical mission
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Raised about 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           $11,000
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            in external funding for various welfare programs (face masks, AKISAN-branded face caps and wool caps, flowers for members who have lost loved ones, etc.)
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Raised about 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           $6,000
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            in external funding for Mr. &amp;amp; Ms. AKISAN USA (2021/22) Projects in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and The United States
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Helped raise funds to assist the victims of windstorm damage in Nung Asang Ikono, in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria in May. 2023
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Founding member of the Forum of Akwa Ibom National Presidents Worldwide, established in November, 2021. The purpose of this group is to gather Akwa Ibomites worldwide to speak with one voice, implement projects as one and to be a voice for the voiceless
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           In April, 2022, the group brought the attention of the world to the plight of Internally Displaced People (IDP) of Akwa Ibom State origin in Katsina State, Nigeria. We were able to raise $5,000 for this group and also got the Akwa Ibom State Government to help relocate 39 individuals back to Akwa Ibom State
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Relaunched a redesigned “Mbuk Akwa Ibom” quarterly magazine. 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           AKISAN USA had a monthly radio program, “Akwa Ibom Abroad”, on XL106.9FM in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. It ran for a year. Each episode updates the public with the latest information, relative to what AKISAN USA is doing for the indigenes of Akwa Ibom State 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Revived the women’s wing of the organization. On August, 2022, the women’s constitution was ratified by the convention.
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Unsolicited mention on the “Amen Remix” music video, by Progress Effiong, featuring Ikpa Udo and Lybra Baba
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Paid regular visits to all our vocational training partners, to speak to the students and monitor their progress
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Successfully completed 5 batches on vocational training each in Information Technology and Cosmetology. Also completed 1 batch each in Culinary Arts and Agrobusiness
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Following up with the progress of the students. Read the full report, to date, 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-vocational-training-programs-a-2-year-assessment/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           here
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           .
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Designed a flag for the association
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Commissioned an anthem for the association (Listen to it 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIx_VieyD8Q" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           here
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ).
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xrxsql-94dVOe4KrBoP0XJFaP3YjAuuR/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Click here to download my full Assessment report PDF
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Bold, Fresh Ideas
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Projects are not funded directly from AKISAN’s purse but from private donations 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Added vocational training to the list of our projects. Currently, there are about 100 students who have been taught in Software/Web Development, Culinary Arts, Agribusiness and Cosmetology, with more to follow. 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Partnership with Association of Movie Producers, Akwa Ibom Chapter and introduced “Movie Day” at the 2022 National Convention with proceeds split between both parties
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Introduced annual ping pong tournament at the national convention. This is now in its 2nd iteration
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Introduced the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, at the 2021 convention, to “Books for Africa”, headed by an Akwa Ibomite, an organization that can provide books for any class and discipline at a fraction of the cost. A typical container contains 23,000 books and each book is valued anywhere between $10 and $50, depending on grade level and discipline.
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Introduced to the SSG, at the 2021 convention, an Akwa Ibomite, Mr. Clement Udotong, who manufactures phones, laptops and tablets and is willing to set up a manufacturing plant in Akwa Ibom State 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Introduced bi-annual virtual town hall meetings so that the general membership is made aware of policies, rules and general information to be discussed at council meetings the month after.
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Hosted several online webinars for the benefit of the general membership (Taxes for Entrepreneurs, How to Run a Non-Profit, etc.)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Partnership with TapTap Send, a money transfer company. First time users get additional $10 with their first transfer. AKISAN USA gets a commission with every transfer 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Created a WhatsApp community group for all active AKISAN chapter members to that their members can get information, first hand, from the national body
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Welfare
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Through a network of AKISAN members who are life insurance agents, instituted an individual policy life insurance program for the general membership 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Provided various discounts to members for airfare (Delta Airlines), medical prescriptions (SGRX) and providing the ability for members to, from the US, order medical prescriptions for their loved ones in Nigeria (Diaspocare), from over 6,000 board certified and approved pharmacies 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Calling of chapters regularly and sending flowers to families of AKISAN members who have lost loved ones, all sponsored by the welfare committee members 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Helped rally for funds to bury an Akwa Ibomite in the Dallas, Texas area whose corpse would have otherwise been buried in a pauper’s cemetery 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Helped raise funds for a widow in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Itoro Mbuk, who was suffering from breast cancer, who was abandoned by her family. Also helped arrange, through an anonymous donor, a scholarship for Itoro’s son, Moses, from SS1 to any level of education in a Nigerian public institution
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Helped locate an Akwa Ibomite who had gone missing since 1984 and reported same to his family to bring closure to them. Unfortunately, the individual had passed a couple of years ago 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Helped a family in Nigeria bring closure to the case of their brother, now deceased, whom they hadn’t heard from in over 40 years.
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
            
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Created a forum of national presidents of Akwa Ibom communities worldwide:
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           There is strength in numbers. Together, we can all speak as one voice and combine to work on bigger, more impactful projects, help bring to light issues that otherwise have been overlooked.
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Currently in the forum, there are national presidents from Nigeria, US, the UK, Scotland, South Africa, India, Israel, Dubai, Canada and Ghana. 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Visited with several chapters, with visits to many more lined up
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Working with a beauty supply manufacturer, Mr. Idowu Etefia, in the United States who will award cash prizes, in the amount of N25,000 to participants in the cosmetology training program, with the winner getting the opportunity to work with Mr. Etefia to export their products to the United States for sale
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Currently, Mr. Etefia has worked with our trainer, in collaboration with our students, to export over 10,000 bars of natural soap to the US, for sale in Walmart, CVS pharmacies and beauty supply stores across the country.
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xrxsql-94dVOe4KrBoP0XJFaP3YjAuuR/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Click here to download my full Assessment report PDF
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Involved the younger generation in the running of the organization
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           2 cabinet members, at the time of their appointment, were under 40 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Included national youth presidents in all council meetings 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Included youth in critical committees of the organization (constitution, finance, convention, health, etc) 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Worked to ensure the youth and their role are enshrined in our constitution. In August, 2021, the youth constitution, “Nwed Mbet”, was ratified by the convention 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Webmaster role has been handed over to a youth member
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Run an all-inclusive administration
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           2 cabinet members are women, including our 2nd ever National Vice President 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           All chapters are represented at the committee level 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Council meetings are hosted by smaller chapters
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Youth and Board of Trustees are now a part of our WhatsApp chat rooms
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Total transparency
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Financial reports are presented monthly 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Every communication that’s sent out is shared with all branches of the association
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Total accountability
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Every committee has been put to work and results are expected of them 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Encouraging online payments (dues, donations, etc) for better accountability
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Finances
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Proper management of the association’s finances 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Digitized all our finances and financial reports 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Seeking external funding, outside of convention, for projects and programs 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Seeking partnerships with businesses and AKISAN chapters to save money 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Even after budget approval, we don’t spend money we don’t have 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Receipts for all expenses are made available to members, upon request 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Development of financial reporting templates for convention and medical mission, for consistency
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
            
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Making AKISAN run more efficiently
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Medical mission and scholarship processes are being reviewed 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Partnering with other AKISAN chapters, nonprofits and corporations on projects 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Constitution committee has been empowered to meet regularly and suggest policy/potential constitutional amendments for the good of the association. To date, various constitutional amendments have been ratified by the convention in August, 2021
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           The association now follows the financial manual and employs QuickBooks for all its financial reporting 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Meetings and other events start and end on time 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           IT committee working on a database of members
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xrxsql-94dVOe4KrBoP0XJFaP3YjAuuR/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Click here to download my full Assessment report PDF
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Better communication
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Taking more advantage of social media to market the association, our events and programs (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram):
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           141,029 people reached (2020)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           256,989 people reached (2021)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           104,857 people reached (As of April 6, 2022)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Participated in various radio, television and print interviews in Akwa Ibom State to help sensitize the public about what AKISAN USA is and what we do. 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Organized virtual roadshows, happy hours, and awareness programs to sensitize the membership on association programs and to foster a sense of community
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
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           Equity
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           All chapters and their respective members are treated equally and with respect
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Increased Membership
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           As of November, 2022, we have added 2 new chapters to the fold.
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Oct 2023 12:09:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/the-state-of-akisan-usa-2020–2023-a-3-year-assessment</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Reports,Informational</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/state+of+akisan+report+by+president.svg">
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      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/state+of+akisan+report+by+president.svg">
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    <item>
      <title>AKISAN USA Awards Scholarships to 183 Students</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-awards-scholarships-to-183-students</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            OBITUARY: Pastor Akpan John Esenyie (1943-2024)
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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          This year, AKISAN USA awarded scholarships to students in the United States and Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          In Akwa Ibom State, an award ceremony took place on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at the Villa Hilton Hotel in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. 2 students per Local Government Area (total of 62 students) received N100,000 each from AKISAN USA for a total of N6.2m. Criteria included transcripts, letter of recommendation from the student’s faculty, an essay and the student’s certificate of origin. An additional 111 students received another N6m from 40 sponsors, for a grand total of about N12m. These sponsors chose students from their respective CGPAs. The Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (USA), Inc. (AKISAN USA) thanks all the sponsors who made this possible.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          For awardees in the United States, checks will be mailed to their respective chapters. Awardees won $500 each. 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Watch the award ceremony that took place in Akwa Ibom State:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsdjaI5-EI4" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Click here
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/AKISAN+Pin+for+social+media.jpg" length="91614" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Oct 2023 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-awards-scholarships-to-183-students</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AKISAN Announces her 7th Bi-Annual Virtual Townhall Meeting Day</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-announces-her-7th-bi-annual-virtual-townhall-meeting-day</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            OBITUARY: Pastor Akpan John Esenyie (1943-2024)
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          The townhalls are the avenue for disseminating information and sensitizing the general membership, relative to projects and policy changes coming down the pipeline. Members also use this opportunity to seek clarification on any questions that they may have.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Find details to join the meeting below:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Meeting Date &amp;amp; Time
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Saturday, October 14, 2023 @ 10am EST/9am CST/7am PST
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Agenda
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Our conventions: What goes into running a convention and how we plan on making them better, moving forward
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Any Other Business
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Zoom Information
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Coming soon
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/cropped-akisan-new-logo.png" length="421196" type="image/png" />
      <pubDate>Sat, 09 Sep 2023 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-announces-her-7th-bi-annual-virtual-townhall-meeting-day</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/cropped-akisan-new-logo.png">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    <item>
      <title>Venue for the 2024 2nd National Council Meeting Announced</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/venue-for-the-2024-2nd-national-council-meeting-announced</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Venue for the 2024 2nd National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          For more information about this upcoming event, contact the 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          AKISAN New York Chapter President, Mr. Eno Udo (+1 (917) 319-0568)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           or the 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Council Meeting Planning Chair, Lady Nkoyo Ekpo (+1-646-316-8202)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Our 2nd National Council Meeting will take place in the Big Apple, New York, New York, weekend of April 19th, 2024 to April 21st, 2024! As an association, we haven’t been there since 1998 and so we are excited to meet with our members there.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Council Meeting Date:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Saturday, April 20th, 2024
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          More information:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Room Rates per Night:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           $229.00 (single/double)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           $750.00 (Junior Suites – you MUST call the hotel directly for availability)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Reserve your hotel rooms online:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1701797663624&amp;amp;key=GRP&amp;amp;app=resvlink" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Book Online
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           By Phone:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            +1-718-565-8900
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Cutoff Date to book your rooms:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Friday, March 29, 2024
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Guest room rate available 3 days pre/post, however: must call hotel directly to secure
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Preferred Airport: LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Discounted Airfare (up to 10%):
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Delta Airlines:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.delta.com/flight-search/book-a-flight?tripType=ROUND_TRIP&amp;amp;priceSchedule=price&amp;amp;originCity=&amp;amp;destinationCity=&amp;amp;departureDate=&amp;amp;returnDate=&amp;amp;paxCount=1&amp;amp;meetingEventCode=NM3H5&amp;amp;searchByCabin=true&amp;amp;cabinFareClass=BE&amp;amp;deltaOnlySearch=false&amp;amp;deltaOnly=deltaPartner" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Book Online
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            or Call 1.800.328.1111 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST)) and refer to Meeting Event Code 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           NM3H5
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           United Airlines:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.united.com/en/us/book-flight/united-reservations?cid=2741969c-bea6-464d-8dad-706f1d384b5d&amp;amp;vendorQuery=true&amp;amp;fu=t" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Book Online
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            or Call (800) 426-1122 (Monday – Friday) for booking assistance
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Discounted Parking:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            $20/night for overnight parking and $10 for the day of the event
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Complimentary Wi-Fi in guest + meeting rooms
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Free shuttle service to and from LaGuardia Airport
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          AKISAN – New York Chapter is looking forward to welcoming you all to the BIG CITY for AKISAN 2023/24 2nd National Council Meeting.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          More information will be posted here as it becomes available. Please bookmark this page and visit it often.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/1-768x994.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/2.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/3.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/statue-of-liberty-in-front-of-manhattan-skyline-at-night-maria-elena-garcia.jpg" length="77576" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Aug 2023 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/venue-for-the-2024-2nd-national-council-meeting-announced</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/statue-of-liberty-in-front-of-manhattan-skyline-at-night-maria-elena-garcia.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/statue-of-liberty-in-front-of-manhattan-skyline-at-night-maria-elena-garcia.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/venue-for-the-2023-1st-national-council-meeting-announced</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            OBITUARY: Pastor Akpan John Esenyie (1943-2024)
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          For more information about this upcoming event, contact the AKISAN Miami Chapter President, Dr. (Mrs.) Ekaette Roberts at +1 (954) 683-9779
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Our 1st National Council Meeting will take place in the wonderful city of Miami, Florida! As an association, we haven’t been there since 2010 and so we are excited to meet with our members there.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          First, you can’t miss out on those exotics, mouthwatering: African, Caribbean, &amp;amp; Cuban Cuisines. And yes, make a trip to South Beach while you are at it
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Dates:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          November 17th, 2023 – November 19th, 2023
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Venue:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Pullman Hotel Miami
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          5800 Waterford District Drive
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Miami, FL 33126
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          How to Book your Rooms ($169/night, both Single and Double Rooms)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ol&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Call (305) 264-4888
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           (use Code “AKISAN Council-Miami”)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Online
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Book your rooms at 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://tinyurl.com/mr2pn5yv" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           The Hotel’s Website
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Suites
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Call Jasmina @ (305) 503-8385
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Email: jasmina.cibic@accor.com
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Please, DO NOT use the link to book the Suites
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ol&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          How to Book your Flights
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ol&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Preferred Airport
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Miami International Airport (MIA)About 3.3 miles from the Pullman Hotel (Event Location)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Free shuttle to/from every 30 minutes, starting @ 4:30am to 11:30 pm
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ol&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ol&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Save 10% on Delta Airlines when you fly to Miami from anywhere in the World
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Call Delta at 800-221-1212 and use the code NM2ZZ, or
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Book online at the 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.delta.com/flight-search/book-a-flight?tripType=ROUND_TRIP&amp;amp;priceSchedule=price&amp;amp;originCity=&amp;amp;destinationCity=&amp;amp;departureDate=&amp;amp;returnDate=&amp;amp;paxCount=1&amp;amp;meetingEventCode=NM2ZZ&amp;amp;searchByCabin=true&amp;amp;cabinFareClass=BE&amp;amp;deltaOnlySearch=false&amp;amp;deltaOnly=deltaPartner" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Delta Airlines Website
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ol&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/AKISAN+Pin+for+social+media.jpg" length="91614" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Aug 2023 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/venue-for-the-2023-1st-national-council-meeting-announced</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/AKISAN+Pin+for+social+media.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/AKISAN+Pin+for+social+media.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AKISAN USA Announces her 2023 Scholarship Application Program</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-announces-her-2023-scholarship-application-program</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            OBITUARY: Pastor Akpan John Esenyie (1943-2024)
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          AKISAN USA is pleased to announce her 2023 scholarship application program. This year, we are:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           We are awarding scholarships to students of Akwa Ibom State origin both in the United States of America and Nigeria
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           For students in Nigeria:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           The scholarship is open to all students of Akwa Ibom State origin, studying in public institutions of higher learning (Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, etc.)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           We are expanding our scholarship this year to cover 2 students per Local Government Area and are also offering weighted categories based on GPA
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Please find the fliers for each student category below. The link to the application form is beneath the 2nd flier.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Dates to keep in mind are as follows:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Deadline to submit your application:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            May 31, 2023
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Submitted applications to be reviewed
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            from June 1, 2023 to July 31st, 2023
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Awardees to be announced:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            At the 2023 National Convention in Sunny San Diego on Saturday, August 12, 2023
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Essay Topic:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            Why is education extremely important in an Akwa Ibom household? Essay needs to be written in Times New Roman font, single spaced and in 12 point font
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/cropped-akisan-new-logo.png" length="421196" type="image/png" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 10 Mar 2023 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-announces-her-2023-scholarship-application-program</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/cropped-akisan-new-logo.png">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/cropped-akisan-new-logo.png">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AKISAN Announces her 6th Bi-Annual Virtual Townhall Meeting Day</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-announces-her-6th-bi-annual-virtual-townhall-meeting-day</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            OBITUARY: Pastor Akpan John Esenyie (1943-2024)
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          The townhalls are the avenue for disseminating information and sensitizing the general membership, relative to projects and policy changes coming down the pipeline. Members also use this opportunity to seek clarification on any questions that they may have.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Find details to join the meeting below:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          YouTube Link to the 6th Bi-Annual Virtual Roadshow:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDAYLZbcCN0" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDAYLZbcCN0
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          National President’s Opening Remarks (PDF):
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/documents/2023/national-president-roadshow-presentation-031123.pdf" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          https://basimd13.sg-host.com/documents/2023/national-president-roadshow-presentation-031123.pdf
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Constitution/Policy Committee Presentation (PDF):
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/documents/2023/constitution-committee-roadshow-presentation-031123.pdf" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          https://basimd13.sg-host.com/documents/2023/constitution-committee-roadshow-presentation-031123.pdf
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Education/Scholarship Committee Presentation (DOCX):
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/documents/2023/education-committee-roadshow-presentation-031123.docx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          https://basimd13.sg-host.com/documents/2023/education-committee-roadshow-presentation-031123.docx
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Mr. &amp;amp; Miss AKISAN USA Presentation (PPTX):
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/documents/2023/pageant-roadshow-presentation-031123.pptx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          https://basimd13.sg-host.com/documents/2023/pageant-roadshow-presentation-031123.pptx
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Donate to the Mr. &amp;amp; Ms. AKISAN USA 2023 Projects:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://secure.givelively.org/donate/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/2022-miss-mr-akisan-usa-project-fundraiser" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          https://secure.givelively.org/donate/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/2022-miss-mr-akisan-usa-project-fundraiser
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          2023 Convention Committee Presentation (PDF):
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/documents/2023/convention-roadshow-presentation-031123.pdf" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          https://basimd13.sg-host.com/documents/2023/convention-roadshow-presentation-031123.pdf
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/cropped-akisan-new-logo.png" length="421196" type="image/png" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 03 Mar 2023 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-announces-her-6th-bi-annual-virtual-townhall-meeting-day</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/cropped-akisan-new-logo.png">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/cropped-akisan-new-logo.png">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AKISAN USA Announces her 2023 Calendar of Events</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-announces-her-2023-calendar-of-events</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          For the latest information regarding our association, including programs, projects and events, visit and bookmark our website, www.AKISAN.org and follow us on social media @akisanusa
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          5th Bi-Annual Virtual Townhall Meeting:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Saturday, March 11, 2023
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          11am EST/8am PST
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          2nd National Council Meeting:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Saturday, April 15, 2023
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Dallas, Texas
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          36th Annual National Convention:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          August 10, 2023 – August 13, 2023
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          San Diego, California
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          6th Bi-Annual Virtual Townhall Meeting:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Saturday, October 14, 2023
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          11am EST/8am PST
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          1st National Council Meeting:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Miami, Florida
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          November, 2023 (Exact Date is TBA)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          AKISAN USA now has a Whatsapp Community Forum. To subscribe, contact your chapter president
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/cropped-akisan-new-logo.png" length="421196" type="image/png" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2023 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-announces-her-2023-calendar-of-events</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/cropped-akisan-new-logo.png">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/cropped-akisan-new-logo.png">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Official Page for our 2023 AKISAN USA National Convention in San Diego, California</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/official-page-for-our-2023-akisan-usa-national-convention-in-san-diego-california</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          The venue for the 2023 AKISAN USA National Convention was deliberated and voted upon at the just concluded 1st national council meeting in San Francisco, California, on Saturday, November 12, 2022.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Congratulations to AKISAN San Diego chapter for winning the rights to host the 2023 national convention! Given its strategic location, we are asking that members arrive a few days early with their families and turn it into a family vacation as well.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Sponsorship Opportunities
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/sponsorship/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Visit our Sponsorship Opportunity Page
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           for more information on how to sponsor or be a donor.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Convention Details (more to be added over time):
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Date:
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Thursday, August 10, 2023 – Sunday, August 13, 2023
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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          Theme:
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          “CONNECT, INSPIRE, &amp;amp; TRANSFORM: Establishing limitless potential in the Next Generation to excel beyond boundaries in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM)”
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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          Venue:
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Hilton San Diego Bayfront
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          1 Park Blvd
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          San Diego, CA 92101
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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          What to do in San Diego, Attractions, etc.:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.sandiego.org/meeting-planners/syisd/akisan.aspx" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Visit the AKISAN USA’s San Diego Tourism Authority Microsite
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Want a Preview of the Convention Hotel?:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://visitingmedia.com/tt8/?ttid=hilton-san-diego-bayfront#/3d-model/0/11" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Take a Virtual Tour
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Register for the convention by going to the registration page (see rates below):
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://secure.givelively.org/event/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/2023-akisan-usa-convention-registration" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          2023 National Convention Registration Page
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Purchase your Convention Booklet Ads and Rent your Booths to Advertise your Products:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://secure.givelively.org/event/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/2023-akisan-usa-convention-program-booklet-ad-booth-rental" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          2023 Convention Booklet &amp;amp; Booth Rental Page
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Reserve your Tables for your Alumni, Friends, Family and Organizations:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://secure.givelively.org/event/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/2023-akisan-usa-convention-group-family-friends-alumni-table-reservations" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          2023 Convention Group/Family/Friends/Alumni Table Reservations Page
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Preferred Airport:
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          San Diego International Airport (SAN) ~3 miles from hotel!
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Get Up to a 10% Discount when you fly United Airlines
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.united.com/en/us/book-flight/united-reservations?cid=94c53481-377f-4e18-b9ad-cfa0aea15d98&amp;amp;vendorQuery=true&amp;amp;fu=t" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Book your Flights with United Airlines Today
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Get Up to a 10% Discount when you fly Delta Airlines
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.delta.com/flight-search/book-a-flight?tripType=ROUND_TRIP&amp;amp;priceSchedule=price&amp;amp;originCity=&amp;amp;destinationCity=&amp;amp;departureDate=&amp;amp;returnDate=&amp;amp;paxCount=1&amp;amp;meetingEventCode=NM2FQ&amp;amp;searchByCabin=true&amp;amp;cabinFareClass=BE&amp;amp;deltaOnlySearch=false&amp;amp;deltaOnly=deltaPartner" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Book your Flights with Delta Airlines Today
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          or
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Call 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NM2FQ
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Save up to 5% on Enterprise/National Rent-A-Car:
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Use Code OSMBAQT
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Hotel Reservations ($215.00/night, both single king and double queen room types):
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Call +1-619-564-3333 or 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://book.passkey.com/go/AKISAN" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          book online
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          . Rates are good 3 days before and 3 days after official convention dates
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Note: The convention hotel charges an advance deposit of $242.48 for your first night’s stay
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Hotel Reservation Cutoff Date:
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Friday, June 16, 2023
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://secure.givelively.org/event/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/2023-akisan-usa-convention-registration" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Register for the 2023 National Convention Here
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Register for the 2023 National Convention Here
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://secure.givelively.org/event/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/2023-akisan-usa-convention-program-booklet-ad-booth-rental" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Purchase your 2023 Convention Booklet &amp;amp; Booth Rental Ads Here
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Purchase your 2023 Convention Booklet &amp;amp; Booth Rental Ads Here
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://secure.givelively.org/event/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/2023-akisan-usa-convention-group-family-friends-alumni-table-reservations" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Reserve your 2023 Table Here
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Reserve your 2023 Table Here
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Other Useful Hotel Information:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Hotel Check-in Time is 4pm. Check out time is 11am
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Self-parking is $30/day
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Got Questions? Call any of the following individuals below:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Engr. (Dr.) Mbong Ekiko
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Convention Planning Committee Chair
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1-720-933-5375
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Mrs. Uwem Inyang
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Convention Planning Committee Co-Chair
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1404-663-1991
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Itoro Akpan-Iquot
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          National President
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1-404-276-4267
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/yo-4-300x270.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo-2.jpg" length="48238" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/official-page-for-our-2023-akisan-usa-national-convention-in-san-diego-california</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/yo-2.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo-2.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    <item>
      <title>Venue for the 2nd National Council Meeting Announced</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/venue-for-the-2nd-national-council-meeting-announced</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          The venue for the 2nd national council meeting has been announced. This event will take place in Dallas, Texas on Saturday, April 15, 2023.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Please get in touch with the chapter President, Mr. Richard Eyo, at 469-288-0413 or the chairman planning committee, Dr. Henny Mbosowo, at 469-733-2007 for more information.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Also check our website and follow us on social media.
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/dallas-2023-council-meeting.jpg" length="75808" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/venue-for-the-2nd-national-council-meeting-announced</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/dallas-2023-council-meeting.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/dallas-2023-council-meeting.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The AKISAN USA 2023 National Convention – It’s Official!</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/the-akisan-usa-2023-national-convention-its-official</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          It’s official! 2023 AKISAN USA National Convention is going to AKISAN San Diego. Spread the news!
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76oWm3ebsGw" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Check Video Here
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Dates:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          August 10th, 2023 to August 13th, 2023
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Venue:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Bayfront Hilton Hotel, 1 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          San Diego is known for its beautiful weather and tourist attractions. 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Turn this into a vacation for you and your family. 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          To book your hotel rooms, book your flights (up to 10% off), rent your cars (up to 5% off), register for the convention (up to 20% off), purchase your program booklet ads and reserve your tables, 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/venue-for-the-2023-akisan-usa-national-convention-announced/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          visit our official convention page
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          .
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
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      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Nov 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/the-akisan-usa-2023-national-convention-its-official</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>AKISAN USA now has a new Legal Counsel</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-now-has-a-new-legal-counsel</link>
      <description />
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            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
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           On Saturday, November 12, 2022, AKISAN USA swore in her 2nd ever female legal counsel in the history of the organization. 
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          Essie Ndem was sworn in at the 1st national council meeting in San Francisco, California over the weekend. The national president, Itoro Akpan-Iquot presented her to the council for approval. Speaking before the vote, Essie informed everyone present that it would be an honor to serve the association as legal counsel.
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          Essie Ndem is a proud member of AKISAN Atlanta chapter. She is an Associate Attorney at Gray, Rust, St. Amand, Moffett, &amp;amp; Brieske LLP. She concentrates her practice on civil litigation with specialization in the areas of insurance defense and insurance coverage.
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          Before joining the firm, Essie practiced international and domestic family law, where she tackled complex legal matters. She served as legislative intern with Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in Nigeria, where she evaluated five major bills and motions centered on state security, education, and healthcare.
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          Essie is the founder of the Young Professionals Development (YPD), an initiative devoted to helping the youth in developing countries maximize their success through joint endeavors in academics and mastering non-academic talents, resulting in well-rounded individuals who are more prepared to undertake the professional arena.
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          As a Dean’s Scholar scholarship recipient, Essie earned her Juris Doctorate from Mercer University School of Law. While pursuing her J.D., Essie was crowned the 2017–2018 Miss Akwa Ibom USA. During her tenure she completed extensive programs including Akwa Ibom Youths Got Brains, Akwa Ibom Youths Got Talent, and Akwa Ibom Youths Got Fashion. She also served in several leadership positions including President of the International Law Students Association (ILSA) and Professional Development Chair for the Black Law Students Association (BLSA).
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          Essie is a two-timed Oxford scholar with the Oxford Human Rights Consortium in Oxford, England and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English at Columbus State University and graduated with English honors.
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          Essie is betrothed to Dr. Edem Thomas Edem, and a daughter to Dr. &amp;amp; Mrs. Ndem Ndem. During her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and exploring new adventures.
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      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-now-has-a-new-legal-counsel</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Geraldine Udo (AKISAN Oklahoma) Wins the 2022 Miss Nigeria International Pageant</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/geraldine-udo-akisan-oklahoma-wins-the-2022-miss-nigeria-international-pageant</link>
      <description />
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            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
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          Congratulations to Geraldine Udo of AKISAN Oklahoma who won Ms. Nigeria International 2022 this past weekend in Dallas, Texas. Her next moves? Miss World International.
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          Geraldine was born in Norman, Oklahoma. She attended high school at Norman North. She is currently a student at The University of Oklahoma, majoring in Health and Exercise Science with the aspiration of obtaining her doctorate degree in Physical Therapy.
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          Geraldine does Track and Field at her division 1 school. Her event is the Hammer throw and has been ranked top 8 in the BIG 12 conference for 3 years.
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          Geraline’s platform is to help provide resources and equipment to low income students to excel in their performance in athletics.
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          Congratulations Geraldine! We are proud of you ????????????????????????????????????
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      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Nov 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/geraldine-udo-akisan-oklahoma-wins-the-2022-miss-nigeria-international-pageant</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>AKISAN USA (2020 – 2023): A 3-Year Assessment</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-2020-2023-a-3-year-assessment</link>
      <description />
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            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
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          Last Updated on October 5, 2023
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          At the time of the election in 2020, the association was in need of dire change. I was elected as the national president to a 2-year term and this led to the Itoro Akpan-Iquot Administration that started in August of 2020.
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          In August, 2021, the AKISAN USA constitution was amended to allow for national presidents to run for a second term in office, serving a maximum of two terms. In August of 2022, I was unanimously elected to a 2nd term making me not only the first national president in the association’s history to serve a 2nd term but also the first US-born national president to ever be elected to office, not once but twice.
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    &lt;a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xrxsql-94dVOe4KrBoP0XJFaP3YjAuuR/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Click here to download my full Assessment report PDF
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          It has been a whirlwind 3 years for the organization but the results have been clear for all to see – renewed trust in the organization, increased membership, more transparency, inclusiveness and accountability, introduction of projects to develop human capacity, more innovation in areas like fundraising among others, as well as an increase in outreach and publicity, both in Akwa Ibom State and the United States, especially via social media.
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          Of course, all this wouldn’t be possible without you, the general membership, the sponsors and the donors. On behalf of AKISAN USA, I thank each and every one of you. You are because we are…and we are because you are.
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          Find below, the list of achievements the association has scored in the last 27 months:
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           Except for the 2022 medical mission, all other monies used to execute projects have been contributed by private donors
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           The AKISAN USA logo and letterhead were redesigned within the first 100 days of this administration, as part of a rebranding strategy
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           2022 medical mission carried out in 3 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State that have never felt our presence (Itu, Udung Uko and Uruan). 10,000 patients seen and treated, 150+ surgeries.
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           Scholarships awarded to 185 students in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, in the amount of 
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           N12m
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           Scholarships awarded to 13 students in the United States, in the amount of 
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           $6,500
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           Raised about 
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           $15,000
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            in sponsorship money for the 2022 national convention
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           Raised about 
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           $30,000
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            in sponsorship money for the 2023 national convention
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           Raised over 
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           $30,000
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            in external funding for our vocational training programs in IT, Culinary Arts, Agrobusiness, and Cosmetology. Visit our 
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           “AKISAN USA Vocational Training Programs: A 3-Year Assessment”
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            page for more information.
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           Raised over 
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           $10,000
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            in external funding for our 2022 scholarship program
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           Raised about 
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           $10,000
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            in external funding for the 2021/22 Mr. &amp;amp; Ms. AKISAN USA projects
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           Raised about 
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           $3,000
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           Raised about 
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           $11,000
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            in external funding for various welfare programs (face masks, AKISAN-branded face caps and wool caps, flowers for members who have lost loved ones, etc.)
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           Raised about 
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           $6,000
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            in external funding for Mr. &amp;amp; Ms. AKISAN USA (2021/22) Projects in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and The United States
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           Helped raise funds to assist the victims of windstorm damage in Nung Asang Ikono, in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria in May. 2023
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           Founding member of the Forum of Akwa Ibom National Presidents Worldwide, established in November, 2021. The purpose of this group is to gather Akwa Ibomites worldwide to speak with one voice, implement projects as one and to be a voice for the voiceless
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           In April, 2022, the group brought the attention of the world to the plight of Internally Displaced People (IDP) of Akwa Ibom State origin in Katsina State, Nigeria. We were able to raise $5,000 for this group and also got the Akwa Ibom State Government to help relocate 39 individuals back to Akwa Ibom State
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           Relaunched a redesigned “Mbuk Akwa Ibom” quarterly magazine. 
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           AKISAN USA had a monthly radio program, “Akwa Ibom Abroad”, on XL106.9FM in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. It ran for a year. Each episode updates the public with the latest information, relative to what AKISAN USA is doing for the indigenes of Akwa Ibom State 
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           Revived the women’s wing of the organization. On August, 2022, the women’s constitution was ratified by the convention.
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           Unsolicited mention on the “Amen Remix” music video, by Progress Effiong, featuring Ikpa Udo and Lybra Baba
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           Paid regular visits to all our vocational training partners, to speak to the students and monitor their progress
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           Successfully completed 5 batches on vocational training each in Information Technology and Cosmetology. Also completed 1 batch each in Culinary Arts and Agrobusiness
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           Following up with the progress of the students. Read the full report, to date, 
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           here
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           .
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           Designed a flag for the association
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           Commissioned an anthem for the association (Listen to it 
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           here
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           ).
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    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xrxsql-94dVOe4KrBoP0XJFaP3YjAuuR/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Click here to download my full Assessment report PDF
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Bold, Fresh Ideas
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Projects are not funded directly from AKISAN’s purse but from private donations 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Added vocational training to the list of our projects. Currently, there are about 100 students who have been taught in Software/Web Development, Culinary Arts, Agribusiness and Cosmetology, with more to follow. 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Partnership with Association of Movie Producers, Akwa Ibom Chapter and introduced “Movie Day” at the 2022 National Convention with proceeds split between both parties
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Introduced annual ping pong tournament at the national convention. This is now in its 2nd iteration
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Introduced the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, at the 2021 convention, to “Books for Africa”, headed by an Akwa Ibomite, an organization that can provide books for any class and discipline at a fraction of the cost. A typical container contains 23,000 books and each book is valued anywhere between $10 and $50, depending on grade level and discipline.
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Introduced to the SSG, at the 2021 convention, an Akwa Ibomite, Mr. Clement Udotong, who manufactures phones, laptops and tablets and is willing to set up a manufacturing plant in Akwa Ibom State 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Introduced bi-annual virtual town hall meetings so that the general membership is made aware of policies, rules and general information to be discussed at council meetings the month after.
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Hosted several online webinars for the benefit of the general membership (Taxes for Entrepreneurs, How to Run a Non-Profit, etc.)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Partnership with TapTap Send, a money transfer company. First time users get additional $10 with their first transfer. AKISAN USA gets a commission with every transfer 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Created a WhatsApp community group for all active AKISAN chapter members to that their members can get information, first hand, from the national body
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Welfare
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Through a network of AKISAN members who are life insurance agents, instituted an individual policy life insurance program for the general membership 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Provided various discounts to members for airfare (Delta Airlines), medical prescriptions (SGRX) and providing the ability for members to, from the US, order medical prescriptions for their loved ones in Nigeria (Diaspocare), from over 6,000 board certified and approved pharmacies 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Calling of chapters regularly and sending flowers to families of AKISAN members who have lost loved ones, all sponsored by the welfare committee members 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Helped rally for funds to bury an Akwa Ibomite in the Dallas, Texas area whose corpse would have otherwise been buried in a pauper’s cemetery 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Helped raise funds for a widow in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Itoro Mbuk, who was suffering from breast cancer, who was abandoned by her family. Also helped arrange, through an anonymous donor, a scholarship for Itoro’s son, Moses, from SS1 to any level of education in a Nigerian public institution
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Helped locate an Akwa Ibomite who had gone missing since 1984 and reported same to his family to bring closure to them. Unfortunately, the individual had passed a couple of years ago 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Helped a family in Nigeria bring closure to the case of their brother, now deceased, whom they hadn’t heard from in over 40 years.
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Created a forum of national presidents of Akwa Ibom communities worldwide:
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           There is strength in numbers. Together, we can all speak as one voice and combine to work on bigger, more impactful projects, help bring to light issues that otherwise have been overlooked.
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Currently in the forum, there are national presidents from Nigeria, US, the UK, Scotland, South Africa, India, Israel, Dubai, Canada and Ghana. 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Visited with several chapters, with visits to many more lined up
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Working with a beauty supply manufacturer, Mr. Idowu Etefia, in the United States who will award cash prizes, in the amount of N25,000 to participants in the cosmetology training program, with the winner getting the opportunity to work with Mr. Etefia to export their products to the United States for sale
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Currently, Mr. Etefia has worked with our trainer, in collaboration with our students, to export over 10,000 bars of natural soap to the US, for sale in Walmart, CVS pharmacies and beauty supply stores across the country.
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xrxsql-94dVOe4KrBoP0XJFaP3YjAuuR/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Click here to download my full Assessment report PDF
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Involved the younger generation in the running of the organization
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           2 cabinet members, at the time of their appointment, were under 40 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Included national youth presidents in all council meetings 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Included youth in critical committees of the organization (constitution, finance, convention, health, etc) 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Worked to ensure the youth and their role are enshrined in our constitution. In August, 2021, the youth constitution, “Nwed Mbet”, was ratified by the convention 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Webmaster role has been handed over to a youth member
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Run an all-inclusive administration
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           2 cabinet members are women, including our 2nd ever National Vice President 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           All chapters are represented at the committee level 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Council meetings are hosted by smaller chapters
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Youth and Board of Trustees are now a part of our WhatsApp chat rooms
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Total transparency
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Financial reports are presented monthly 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Every communication that’s sent out is shared with all branches of the association
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Total accountability
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Every committee has been put to work and results are expected of them 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Encouraging online payments (dues, donations, etc) for better accountability
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Finances
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Proper management of the association’s finances 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Digitized all our finances and financial reports 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Seeking external funding, outside of convention, for projects and programs 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Seeking partnerships with businesses and AKISAN chapters to save money 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Even after budget approval, we don’t spend money we don’t have 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Receipts for all expenses are made available to members, upon request 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Development of financial reporting templates for convention and medical mission, for consistency
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
            
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Making AKISAN run more efficiently
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Medical mission and scholarship processes are being reviewed 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Partnering with other AKISAN chapters, nonprofits and corporations on projects 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Constitution committee has been empowered to meet regularly and suggest policy/potential constitutional amendments for the good of the association. To date, various constitutional amendments have been ratified by the convention in August, 2021
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           The association now follows the financial manual and employs QuickBooks for all its financial reporting 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Meetings and other events start and end on time 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           IT committee working on a database of members
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xrxsql-94dVOe4KrBoP0XJFaP3YjAuuR/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Click here to download my full Assessment report PDF
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Better communication
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Taking more advantage of social media to market the association, our events and programs (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram):
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           141,029 people reached (2020)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           256,989 people reached (2021)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           104,857 people reached (As of April 6, 2022)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Participated in various radio, television and print interviews in Akwa Ibom State to help sensitize the public about what AKISAN USA is and what we do. 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Organized virtual roadshows, happy hours, and awareness programs to sensitize the membership on association programs and to foster a sense of community
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Equity
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           All chapters and their respective members are treated equally and with respect
           &#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Increased Membership
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           As of November, 2022, we have added 2 new chapters to the fold.
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xrxsql-94dVOe4KrBoP0XJFaP3YjAuuR/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Click here to download my full Assessment report PDF
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo-1-54343da3.jpg" length="95121" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Oct 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-2020-2023-a-3-year-assessment</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/yo-1-54343da3.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo-1-54343da3.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Announcing the 2022 AKISAN USA Medical Mission</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/announcing-the-2022-akisan-usa-medical-mission</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          This is to inform indigenes of Itu, Udung Uko and Uruan Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria in particular and the general public that the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (USA), Inc. (AKISAN USA) will carry out a 5-day free medical outreach.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Accordingly, everyone is encouraged to take advantage of this rare occasion and avail themselves of the opportunity to be examined and treated.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          The exercise is scheduled to hold from Monday, the 17th to Friday, the 21st day of October 2022 at the Primary Health Center, Mbak Atai ltam (Itu LGA), Primary Health Center, Eyokponung (Udung Uko LGA), and Primary Health Center, Idu Uruan (Uruan LGA).
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Patients due for surgical operation and other surgical cases, should report at the aforementioned venues on Monday, 17th October, 2022, for pre-operation screening; preparatory to the main operation.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Note that the medical mission kicks off at 9:00am daily at each location.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          We thank all the donors and volunteers, both in the US and in Akwa Ibom State, who have contributed to what will be a very successful 2022 medical mission.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Itoro Akpan-Iquot
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          National President, AKISAN USA
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/medical-mission-flier.jpg" length="90417" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Oct 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/announcing-the-2022-akisan-usa-medical-mission</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>AKISAN USA Presents Award of Appreciation and Recognition to Mr. Idowu Etefia, CEO of RA Cosmetics, Atlanta</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-presents-award-of-appreciation-and-recognition-to-mr-idowu-etefia-ceo-of-ra-cosmetics-atlanta</link>
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           ﻿
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            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
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           ﻿
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          On Tuesday, September 13, 2022, the National President of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (USA), Inc. (AKISAN USA), Mr. Itoro Akpan-Iquot presented an Award of Appreciation and Recognition to the CEO of RA Cosmetics, Mr. Idowu Etefia. The award, in appreciation of his financial contributions and empowerment to the AKISAN USA Cosmetology Vocational Training Program, was given to him at his office in Norcross, Georgia.
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          Before presenting the award, the National President, Mr. Itoro Akpan-Iquot thanked Mr. Idowu for the successful partnership between AKISAN USA and RA Cosmetics, a partnership that has resulted in the latter awarding each graduating student with the sum of N25,000. At the graduation ceremony taking place on Saturday, September 17, 2022 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, 10 students will be receiving this sum, bringing the total to empowerment of graduating students to N300,000 in the last year. In addition to this empowerment, Mr. Idowu is working with our trainer, La’Mags Collectionz, to ship thousands of bars of natural soap to the United States, for sale in various beauty supply shops and in Walmart.
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           RA Cosmetics is one of the largest wholesale distributors specializing in bringing the natural beauty secrets of West Africa to the world.  RA Cosmetics has been providing for the skin and hair care for over 12 years. Their base of operation is Atlanta, Georgia, United States. 
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          To attend the graduation of batch 2 and batch 3 students of our cosmetology training program (7am EST/4am PST/12pm Nigerian Time on Saturday, September 17th), you have 2 options:
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          1) Physically:
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          1 Eka Street, Uyo (by Ibom Plaza), Akwa Ibom State Nigeria
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          2) Virtually:
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          Join Zoom Meeting
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          https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89658638203?pwd=OHlqOG1qbUlIREhQQUxlVE5aL1h0QT09
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          Meeting ID: 896 5863 8203
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          Passcode: 970483
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      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-presents-award-of-appreciation-and-recognition-to-mr-idowu-etefia-ceo-of-ra-cosmetics-atlanta</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>AKISAN USA Vocational Training Programs: A 3-Year Assessment</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-vocational-training-programs-a-3-year-assessment</link>
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            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
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           ﻿
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          Batch 5 of our IT Training Program is currently ongoing. Batch 6 of our Cosmetology Training Program Starts in February, 2024.
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           Got Questions?
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           Call +1-404-276-4267
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      &lt;a href="https://secure.givelively.org/donate/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/donation-to-the-beauty-household-sanitary-products-vocational-training-program-6" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Register for the Batch 6 Cosmetology Vocational Training Today
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          In November, 2021, AKISAN USA added vocational training programs to her list of projects implemented in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Prior to this, our projects were in the areas of medical missions and scholarships. With vocational training, we took the approach of “teaching people how to fish”, as opposed to giving people fish. Today, AKISAN USA is offering training in Information Technology, Agribusiness, Culinary Arts, Cosmetology, and eventually, Fashion Design. What makes the vocational training programs unique is how they are financed.
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          We adopted the model of sourcing for funding from private donors. This approach gained favorability as those who donate are directly involved in who is chosen to get the training. What’s more? Donors get a tax deduction by donating the money to the organization. They also benefit from the discounted rates that apply by paying for the program through AKISAN USA.
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          As more students respond to our requests for information, we will be updating this page with who they are and what they are doing. We thank every donor and partner who has contributed to the success of our vocational training programs. 
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          The Results So Far (Based on Students who have Provided Feedback)…
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           Information Technology (Trainer: Start Innovation Hub, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State) 
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           Number of graduating students overall
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            – 52 persons have graduated
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           Number of women overall
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            – 12 women from previous batches
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           What some of the graduates are doing now:
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           Nsisong Akpan:
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            He is currently working as a lead frontend developer with a startup in Abuja VANK. They’re into real estate
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           He’s also on a team of frontend developers for “Blockmay ICT SOLUTIONS LTD” a tech company in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
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           Usen Macurlay:
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            He’s currently handling two projects As a Mobile Apps Developer for Netvalue Pay, a company based in Congo
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           and Hospyta Mobile a company based in Lagos, Nigeria.
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           Douglas Priest:
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            Backend Developer role in Payxant Microfinance Company Ikeja, Lagos State
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           Stephen Ufort:
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            Frontend Engineer – OneWattSolar Ltd., Frontend Engineer – SmilePay Africa, Frontend Developer – Blockmay Ltd.
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           Kufre-Abasi Bassey
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            – currently working as a front-end web developer at Tribinnov Africa.
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           Andima Solomon Udoh:
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            Net Value (Congo) – Mobile Developer, Hospyta Mobile – Mobile Developer, Payxant Fintech – Mobile Developer
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           Enobong Enoh:
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            Works as a Frontend Developer with a tech company
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           Cosmetology (Trainer: La’Mags Collectionz, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State)
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           Number of Graduating Batches:
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            6
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           Number of Graduates:
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            60
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           Number of Women Graduates:
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            51
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           Where some Students are now:
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           Blessing Edinam
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            and 
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           Nsima Monday
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            are working with our trainer, to deliver orders for our partner, Mr. Idowu Etefia of RA Cosmetics in Atlanta, Georgia, US, now totaling about 10,000 bars of natural soap per order. The bars of soap end up being exported to the United States for sale in beauty supply stores and in Walmart stores across the country.
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           Christiana Edet
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            is currently self-employed, producing her own line of soap and other household cleaning products
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           Arit Udonsuk, Treasure Aquaisua, Edidiong Udo
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            and 
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           Mkpoikanke Obot
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            are producing, marketing and also use their products at home
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           Samuel Bassey
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            is also producing car wash products at home and supplying to area stores
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           Edwin Offiong
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            is producing and marketing after shave lotion
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           Each graduating student sponsored via AKISAN USA gets a graduation gift of N25,000, courtesy of RA Cosmetics. 12 students have received this stipend to date
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           The top 2 graduating students from all batches will also gain employment with our trainer
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           On Saturday, September 17, 2022, 10 students graduated from the program, representing batch 2 and batch 3 students. Here are some of the testimonials from students, as well as the graduation video: 
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           Testimonial 1
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           , 
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           Testimonial 2
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           , 
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           Testimonial 3
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           , 
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           2022 Graduation Ceremony Video
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            and 
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           2023 Graduation Ceremony Video
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           .
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           Batch 6 students will be graduating in June, 2024
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           Culinary Arts (Trainer: Uyai College of Culinary Arts, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State)
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           Number of Graduates:
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            1
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           What the Graduate is doing now:
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           Nsima Columbus Emmanson
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           ‘s training was cut short as a result of COVID-19. Once the pandemic subsided, she resumed her training and is currently a chef at a hotel in Lagos, Nigeria
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           Agribusiness (Trainer: Jacaja Integrated Farms, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State)
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           Number of Graduates:
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            13
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           What some Students are doing now:
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           At least 5 of the students are applying their skills on a farm in Akpabuyo, Cross-River State, Nigeria. This farm is owned and operated by Brotherhood of the Cross &amp;amp; Star, USA
          &#xD;
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    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           1 student has asked to continue farming with our trainer. To that effect, he has been assigned a parcel of land on the property so he can continue learning his trade
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           A few students are working on operating their own farms. AKISAN USA will follow up with them in 2023 to know how far they’ve gone
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Batch 5 of our IT Training Program is currently ongoing. Batch 6 of our Cosmetology Training Program Starts in February, 2024
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://secure.givelively.org/donate/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/donation-to-the-beauty-household-sanitary-products-vocational-training-program-6" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Sponsor a Student in our Cosmetology Class
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (Starts February 15, 2024)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Got Questions?
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Call +1-404-276-4267
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/facebook_1663466023875_6977082197805937443-1080x675.jpg" length="205610" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-vocational-training-programs-a-3-year-assessment</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/facebook_1663466023875_6977082197805937443-1080x675.jpg">
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AKISAN Partners with Taptap Send to provide convenient, affordable, and secure transfers to Nigeria… See Promo Code</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-partners-with-taptap-send-to-provide-convenient-affordable-and-secure-transfers-to-nigeria-see-promo-code</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          The just concluded Convention of 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (USA), Inc.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           AKISAN convention 2022 held in Charlotte, NC, brought smiles and joy to the Akwa Ibom Community and brought to birth a new partnership with a Nigerian company, Taptap Send.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Taptap Send has partnered with
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (USA), Inc (AKISAN)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           to offer an affordable way to send money to Nigeria. The company, which was launched in 2019, and backed by top VCs (Spark, Canaan, Reid Hoffman, Breyer Capital, etc.), is rapidly growing and an excellent place for those looking for both impact and a fast-paced tech startup environment. Read the journey in Reid Hoffman’s 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/segovias-next-step-reid-hoffman/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          words
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           or TechCrunch’s 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://techcrunch.com/2021/06/24/taptap-send-gets-13-4m-for-a-no-fee-money-transfer-service-aimed-at-price-conscious-emerging-market-users/?guccounter=1" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          article
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          . 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          According to the company’s Growth Manager, Ms. 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Olayinka Sarayi
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          , 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://taptapsend.page.link/AKISAN22" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Taptap
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.taptapsend.com/?dl=1" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Send
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           provides affordable, convenient, and secure money transfers to Nigeria and other African Countries. She added that the easy-to-use smartphone app lets you send money to family and friends with just a few taps and a debit card for a flat fee, saving money in the process. “No more waiting in line, complicated fees, or wondering whether loved ones received their transfers.”
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          In response, the President of the association, 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Mr. Itoro Akpan-Iquot
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          , applauded the company for the partnership and promised a long-standing relationship with the brand. “We are glad to partner with a company that proudly aligns with the UN’s goal of reducing the costs of remittances by 2030.”
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          The company’s Growth Manager, 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Ms. Olayinka Sarayi
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          , also announced a free $10 with every first transfer with the Promo Code: 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.taptapsend.com/?dl=1" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          AKISAN22
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          . In his final remark, the President of Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (USA), Inc (AKISAN), Mr. Itoro Akpan-Iqout, thanked the company for the partnership. He added that using the code allows Taptap Send to make a small donation to the AKISAN National Body of the association. 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Share this with your friends and social circle. For more information, click here to download the app 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://taptapsend.page.link/AKISAN22" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          AKISAN22
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/Ms.-Olayinka-Sarayi-Taptap-send-e1661457702503-300x277.jpeg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/Itoro-Akpan-Iqout-300x300.jpeg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/US-NG-Blog-Banner-1-1200x675.jpg" length="84834" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 25 Aug 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-partners-with-taptap-send-to-provide-convenient-affordable-and-secure-transfers-to-nigeria-see-promo-code</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/US-NG-Blog-Banner-1-1200x675.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/US-NG-Blog-Banner-1-1200x675.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>San Francisco’s National Council Meeting</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/san-franciscos-national-council-meeting</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Details for the National Council Meeting and Fundraising are as follows;
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          For Hotel Room Rate
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          $109/Night Reservation Code: Akisan
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Closest Airport is Oakland International (OAK)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          For all donations, please use CashApp and search dir $AkisanSFC
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Advert Rate – Booklet
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Front &amp;amp; Back Cover – $120
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Full Page – $100
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Half Page – $50
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Please get in touch with the chapter President on 925-848-9402 or the chairman planning committee on 510-325-4771.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Check our website and follow us on social media.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/Akisan-national-council-meeeting-1080x675.jpeg" length="122684" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 24 Aug 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/san-franciscos-national-council-meeting</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/Akisan-national-council-meeeting-1080x675.jpeg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/Akisan-national-council-meeeting-1080x675.jpeg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AKISAN Life Insurance Program Sign Up for Life Insurance</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-life-insurance-programs-sign-up-for-life-insurance-today</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          AKISAN USA introduces
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Members Insurance Programs
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Click to Watch the presentation
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Keep in touch with site visitors and boost loyalty
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Life insurance is about protecting your family’s future. AKISAN USA is pleased to announce that it is helping to facilitate the sign-up process by introducing you to life insurance agents in our community. By so doing, we also empower our community by supporting our own businesses.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Help protect your loved ones with affordable life insurance. 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Note:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Since the life insurance policies offered by agents listed on this page are individual, medical exams may be required depending on the amount of the policy and the insured's age.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Also:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           All listed agents are available to talk to your chapter members upon request
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           AKISAN USA is NOT a licensed life insurance agent
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           AKISAN USA does not endorse any particular life insurance agent
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           You are responsible for your own payments
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h4&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Sign Up today with any of the agents listed below:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h4&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Imoh Isong
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h4&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="tel:1-866-298-1222"&gt;&#xD;
      
          1-866-298-1222
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h4&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Uwem Equan
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h4&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="tel:704-968-6755"&gt;&#xD;
      
          704-968-6755
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h4&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h4&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="tel:317-801-4857"&gt;&#xD;
      
          317-801-4857
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h4&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Emaeyak Egharevba
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/akisan-new-logo-only.png" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/akisan-new-logo-only.png" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/akisan-new-logo-only.png" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h4&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://imohisonginsuranceagency.com/akisan/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Get a Quote
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h4&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h4&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.uwemequan.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Get a Quote
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h4&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h4&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Call Emaeyak for a Quote
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h4&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Mon, 27 Jun 2022 12:09:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-life-insurance-programs-sign-up-for-life-insurance-today</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Members welfare</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/akisan+life+insurance+program.svg">
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      <title>Mr. and Miss Akwa Ibom USA 2022 Scholarship Pageant Application</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/mr-and-miss-akwa-ibom-usa-2022-scholarship-pageant-application</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
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           ﻿
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          Thank you for your interest in participating in the Mr. and Miss. Akwa Ibom USA 2022 pageant is brought to you by the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, (AKISAN) USA Inc.
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          The Mr. and Miss Akwa Ibom USA pageant is the oldest cultural pageant in the United States catering to the people of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Produced by the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA, INC (AKISAN USA), a 501c3 non-profit organization, this pageant highlights elegance, intellect, confidence, and strength, characteristics that the Akwa Ibom people of Nigeria exemplify every day. This scholarship pageant highlights the essence of our people while empowering our youth to represent themselves and our culture as national titleholders. 
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           Requirements:
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          ~ Age: 18-28(As of the day before the pageant)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          ~ Single (Never Married)
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          ~ Never given birth/ never fostered a child
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          ~ At least one parent of Akwa Ibom heritage
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          ~ Resident or citizen of the USA for the entirety of anticipated reign
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          ~ AKISAN Chapter Membership
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          ~ No previous criminal convictions
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           ﻿
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          Please submit the application before June 30, 2022
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          Click here to register
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/Screenshot-2022-06-13-142404.png" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/mr-and-miss-akisan-e1655148107987-1200x675.jpeg" length="145385" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Jun 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/mr-and-miss-akwa-ibom-usa-2022-scholarship-pageant-application</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/mr-and-miss-akisan-e1655148107987-1200x675.jpeg">
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    <item>
      <title>AKISAN Vocational Training Program Graduates Students as Batch 3 Begins in May 4th</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-vocational-training-program-graduates-students-as-batch-3-begins-in-may-4th</link>
      <description />
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           ﻿
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            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
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           ﻿
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          Two 
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          Akwa Ibomite
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           sponsored by Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (AKISAN USA) 
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          Ms. Nsima Oduongo
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           and 
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          Ms. Blessing Edinam
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           graduated from the 2nd batch of the ongoing Beauty Supply/Household Cleaning Products vocational training program in partnership with 
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          La’Mags Collectionz.
         &#xD;
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          The Program which is part of the USA-based Non-profit group to assist Akwa Ibomites was sponsored courtesy of 
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          Mr. Camillus Inyang
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           and Mr. Richie Emmans as well as Mr. Idowu Etefia of RA Cosmetics of Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Who gave the student a cash gift of N25,000 thousand naira each. The student each received a certificate of participation and was presented by the CEO of La’Mags Collectionz, 
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          Ms. Mercy Michael Effiong.
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          RA Cosmetics is the largest wholesale distributor specializing in bringing the natural beauty secrets of West Africa to the world and has been providing the care of skin and hair for over 12 years. They supply their products to stores such as Walmart all over the 
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          United States
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           and may be found online at www.racosmetics.com. Among others, they specialize in 100% Shea Butter (Scented and Unscented), 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Shea Body Lotions, Dr. Natural’s Hair Care Shampoo, Pomade, and Gel, Raw Black Soap Bars, and Black Soap Liquids
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          . At the 2021 
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          AKISAN USA National Convention in Atlanta
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          , RA Cosmetics provided free samples of their products to all 700 registrants.
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          AKISAN USA is indeed grateful to all her partners, 
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          La’Mags Collectionz
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          , for providing the training for 2 sessions in a row and RA Cosmetics for empowering our graduates, as well as several other donors. We look forward to continuing the respective relationships for years to come.
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          Batch 3 training starts on May 4, 2022. To that effect, AKISAN USA is currently accepting donations. Sponsors get to choose who they send for training. Students get to select between the 3-month or 6-month training options. Classes take place at 5 Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
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          To sponsor a student, visit our donation page:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://secure.givelively.org/donate/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/donation-to-the-beauty-household-sanitary-products-vocational-training-program-3" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
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    &lt;a href="https://secure.givelively.org/donate/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/donation-to-the-beauty-household-sanitary-products-vocational-training-program-3" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          https://secure.givelively.org/donate/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/donation-to-the-beauty-household-sanitary-products-vocational-training-program-3
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/WhatsApp-Image-2022-04-12-at-7.48.43-PM-1-277x300.jpeg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/WhatsApp-Image-2022-04-26-at-6.21.34-AM-1200x675.jpeg" length="126464" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Apr 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-vocational-training-program-graduates-students-as-batch-3-begins-in-may-4th</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/WhatsApp-Image-2022-04-26-at-6.21.34-AM-1200x675.jpeg">
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Hire Sirlife International Brass Band. Get a 5% Discount</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/hire-sirlife-international-brass-band-get-a-5-discount</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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          Sirlife International Brass Band (SIBB) is now available for hire in Akwa Ibom State.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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          SIBB will donate 5% of all proceeds from any AKISAN USA member
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Call Dr. Uwem Equan at +17049686755 or Idongest okokon +234 806 934 3484 to book SIBB today.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo-1040x675.jpg" length="131957" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 Apr 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/hire-sirlife-international-brass-band-get-a-5-discount</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/yo-1040x675.jpg">
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      <title>AKISAN USA’s 4th Virtual Roadshow, A Resounding Success</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usas-4th-virtual-roadshow-a-resounding-success</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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          This event took place on Saturday, March 12, 2022. Roadshows will take place the month prior to council meetings (March and October). The aim of these events is to sensitize the general membership on the work that various AKISAN USA committees are working on, prior to approval by council and ratification by the convention.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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          SGRX Presentation:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/akisan-partners-with-sgrx-to-provide-medication-at-affordable-rates/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Visit the SGRX page for more information
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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          DiaspoCare Presentation:
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/akisan-usa-partners-with-diaspocare-a-platform-for-ordering-medication-for-your-loved-ones-from-the-comfort-of-your-home/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Visit the DiaspoCare page for more information
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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          Get Life Insurance Today:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/sign-up-for-life-insurance/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Visit our Life Insurance page for more information
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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      <pubDate>Sun, 13 Mar 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usas-4th-virtual-roadshow-a-resounding-success</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/akisan-usa-road-show-031222-535x675.jpg">
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      <title>AKISAN USA Partners with DiaspoCare, a Platform for Ordering Medication for your Loved Ones from the Comfort of your Home</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-partners-with-diaspocare-a-platform-for-ordering-medication-for-your-loved-ones-from-the-comfort-of-your-home</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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          DiaspoCare is a secure, quick and cost effective way of paying for the medication of your loved ones in Nigeria, Ghana and a few other African countries through a network of accredited and registered pharmacies.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          With DiaspoCare, you can rest assured that the medication you buy is of the highest quality. You are also guaranteed that your money is actually spent on what it was intended for.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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          In Nigeria, there are currently over 1,600 government approved pharmacies. in the Diaspocare network.
         &#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UUACubZkdFE" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Watch Video here
         &#xD;
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          How it Works:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Sign up with DiaspoCare as a sponsor, either through their website or the attached QR code, add a beneficiary or beneficiaries, fund your wallet, pick a pharmacy and start ordering medication for your friends and relatives. It’s that easy.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/diaspocare-qr-code-300x300.jpeg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/akisan-usa-diaspocare-logo.jpg" length="9451" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Feb 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-partners-with-diaspocare-a-platform-for-ordering-medication-for-your-loved-ones-from-the-comfort-of-your-home</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/akisan-usa-diaspocare-logo.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/akisan-usa-diaspocare-logo.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AKISAN PARTNERS WITH SGRX TO PROVIDE MEDICATION AT AFFORDABLE RATES</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-partners-with-sgrx-to-provide-medication-at-affordable-rates</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          SGRX partners with plan sponsors nationwide to provide affordable pharmacy benefits services to their beneficiaries
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          All you have to do take the card (attached below, along with other fliers) to your local pharmacy (or any of the other 30,000 pharmacies in the SGRX network). If the rate is cheaper than what your insurance company quotes you, you save…as much as 80%
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Alternatively, you can comparison shop on the SGRX website before picking a pharmacy:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://secure.sgrxhealth.com/akisan" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://secure.sgrxhealth.com/akisan" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          https://secure.sgrxhealth.com/akisan
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          This program is for the insured and uninsured alike and non-members can take advantage of this program as well. Also, one card serves all. There are no individualized cards
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Thanks, remain blessed and please share the good news with every one in your social media circles
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UUACubZkdFE" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Watch Video here
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Download the savings card:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/documents/2022/akisan-usa-sgrx-savings-card.pdf" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          https://basimd13.sg-host.com/documents/2022/akisan-usa-sgrx-savings-card.pdf
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Download the program’s overview flier:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/documents/2022/akisan-usa-sgrx-savings-card-overview.pdf" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          https://basimd13.sg-host.com/documents/2022/akisan-usa-sgrx-savings-card-overview.pdf
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Download the promotional flier:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/documents/2022/akisan-usa-sgrx-flyer.pdf" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          https://basimd13.sg-host.com/documents/2022/akisan-usa-sgrx-flyer.pdf
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/akisan-usa-sgrx-logo.jpg" length="9017" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 04 Feb 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-partners-with-sgrx-to-provide-medication-at-affordable-rates</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/akisan-usa-sgrx-logo.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/akisan-usa-sgrx-logo.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AKISAN USA RECEIVES DONATION FROM AFRICA’S CHILDREN’S FUND (ACF) FOR HER AGROBUSINESS VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-receives-donation-from-africas-childrens-fund-acf-for-her-agrobusiness-vocational-training-program</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          On Friday, January 28, 2022, Founder &amp;amp; CEO of ACF, Mr. Victor Mbaba, made a donation to AKISAN USA towards her upcoming Agrobusiness Training Program.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          While making the donation, Mr. Mbaba commended AKISAN USA for implementing the program, as it will go a long way to kindle the entrepreneurial spirit in the beneficiaries as well as hopefully set up Akwa Ibom State as the food basket of Nigeria in the long term.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Receiving the donation, the National President of AKISAN USA, Mr. Itoro Akpan-Iquot, thanked Mr. Mbaba on behalf of the association. The donation, he said, will benefit at least 8 students in the program that starts on February 15, 2022 in Uruan, Akwa Ibom State. He also used the opportunity to invite ACF to the 2022 AKISAN USA National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina from August 11th to August 14th.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          AKISAN USA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. In the last 18 months, the association, thanks to private donors, has provided training through partnerships with schools in Akwa Ibom State to over 50 students in IT (Software/App Development and Digital Marketing), Culinary Arts, and the Manufacture of Beauty, Health and Household Cleaning Products.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ACF is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. ACF has worked with children for over twenty years and has assisted over 200,000 children in the United States of America, Africa, and the Caribbean through their community development and emergency relief programs for children. 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.africaschildrensfund.org/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Visit their website
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          .
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Expect an announcement on how to take advantage of this program soon.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          For more information about AKISAN USA, including sponsorship and donation opportunities, visit her website, 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          www.AKISAN.org
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           or send an email to secretariat@akisan.org
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          #whatakisancannotdodoesnotexist
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          #akisanproud
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          #akisan2022
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/acf-donation-1200x675.jpeg" length="151234" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 31 Jan 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-receives-donation-from-africas-childrens-fund-acf-for-her-agrobusiness-vocational-training-program</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/acf-donation-1200x675.jpeg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/acf-donation-1200x675.jpeg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Countdown to our 2nd National Council Meeting has Begun!</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/countdown-to-our-2nd-national-council-meeting-has-begun</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Council Meeting Date:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Saturday, April 23, 2022 (Out of town guests arrive on the 22nd and check out on the 24th)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          (Fundraiser hosted by AKISAN Northern New Jersey to follow the council meeting, at 6pm EST)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Venue:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          100 Spring Street
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Elizabeth, NJ 07201
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Hotel Room Rates:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          $130/night (single and double)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Preferred Airport:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Questions:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Call Gloria Ekong (+1-732-533-3893) or Itoro Akpan-Iquot (+1-404-276-4267)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Useful Council Meeting Links
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Reserve your Hotel Rooms (Code is Akwa-Ibom Association): Call +1 908-436-4600 or 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1643224616816&amp;amp;key=GRP&amp;amp;app=resvlink" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Reserve Online
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Book your flight with Delta Airlines, from anywhere in the world, and get a 10% discount to boot!
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.delta.com/flight-search/book-a-flight" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Book online
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (Must use this link. Use code: NMVH4)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/akisan-new-jersey-council-meeting-invitation-042322-1024x675.jpeg" length="112662" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/countdown-to-our-2nd-national-council-meeting-has-begun</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/akisan-new-jersey-council-meeting-invitation-042322-1024x675.jpeg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/akisan-new-jersey-council-meeting-invitation-042322-1024x675.jpeg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Council Meeting Date: Saturday, April 23, 2022 (Out of town guests arrive on the 22nd and check out on the 24th) (Fundraiser hosted by AKISAN Northern New Jersey to follow the council meeting, at 6pm</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/council-meeting-date-saturday-april-23-2022-out-of-town-guests-arrive-on-the-22nd-and-check-out-on-the-24th-fundraiser-hosted-by-akisan-northern-new-jersey-to-follow-the-council-meeting-at-6pm</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h1&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="null" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          OBITUARY: Glory Amanam Etteh
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h1&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria in USA (AKISANTM USA) regrets to announce the passing of Mrs. Glory Amanam Etteh, Mother of Mr. Theophilus Etteh.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          See flier below for funeral arrangements
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          May her soul find perfect peace – Amen!
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/glory-etteh-large.jpg" alt="Funeral invitation for Mrs. Glory Amanam Etteh, with photo of the deceased."/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/glory-etteh.jpg" length="47348" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/council-meeting-date-saturday-april-23-2022-out-of-town-guests-arrive-on-the-22nd-and-check-out-on-the-24th-fundraiser-hosted-by-akisan-northern-new-jersey-to-follow-the-council-meeting-at-6pm</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/glory-etteh.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/glory-etteh.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Meet the current MISS AKISAN USA 2021</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/meet-the-current-miss-akisan-usa-2021</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          ABOUT ME: 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Mercy Otu is a 23-year-old living in
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Atlanta
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          . A fourth-year student studying information systems with a minor in financial technology. She is also a part-time professional photographer. When am not working or in school, I love to dance and listen to 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afrobeat" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Afrobeat
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          . I also love to spend time with friends and family.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Click here to read more 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/current-miss-akisan-usa/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          PROFILE OF MISS AKISAN USA 2021
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Follow them on social media
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/joMzQgcVI_s" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Watch video here
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h1&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Miss AKISAN USA, Ms. Mercy Otu, was live on January 5, 2021, on XL106.9FM, answering questions about AKISAN USA and her upcoming projects.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;h1&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/fTOnZrvU-VU" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Watch Video
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h1&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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          Personality Of The Week on SpectrumTv 
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/Mercy-Otu-873x675.jpeg" length="82561" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/meet-the-current-miss-akisan-usa-2021</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/Mercy-Otu-873x675.jpeg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/Mercy-Otu-873x675.jpeg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>2021 AKISAN USA Scholarship Award Winners Announced</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/2021-akisan-usa-scholarship-award-winners-announced</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          ABOUT ME: 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Mercy Otu is a 23-year-old living in
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           Atlanta
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          . A fourth-year student studying information systems with a minor in financial technology. She is also a part-time professional photographer. When am not working or in school, I love to dance and listen to 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afrobeat" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Afrobeat
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          . I also love to spend time with friends and family.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Click here to read more 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/current-miss-akisan-usa/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          PROFILE OF MISS AKISAN USA 2021
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Follow them on social media
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/joMzQgcVI_s" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Watch video here
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h1&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Miss AKISAN USA, Ms. Mercy Otu, was live on January 5, 2021, on XL106.9FM, answering questions about AKISAN USA and her upcoming projects.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h1&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h1&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h1&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h1&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/fTOnZrvU-VU" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Watch Video
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h1&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Personality Of The Week on SpectrumTv 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
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      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/akisan-new-logo.png" length="440967" type="image/png" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Jan 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/2021-akisan-usa-scholarship-award-winners-announced</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/akisan-new-logo.png">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/akisan-new-logo.png">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>OBITUARY: Madam Arit Uko Ikpe</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/obituary-madam-arit-uko-ikpe</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria in USA (AKISANTM USA) regrets to announce the passing of Madam Arit Uko Ikpe, Mother of AKISAN Pioneer and “Man of the People”, the Late Dr. Nsidibe Ikpe of AKISAN Miami.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          She is survived by 4 children and several grandchildren.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          May her soul find perfect peace – Amen!
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/yo2-194x300.jpeg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo-647x675.jpg" length="76285" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Jan 2022 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/obituary-madam-arit-uko-ikpe</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/yo-647x675.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo-647x675.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>#AkisanConvention2022: Venue and date for 2022 Akisan USA National Convention are out!!!</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisanconvention2022-venue-and-date-for-2022-akisan-usa-national-convention-are-out</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          It’s Official! Our 2022 National Convention will be Hosted by AKISAN Charlotte Metro!!
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h2&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h2&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Not attending the convention? We’ll miss you but not to worry, you can also donate online by 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://secure.givelively.org/donate/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/2022-akisan-usa-fundraiser-donations" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          visiting our donations page
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           or sending an “AKISAN2022” as an SMS message to 44321 (data and text rates may apply). Thanks in advance for your support.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/mWsaD5aP4XA" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Watch Video here
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/HwkruZIkFf8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Watch Video here
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Convention Dates:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          August 11 – August 14, 2022
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Hotel Room Rates:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          $129/night (single and double)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Preferred Airport:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Questions/Sponsorship Opportunities:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Call Dr. Uwem Equan (+1-704-968-6755) or Itoro Akpan-Iquot (+1-404-276-4267)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Useful Convention Links
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Reserve your Hotel Rooms: Call +1-704-372-4100 or 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1642524734419&amp;amp;key=GRP&amp;amp;app=resvlink" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Reserve Online
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Convention Registration:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://secure.givelively.org/event/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/2022-akisan-usa-convention-registration" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Register for the 2022 Annual Convention
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           (Stu
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           d
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ents (ID Required at the gate), non-members and international visitors only. Members will register through their chapter presidents. 10% discount for early member registration (15% for senior citizens) before June 16, 2022. After July 15, 2022, member registration ends and everyone pays $150 at the gate)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Purchase an Ad in the 2022 Convention Program Booklet/Rent a Booth
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           (Deadline to submit ads is July 3, 2020. Send ads to itoronics@gmail.com with the Subject Line “2022 AKISAN Ad”)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://secure.givelively.org/event/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/2022-akisan-usa-convention-program-booklet-ad-booth-rental" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Purchase your Booklet Ad and/or Rent a Booth
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Reserve a Table for yourself, your family, company or group
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://secure.givelively.org/event/akwa-ibom-state-association-of-nigeria-usa/2022-akisan-usa-convention-group-family-friends-alumni-table-reservations" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Reserve your Table
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Book your flight with Delta Airlines, from anywhere in the world, and get a 10% discount to boot!
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://www.delta.com/flight-search/book-a-flight" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
        
           Book online
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            (Must use this link. Use code: NMVH4)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Download Event Fliers by the Day:
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Thursday (August 11, 2022)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/new-images/convention/2022/thursday-reception.jpg" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Download
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            the Convention Thursday Reception Party flier (JPG)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Friday (August 12, 2022)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/new-images/convention/2022/business-summit.jpg" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Download
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            the Golf Tournament Flier (JPG)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/new-images/convention/2022/golf-tournament.jpg" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Download
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            the Golf Tournament Flier (JPG)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/new-images/convention/2022/cultural-night.jpg" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Download
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            the Cultural Night Flier (JPG)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/new-images/convention/2022/mr-miss-akisan-pageant-2022.jpg" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Download
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            the AKISAN USA Mr. and Ms. Akwa Ibom USA Pageant Flier (JPG)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/new-images/convention/2022/akisan-bot-awards.jpg" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Download
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            the AKISAN BOT Ibom Pride Awards Flier (JPG)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Saturday (August 13, 2022)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/new-images/convention/2022/soccer-flier.jpg" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Download
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            the Soccer Competition Flier (JPG)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/new-images/convention/2022/education-information-flier.jpg" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Download
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            the Education Information (how to get scholarships, improves SAT scores, etc.) Flier (JPG)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/new-images/convention/2022/akisan-women-summit-flier.jpg" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Download
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            the Women’s Summit Flier (JPG)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/new-images/convention/2022/youth-summit-flier.jpg" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Download
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            the Youth Summit &amp;amp; Election Flier (JPG)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/new-images/convention/2022/town-hall.jpg" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Download
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            the Townhall Meeting with the Akwa Ibom State Government Flier (JPG)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Sunday (August 14, 2022)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/new-images/convention/2022/church-service.jpg" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           Download
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            the Church Service Flier (JPG)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          More information regarding our 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          2022 National Convention
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           will be disseminated in due time. Visit and bookmark this page often.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/convention-flier.jpg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/akisan-new-logo.png" length="440967" type="image/png" />
      <pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2021 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisanconvention2022-venue-and-date-for-2022-akisan-usa-national-convention-are-out</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/akisan-new-logo.png">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/akisan-new-logo.png">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AKISAN MENTORSHIP PROGRAM (AKIMENTOR PROGRAM)</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-mentorship-program-akimentor-program</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          “If you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together” advice often quoted by the late business magnate Steve Jobs to his mentee Mark Zuckerberg. Another African proverb states “it takes a village to raise a child” a favorite quote of former US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton to her network of influence.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          These ancient words of wisdom are still relevant today and to reap the rewards of this complex society, it’s clear that we must go together.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          The AKISAN MENTORSHIP PROGRAM(AKIMENTOR) aims to utilize our vast rich human capital to build an enviable, thriving, and sustainable community. A group of special individuals who have an interest in giving back to its members by sharing their expertise, business experience, vocational knowledge, and time. An immeasurable form of relentless giving.
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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          When mentor talents are combined with mentees that are bright, ambitious, and forward thinking, the outcome is nothing short of miraculous.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Mathew 4:19 reminds us to “teach a man to fish and he will never go hungry”. Teaching our own, to fish our way lends the opportunity to directly shape the future in ways that are meaningful to us. Be it social impact, educational success, internships, or job opportunities, we can build a sustainable positive feedback loop as mentees give back to the association/community.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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          We are the African Proverbs, we are the Scriptures, these nuggets of wisdoms are woven into our DNA and we must not let the cares of today in a foreign land prevent us from building the community and life we deserve. 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Mentor Application 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1N17PUFL72dSAXoMpqbAS1dS42ShiRfIPF5tPSVncZLk/edit" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          CLICK HERE 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Mentee Application (Proverbs 19:20) Seek sound council and walk in the light
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Meet our Mentors
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
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         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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          Dr. Ime Ekpenyong, PhD
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    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Why I’m an AKIMENTOR
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Professor Kevin Ita
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          why I’m an AKIMENTOR: “I’m a mentor because I like to share my professional experience. I also want to inspire others to achieve greater heights”.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/Akisan-Mentorship-Program-7.jpeg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/Akisan-Mentorship-Program-1.jpeg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/Akisan-Mentorship-Program-2.jpeg" alt=""/&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/Mentorship-1000x675.jpg" length="85564" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Sat, 23 Oct 2021 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-mentorship-program-akimentor-program</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/Mentorship-1000x675.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/Mentorship-1000x675.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AKISAN USA Invited to Twinsfest 2021 Press Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-invited-to-twinsfest-2021-press-conference-in-uyo-akwa-ibom-state</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/yptMvUypUwM" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
           Watch Video here
          &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          On Wednesday, September 29, 2021, AKISAN USA was invited to attend the press conference to unveil “Twinsfest 2021” at the Ibom Icon Hotel &amp;amp; Golf Resort in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Organized by Mr. Offiong Akpan, Chairman of Kenduo Nigeria Limited, the event will memorialize the end of the historical killing of twins and children of multiple births (TMB) that took place in Nigeria more than a hundred years ago. In Nigeria, the memorable termination of this genocidal culture is attributed to the exceptional missionary work of Mary Mitchel Slessor who lived in Use Ikot Oku, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. She died in 1915.
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          The National President of AKISAN USA, Mr. Itoro Akpan-Iquot, used the opportunity to inform members of the press and those in attendance about AKISAN USA, giving them a brief history of the organization. Accordig to him, it is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization with 35 chapters. Over the years, the organization has implemented medical missions and scholarships in Akwa Ibom State. Recently, it launched skills acquisition programs in ICT, culinary arts and the manufacture of household and beauty cleaning products. He also encouraged the Akwa Ibom State Government to develop the huge tourism potential of the state and thanked the Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Orman Esin, for endorsing Twinsfest 2021.
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          Twinsfest shall hold as an annual event, both physically and virtually, in Uyo between December 2nd and 4th (Mary Slessor was born on December 2nd). The inaugural event shall feature, among others: a costumed carnival parade by twins from all over the world, a posthumous birthday and memorial banquet in honour of Mary Slessor and a ground breaking ceremony for a tourism village: The Mary Slessor Heritage Project. Endorsed by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Culture and Tourism as well as the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, twins and children of multiple births are expected to attend from all over the world. Registration is $5 for international participants and N1,000 for Nigeria participants.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          To learn more about Twinsfest and to register for the event, visit their website, 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twinsfest.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1MCEzlMAQO_Z9DNjPwIYhchvzva_ZygZhLkqAqgGOLmxlaNWrbitAOtPM&amp;amp;h=AT2JwqMYgjNmL2ODHxOxT1ugRkOPA91vfmNBNTQpYKrxHEa2lJ2EBP42rAHKfrrOhpCQ-IOBQsarl198fsPOCpGVefLBPglV1b7aRV9BCbtsybPQpNNREJs8Cgrvetbscw&amp;amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;amp;c[0]=AT0NTnE6txF6Tl0ztio1MJyIClZmiX-DCubm7JSv2TxcZEaMhWpPb7uPc27U1XaM0s4p60qZD7gz46_K_FCndcT2hkb52SeBBgg_9zLnNyF9eaCfypuAPsoIK38uPvEojoRvViCgvt2573TOSHkEMhepSb_67waTfTLS-V2qQwQXZlnVD23CVYfMw3XAo6Fc48UdB3E" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          www.twinsfest.org
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/whatakisancannotdodoesnotexist?__eep__=6&amp;amp;__cft__[0]=AZVG5AlPLASkzMlUcktWfI3HywOKeL71meppgX0f-6aUKFYLYnRm5_w0Zakfo_jtmftOeEsOaY5M7l-bS8N29QT41l6LN7JfNMEYoF_gdT5K9VvEw6RQOiPiouz8CSZbRLwL-Lo6U8slKKBPE4WlzkNy9mzn6o-4aX7jwAAwWCff9nZackzZ-F6gSyUmLRq31pU&amp;amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          #whatakisancannotdodoesnotexist
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/akisanproud?__eep__=6&amp;amp;__cft__[0]=AZVG5AlPLASkzMlUcktWfI3HywOKeL71meppgX0f-6aUKFYLYnRm5_w0Zakfo_jtmftOeEsOaY5M7l-bS8N29QT41l6LN7JfNMEYoF_gdT5K9VvEw6RQOiPiouz8CSZbRLwL-Lo6U8slKKBPE4WlzkNy9mzn6o-4aX7jwAAwWCff9nZackzZ-F6gSyUmLRq31pU&amp;amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          #akisanproud
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    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/akisan2021?__eep__=6&amp;amp;__cft__[0]=AZVG5AlPLASkzMlUcktWfI3HywOKeL71meppgX0f-6aUKFYLYnRm5_w0Zakfo_jtmftOeEsOaY5M7l-bS8N29QT41l6LN7JfNMEYoF_gdT5K9VvEw6RQOiPiouz8CSZbRLwL-Lo6U8slKKBPE4WlzkNy9mzn6o-4aX7jwAAwWCff9nZackzZ-F6gSyUmLRq31pU&amp;amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          #Akisan2021
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
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           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          SHARE
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/2-add8f652.jpg" length="62084" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 03 Oct 2021 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-invited-to-twinsfest-2021-press-conference-in-uyo-akwa-ibom-state</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/2-add8f652.jpg">
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AKISAN USA Invited to a “Mind Rubbing Lunch” in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Discuss Collaboration</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-invited-to-a-mind-rubbing-lunch-in-uyo-akwa-ibom-state-to-discuss-collaboration</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/yptMvUypUwM" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
           Watch Video here
          &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          On Wednesday, September 29, 2021, AKISAN USA was invited to attend the press conference to unveil “Twinsfest 2021” at the Ibom Icon Hotel &amp;amp; Golf Resort in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Organized by Mr. Offiong Akpan, Chairman of Kenduo Nigeria Limited, the event will memorialize the end of the historical killing of twins and children of multiple births (TMB) that took place in Nigeria more than a hundred years ago. In Nigeria, the memorable termination of this genocidal culture is attributed to the exceptional missionary work of Mary Mitchel Slessor who lived in Use Ikot Oku, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. She died in 1915.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          The National President of AKISAN USA, Mr. Itoro Akpan-Iquot, used the opportunity to inform members of the press and those in attendance about AKISAN USA, giving them a brief history of the organization. Accordig to him, it is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization with 35 chapters. Over the years, the organization has implemented medical missions and scholarships in Akwa Ibom State. Recently, it launched skills acquisition programs in ICT, culinary arts and the manufacture of household and beauty cleaning products. He also encouraged the Akwa Ibom State Government to develop the huge tourism potential of the state and thanked the Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Orman Esin, for endorsing Twinsfest 2021.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Twinsfest shall hold as an annual event, both physically and virtually, in Uyo between December 2nd and 4th (Mary Slessor was born on December 2nd). The inaugural event shall feature, among others: a costumed carnival parade by twins from all over the world, a posthumous birthday and memorial banquet in honour of Mary Slessor and a ground breaking ceremony for a tourism village: The Mary Slessor Heritage Project. Endorsed by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Culture and Tourism as well as the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, twins and children of multiple births are expected to attend from all over the world. Registration is $5 for international participants and N1,000 for Nigeria participants.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          To learn more about Twinsfest and to register for the event, visit their website, 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twinsfest.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1MCEzlMAQO_Z9DNjPwIYhchvzva_ZygZhLkqAqgGOLmxlaNWrbitAOtPM&amp;amp;h=AT2JwqMYgjNmL2ODHxOxT1ugRkOPA91vfmNBNTQpYKrxHEa2lJ2EBP42rAHKfrrOhpCQ-IOBQsarl198fsPOCpGVefLBPglV1b7aRV9BCbtsybPQpNNREJs8Cgrvetbscw&amp;amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;amp;c[0]=AT0NTnE6txF6Tl0ztio1MJyIClZmiX-DCubm7JSv2TxcZEaMhWpPb7uPc27U1XaM0s4p60qZD7gz46_K_FCndcT2hkb52SeBBgg_9zLnNyF9eaCfypuAPsoIK38uPvEojoRvViCgvt2573TOSHkEMhepSb_67waTfTLS-V2qQwQXZlnVD23CVYfMw3XAo6Fc48UdB3E" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          www.twinsfest.org
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/whatakisancannotdodoesnotexist?__eep__=6&amp;amp;__cft__[0]=AZVG5AlPLASkzMlUcktWfI3HywOKeL71meppgX0f-6aUKFYLYnRm5_w0Zakfo_jtmftOeEsOaY5M7l-bS8N29QT41l6LN7JfNMEYoF_gdT5K9VvEw6RQOiPiouz8CSZbRLwL-Lo6U8slKKBPE4WlzkNy9mzn6o-4aX7jwAAwWCff9nZackzZ-F6gSyUmLRq31pU&amp;amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          #whatakisancannotdodoesnotexist
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/akisanproud?__eep__=6&amp;amp;__cft__[0]=AZVG5AlPLASkzMlUcktWfI3HywOKeL71meppgX0f-6aUKFYLYnRm5_w0Zakfo_jtmftOeEsOaY5M7l-bS8N29QT41l6LN7JfNMEYoF_gdT5K9VvEw6RQOiPiouz8CSZbRLwL-Lo6U8slKKBPE4WlzkNy9mzn6o-4aX7jwAAwWCff9nZackzZ-F6gSyUmLRq31pU&amp;amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          #akisanproud
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/akisan2021?__eep__=6&amp;amp;__cft__[0]=AZVG5AlPLASkzMlUcktWfI3HywOKeL71meppgX0f-6aUKFYLYnRm5_w0Zakfo_jtmftOeEsOaY5M7l-bS8N29QT41l6LN7JfNMEYoF_gdT5K9VvEw6RQOiPiouz8CSZbRLwL-Lo6U8slKKBPE4WlzkNy9mzn6o-4aX7jwAAwWCff9nZackzZ-F6gSyUmLRq31pU&amp;amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          #Akisan2021
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          SHARE
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/1-1080x675.jpeg" length="112755" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 03 Oct 2021 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-invited-to-a-mind-rubbing-lunch-in-uyo-akwa-ibom-state-to-discuss-collaboration</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/1-1080x675.jpeg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/1-1080x675.jpeg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AKISAN USA Pays a Courtesy Visit to the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-pays-a-courtesy-visit-to-the-secretary-to-the-akwa-ibom-state-government</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/yptMvUypUwM" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;strong&gt;&#xD;
        
           Watch Video here
          &#xD;
      &lt;/strong&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          On Wednesday, September 29, 2021, AKISAN USA was invited to attend the press conference to unveil “Twinsfest 2021” at the Ibom Icon Hotel &amp;amp; Golf Resort in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Organized by Mr. Offiong Akpan, Chairman of Kenduo Nigeria Limited, the event will memorialize the end of the historical killing of twins and children of multiple births (TMB) that took place in Nigeria more than a hundred years ago. In Nigeria, the memorable termination of this genocidal culture is attributed to the exceptional missionary work of Mary Mitchel Slessor who lived in Use Ikot Oku, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. She died in 1915.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          The National President of AKISAN USA, Mr. Itoro Akpan-Iquot, used the opportunity to inform members of the press and those in attendance about AKISAN USA, giving them a brief history of the organization. Accordig to him, it is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization with 35 chapters. Over the years, the organization has implemented medical missions and scholarships in Akwa Ibom State. Recently, it launched skills acquisition programs in ICT, culinary arts and the manufacture of household and beauty cleaning products. He also encouraged the Akwa Ibom State Government to develop the huge tourism potential of the state and thanked the Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Orman Esin, for endorsing Twinsfest 2021.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Twinsfest shall hold as an annual event, both physically and virtually, in Uyo between December 2nd and 4th (Mary Slessor was born on December 2nd). The inaugural event shall feature, among others: a costumed carnival parade by twins from all over the world, a posthumous birthday and memorial banquet in honour of Mary Slessor and a ground breaking ceremony for a tourism village: The Mary Slessor Heritage Project. Endorsed by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Culture and Tourism as well as the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, twins and children of multiple births are expected to attend from all over the world. Registration is $5 for international participants and N1,000 for Nigeria participants.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          To learn more about Twinsfest and to register for the event, visit their website, 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twinsfest.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1MCEzlMAQO_Z9DNjPwIYhchvzva_ZygZhLkqAqgGOLmxlaNWrbitAOtPM&amp;amp;h=AT2JwqMYgjNmL2ODHxOxT1ugRkOPA91vfmNBNTQpYKrxHEa2lJ2EBP42rAHKfrrOhpCQ-IOBQsarl198fsPOCpGVefLBPglV1b7aRV9BCbtsybPQpNNREJs8Cgrvetbscw&amp;amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;amp;c[0]=AT0NTnE6txF6Tl0ztio1MJyIClZmiX-DCubm7JSv2TxcZEaMhWpPb7uPc27U1XaM0s4p60qZD7gz46_K_FCndcT2hkb52SeBBgg_9zLnNyF9eaCfypuAPsoIK38uPvEojoRvViCgvt2573TOSHkEMhepSb_67waTfTLS-V2qQwQXZlnVD23CVYfMw3XAo6Fc48UdB3E" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          www.twinsfest.org
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/whatakisancannotdodoesnotexist?__eep__=6&amp;amp;__cft__[0]=AZVG5AlPLASkzMlUcktWfI3HywOKeL71meppgX0f-6aUKFYLYnRm5_w0Zakfo_jtmftOeEsOaY5M7l-bS8N29QT41l6LN7JfNMEYoF_gdT5K9VvEw6RQOiPiouz8CSZbRLwL-Lo6U8slKKBPE4WlzkNy9mzn6o-4aX7jwAAwWCff9nZackzZ-F6gSyUmLRq31pU&amp;amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          #whatakisancannotdodoesnotexist
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/akisanproud?__eep__=6&amp;amp;__cft__[0]=AZVG5AlPLASkzMlUcktWfI3HywOKeL71meppgX0f-6aUKFYLYnRm5_w0Zakfo_jtmftOeEsOaY5M7l-bS8N29QT41l6LN7JfNMEYoF_gdT5K9VvEw6RQOiPiouz8CSZbRLwL-Lo6U8slKKBPE4WlzkNy9mzn6o-4aX7jwAAwWCff9nZackzZ-F6gSyUmLRq31pU&amp;amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          #akisanproud
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/akisan2021?__eep__=6&amp;amp;__cft__[0]=AZVG5AlPLASkzMlUcktWfI3HywOKeL71meppgX0f-6aUKFYLYnRm5_w0Zakfo_jtmftOeEsOaY5M7l-bS8N29QT41l6LN7JfNMEYoF_gdT5K9VvEw6RQOiPiouz8CSZbRLwL-Lo6U8slKKBPE4WlzkNy9mzn6o-4aX7jwAAwWCff9nZackzZ-F6gSyUmLRq31pU&amp;amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          #Akisan2021
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          SHARE
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/IMG_3436-1200x675+%281%29.jpg" length="122556" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Fri, 01 Oct 2021 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-pays-a-courtesy-visit-to-the-secretary-to-the-akwa-ibom-state-government</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/IMG_3436-1200x675+%281%29.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/IMG_3436-1200x675+%281%29.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AKISAN USA Announces Dates &amp; Venue for the 1st Joint National Council Meeting</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-announces-dates-venue-for-the-1st-joint-national-council-meeting</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Akwa Ibom Isongo!
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Greetings! We trust you have successfully returned to your various destinations safely following our Convention in Atlanta.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Our first joint council meeting for the year 2021/2022 will be held in Nashville, Tennessee on November 13th, 2021.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Hotel Name: 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           SONESTA NASHVILLE AIRPORT 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://goo.gl/maps/WrkLgJTcspePQXiN9" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           600 Marriott Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Book by Phone: 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           +1 615-889-9300
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Book Online: Click here 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://gc.synxis.com/rez.aspx?Hotel=32949&amp;amp;Chain=5157&amp;amp;arrive=11/12/2021&amp;amp;depart=11/14/2021&amp;amp;adult=1&amp;amp;child=0&amp;amp;group=111221AKIS" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           SONESTA
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Airport code: 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           BNA
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Reservation Cutoff Date: Room Rate (Single &amp;amp; Double): 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           $129/night (includes breakfast)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          As you may know, AKISAN Nashville, TN chapter is a small chapter. This event will be our first National event hosted by AKISAN Nashville.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          We guarantee you that this event will open the doors for many more AKISAN National events in Nashville to come.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Please do not wait until the last minute to make your reservations
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          .
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Nashville is a tourist city, you will NOT find this rate ANYWHERE if you wait until the last minute. NO KIDDING !. Even if you are undecided, please make your reservation, we can always switch to another person if you cannot come.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Online reservation links and phone numbers coming shortly. Bookmark this page and visit frequently for the latest updates.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Thank you so much.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Aniekan Etim
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Chapter President, AKISAN Nashville
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          615-474-3776
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo-1-1200x675-82bf4427.jpg" length="233883" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Aug 2021 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akisan-usa-announces-dates-venue-for-the-1st-joint-national-council-meeting</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/yo-1-1200x675-82bf4427.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo-1-1200x675-82bf4427.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AKWA IBOM STATE GOVERNOR UDOM EMMANUEL TO PARTNER AKISAN USA IN DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akwa-ibom-state-governor-udom-emmanuel-to-partner-akisan-usa-in-development-of-the-state</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Akwa Ibom Isongo!
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Greetings! We trust you have successfully returned to your various destinations safely following our Convention in Atlanta.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Our first joint council meeting for the year 2021/2022 will be held in Nashville, Tennessee on November 13th, 2021.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Hotel Name: 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           SONESTA NASHVILLE AIRPORT 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://goo.gl/maps/WrkLgJTcspePQXiN9" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           600 Marriott Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Book by Phone: 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           +1 615-889-9300
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Book Online: Click here 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://gc.synxis.com/rez.aspx?Hotel=32949&amp;amp;Chain=5157&amp;amp;arrive=11/12/2021&amp;amp;depart=11/14/2021&amp;amp;adult=1&amp;amp;child=0&amp;amp;group=111221AKIS" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           SONESTA
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Airport code: 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           BNA
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Reservation Cutoff Date: Room Rate (Single &amp;amp; Double): 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           $129/night (includes breakfast)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          As you may know, AKISAN Nashville, TN chapter is a small chapter. This event will be our first National event hosted by AKISAN Nashville.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          We guarantee you that this event will open the doors for many more AKISAN National events in Nashville to come.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Please do not wait until the last minute to make your reservations
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          .
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Nashville is a tourist city, you will NOT find this rate ANYWHERE if you wait until the last minute. NO KIDDING !. Even if you are undecided, please make your reservation, we can always switch to another person if you cannot come.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Online reservation links and phone numbers coming shortly. Bookmark this page and visit frequently for the latest updates.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Thank you so much.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Aniekan Etim
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Chapter President, AKISAN Nashville
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          615-474-3776
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo-1+%281%29.jpg" length="44180" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jun 2021 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akwa-ibom-state-governor-udom-emmanuel-to-partner-akisan-usa-in-development-of-the-state</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/yo-1+%281%29.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo-1+%281%29.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Akwa Ibom State Government To Partner AKISAN USA On Software Development, Vocational Training</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/akwa-ibom-to-partner-akisan-usa-on-software-development-vocational-training</link>
      <description>Akwa Ibom State Government To Partner AKISAN USA On Software Development, Vocational Training</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Akwa Ibom Isongo!
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Greetings! We trust you have successfully returned to your various destinations safely following our Convention in Atlanta.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Our first joint council meeting for the year 2021/2022 will be held in Nashville, Tennessee on November 13th, 2021.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Hotel Name: 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           SONESTA NASHVILLE AIRPORT 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://goo.gl/maps/WrkLgJTcspePQXiN9" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           600 Marriott Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Book by Phone: 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           +1 615-889-9300
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Book Online: Click here 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://gc.synxis.com/rez.aspx?Hotel=32949&amp;amp;Chain=5157&amp;amp;arrive=11/12/2021&amp;amp;depart=11/14/2021&amp;amp;adult=1&amp;amp;child=0&amp;amp;group=111221AKIS" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           SONESTA
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Airport code: 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           BNA
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Reservation Cutoff Date: Room Rate (Single &amp;amp; Double): 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           $129/night (includes breakfast)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          As you may know, AKISAN Nashville, TN chapter is a small chapter. This event will be our first National event hosted by AKISAN Nashville.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          We guarantee you that this event will open the doors for many more AKISAN National events in Nashville to come.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Please do not wait until the last minute to make your reservations
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          .
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Nashville is a tourist city, you will NOT find this rate ANYWHERE if you wait until the last minute. NO KIDDING !. Even if you are undecided, please make your reservation, we can always switch to another person if you cannot come.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Online reservation links and phone numbers coming shortly. Bookmark this page and visit frequently for the latest updates.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Thank you so much.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Aniekan Etim
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Chapter President, AKISAN Nashville
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          615-474-3776
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo.jpg" length="71330" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jun 2021 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/akwa-ibom-to-partner-akisan-usa-on-software-development-vocational-training</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">News,Programs Update</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/yo.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>OBITUARY: Sir Dominic Edet Asuquo (KSJI)</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/obituary-sir-dominic-edet-asuquo-ksji</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Akwa Ibom Isongo! Mfon Ibaan AKISAN Isongo!!
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Hello ladies and gentlemen of AKISAN. My name is Mrs. Edidiong Itoro Akpan-Iquot, Chairlady, AKISAN Women for Awareness and Resource Empowerment (AWARE)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          It’s high time we jump start our first AWARE meeting. It is my pleasure to invite you all to our first meeting because, “seeing is believing and hearing is assuring.” I am also excited to hear from you after my 10-minute presentation during the town hall/roadshow that took place on November 7th.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          At our inaugural meeting on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 6pm EST, there will be three gift cards presented to three outstanding ladies. Please come prepared with your resumes as we will fill up the available positions for the executives. Also, invite your friends and family too. The estimated time for our first meeting will be two hours.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          For more information, visit AWARE’s page and/or send me an email (aware@akisan.org).
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Zoom Details:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89618926671?pwd=MFJUTGtScmpTemlCZjZsUVZJbE85Zz09
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Meeting ID:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           896 1892 6671
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Passcode:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           729579
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          One tap mobile
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          +13017158592,,89618926671#,,,,,,0#,,729579# US (Washington D.C)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +13126266799,,89618926671#,,,,,,0#,,729579# US (Chicago)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Dial by your location
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Find your local number:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbgKqk7IU
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h5&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Downloadable Documents
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h5&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          AWARE Presentation at the 2020 Townhall/Road Show on Saturday, November 7, 2020 (PDF)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/obituary-dominic-asuquo-961x675.jpg" length="96227" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 May 2021 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/obituary-sir-dominic-edet-asuquo-ksji</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/obituary-dominic-asuquo-961x675.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/obituary-dominic-asuquo-961x675.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>OBITUARY: Madam Nkoyo Effiom Udoedemeka</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/obituary-madam-nkoyo-effiom-udoedemeka</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Akwa Ibom Isongo! Mfon Ibaan AKISAN Isongo!!
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Hello ladies and gentlemen of AKISAN. My name is Mrs. Edidiong Itoro Akpan-Iquot, Chairlady, AKISAN Women for Awareness and Resource Empowerment (AWARE)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          It’s high time we jump start our first AWARE meeting. It is my pleasure to invite you all to our first meeting because, “seeing is believing and hearing is assuring.” I am also excited to hear from you after my 10-minute presentation during the town hall/roadshow that took place on November 7th.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          At our inaugural meeting on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 6pm EST, there will be three gift cards presented to three outstanding ladies. Please come prepared with your resumes as we will fill up the available positions for the executives. Also, invite your friends and family too. The estimated time for our first meeting will be two hours.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          For more information, visit AWARE’s page and/or send me an email (aware@akisan.org).
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Zoom Details:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89618926671?pwd=MFJUTGtScmpTemlCZjZsUVZJbE85Zz09
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Meeting ID:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           896 1892 6671
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Passcode:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           729579
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          One tap mobile
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          +13017158592,,89618926671#,,,,,,0#,,729579# US (Washington D.C)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +13126266799,,89618926671#,,,,,,0#,,729579# US (Chicago)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Dial by your location
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Find your local number:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbgKqk7IU
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h5&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Downloadable Documents
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h5&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          AWARE Presentation at the 2020 Townhall/Road Show on Saturday, November 7, 2020 (PDF)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/ete-ba-miami-mother-obituary-1024x675.jpg" length="170591" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Apr 2021 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/obituary-madam-nkoyo-effiom-udoedemeka</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/ete-ba-miami-mother-obituary-1024x675.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/ete-ba-miami-mother-obituary-1024x675.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>OBITUARY: Deacon Akparawa Dr. Godwin Gabriel Umoh</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/obituary-deacon-akparawa-dr-godwin-gabriel-umoh</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          The New York Chapter of Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria in USA (AKISANTM NY) regrets to announce the passing of Deacon Akparawa Dr. Godwin Gabriel Umoh. May his soul find perfect peace – Amen!
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Enö Udö, President, AKISAN New York 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          SHARE
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo-1200x675-9ba50015.jpg" length="117063" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 04 Apr 2021 04:46:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/obituary-deacon-akparawa-dr-godwin-gabriel-umoh</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/yo-1200x675-9ba50015.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo-1200x675-9ba50015.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>OBITUARY: Elder Mrs. Hannah Udofia</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/obituary-elder-mrs-hannah-udofia</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Akwa Ibom Isongo! Mfon Ibaan AKISAN Isongo!!
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Hello ladies and gentlemen of AKISAN. My name is Mrs. Edidiong Itoro Akpan-Iquot, Chairlady, AKISAN Women for Awareness and Resource Empowerment (AWARE)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          It’s high time we jump start our first AWARE meeting. It is my pleasure to invite you all to our first meeting because, “seeing is believing and hearing is assuring.” I am also excited to hear from you after my 10-minute presentation during the town hall/roadshow that took place on November 7th.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          At our inaugural meeting on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 6pm EST, there will be three gift cards presented to three outstanding ladies. Please come prepared with your resumes as we will fill up the available positions for the executives. Also, invite your friends and family too. The estimated time for our first meeting will be two hours.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          For more information, visit AWARE’s page and/or send me an email (aware@akisan.org).
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Zoom Details:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89618926671?pwd=MFJUTGtScmpTemlCZjZsUVZJbE85Zz09
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Meeting ID:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           896 1892 6671
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Passcode:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           729579
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          One tap mobile
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          +13017158592,,89618926671#,,,,,,0#,,729579# US (Washington D.C)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +13126266799,,89618926671#,,,,,,0#,,729579# US (Chicago)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Dial by your location
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Find your local number:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbgKqk7IU
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h5&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Downloadable Documents
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h5&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          AWARE Presentation at the 2020 Townhall/Road Show on Saturday, November 7, 2020 (PDF)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo-1-636x675.jpg" length="52714" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Mar 2021 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/obituary-elder-mrs-hannah-udofia</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/yo-1-636x675.jpg">
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Notice of 2nd National Council Meeting in Jacksonville, Florida (May 1, 2021)</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/notice-of-2nd-national-council-meeting-in-jacksonville-florida-may-1-2021</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Akwa Ibom Isongo!
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Greetings! We trust you have successfully returned to your various destinations safely following our Convention in Atlanta.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Our first joint council meeting for the year 2021/2022 will be held in Nashville, Tennessee on November 13th, 2021.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Hotel Name: 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           SONESTA NASHVILLE AIRPORT 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://goo.gl/maps/WrkLgJTcspePQXiN9" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           600 Marriott Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Book by Phone: 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           +1 615-889-9300
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Book Online: Click here 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;a href="https://gc.synxis.com/rez.aspx?Hotel=32949&amp;amp;Chain=5157&amp;amp;arrive=11/12/2021&amp;amp;depart=11/14/2021&amp;amp;adult=1&amp;amp;child=0&amp;amp;group=111221AKIS" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
        
           SONESTA
          &#xD;
      &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Airport code: 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           BNA
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           Reservation Cutoff Date: Room Rate (Single &amp;amp; Double): 
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           $129/night (includes breakfast)
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          As you may know, AKISAN Nashville, TN chapter is a small chapter. This event will be our first National event hosted by AKISAN Nashville.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          We guarantee you that this event will open the doors for many more AKISAN National events in Nashville to come.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Please do not wait until the last minute to make your reservations
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          .
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Nashville is a tourist city, you will NOT find this rate ANYWHERE if you wait until the last minute. NO KIDDING !. Even if you are undecided, please make your reservation, we can always switch to another person if you cannot come.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Online reservation links and phone numbers coming shortly. Bookmark this page and visit frequently for the latest updates.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Thank you so much.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Aniekan Etim
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Chapter President, AKISAN Nashville
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          615-474-3776
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/Important_announcement-akisan-1200x675.png" length="113107" type="image/png" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Mar 2021 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/notice-of-2nd-national-council-meeting-in-jacksonville-florida-may-1-2021</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/Important_announcement-akisan-1200x675.png">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/Important_announcement-akisan-1200x675.png">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    <item>
      <title>OBITUARY: Deaconess (Mrs.) Anthonia Edet Ataudo</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/obituary-deaconess-mrs-anthonia-edet-ataudo</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          On behalf of AKISAN USATM, I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Late Deaconess (Mrs.) Anthonia Edet Ataudo in particular and the entire AKISANTM  Indiana and AKISANTM  New York families in general. In the United States, Late Deaconess (Mrs.) Ataudo was surived by Mrs. Nsikak Ataudo Inyang of AKISANTM  Indiana and Dr. (Mrs.) Idorenyin Ataudo Udosen (President of Nigerian Nurses Association USA) of AKISANTM  New York. She leaves behind a host of relatives including sister, children, grandchildren, cousins, nephews, nieces and in-laws.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          For AKISANTM  New York Members:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Please join in praying for strength, comfort and courage as they grieve their loss. Feel free to call and show your support to Mrs. Idorenyin Udosen @ (646) 322-8886 and the husband, Mr. Udoete Udosen @ (646) 322-8885.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          May her soul Rest in Perfect Peace – Amen!
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo-1080x675.jpg" length="136884" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2021 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/obituary-deaconess-mrs-anthonia-edet-ataudo</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/yo-1080x675.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
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        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Sign Up for Life Insurance</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/sign-up-for-life-insurance</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Watch Video here
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Sign up for life insurance today. Do it for your loved ones! 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://basimd13.sg-host.com/sign-up-for-life-insurance/" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Visit our life insurance page
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           to start the process
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Life insurance is about protecting your family’s future. AKISAN USA is pleased to announce that it is helping to facilitate the sign up process by introducing you to life insurance agents in our community. By so doing, we also empower our community by supporting our own businesses.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Help protect your loved ones with affordable life insurance. 
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Note:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          Since the life insurance policy offered by agents listed on this page are individual, medical exams may be required depending on the amount of the policy and the age of the insured.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Also:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           All listed agents are available to talk to your chapter members upon request
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           AKISAN USA is NOT a licensed life insurance agent
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           AKISAN USA does not endorse any particular life insurance agent
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;li&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           You are responsible for your own payments
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/li&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Sign up today, with any of the agents listed below:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Imoh Isong  1-866-298-1222
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Uwem Equan  704-968-6755
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
          Emaeyak Egharevba 
          &#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
      
          317-801-4857
         &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/yo-1+%282%29.jpg" length="67720" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 24 Jan 2021 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/sign-up-for-life-insurance</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/yo-1+%282%29.jpg">
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>1ST JOINT NATIONAL COUNCIL/BOT (VIRTUAL) MEETING</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/1st-joint-national-council-bot-virtual-meeting</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          This event will be hosted on Zoom at 1 p.m. EST on Saturday, November 14, 2020.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Zoom Details:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85423860062?pwd=Y3g3VjF0c0RCb1RjU09sNTg3QWJNdz09
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Meeting ID:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           854 2386 0062
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Passcode:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           014883
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          One tap mobile
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          +16699006833,,85423860062#,,,,,,0#,,014883# US (San Jose)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          +12532158782,,85423860062#,,,,,,0#,,014883# US (Tacoma)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Dial by your location
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Find your local number:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kUbNOy469
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h5&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h5&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h5&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Downloadable Documents
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h5&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Agenda (PDF)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          National President’s Speech (PDF)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Audio of the Townhall/Roadshow Event on Saturday, November 7, 2020:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/apa-hotel-woodbridge-900x450-1.jpg" length="108489" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 24 Jan 2021 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/1st-joint-national-council-bot-virtual-meeting</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/apa-hotel-woodbridge-900x450-1.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/apa-hotel-woodbridge-900x450-1.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>INAUGURAL AWARE (VIRTUAL) MEETING</title>
      <link>https://www.akisan.org/inaugural-aware-virtual-meeting</link>
      <description />
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h3&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
           &#xD;
        &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
          
            Copy of  Venue for the 2023 1st National Council Meeting Announced
           &#xD;
        &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
        
           ﻿
          &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h3&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;&#xD;
&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Akwa Ibom Isongo! Mfon Ibaan AKISAN Isongo!!
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Hello ladies and gentlemen of AKISAN. My name is Mrs. Edidiong Itoro Akpan-Iquot, Chairlady, AKISAN Women for Awareness and Resource Empowerment (AWARE)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          It’s high time we jump start our first AWARE meeting. It is my pleasure to invite you all to our first meeting because, “seeing is believing and hearing is assuring.” I am also excited to hear from you after my 10-minute presentation during the town hall/roadshow that took place on November 7th.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          At our inaugural meeting on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 6pm EST, there will be three gift cards presented to three outstanding ladies. Please come prepared with your resumes as we will fill up the available positions for the executives. Also, invite your friends and family too. The estimated time for our first meeting will be two hours.
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          For more information, visit AWARE’s page and/or send me an email (aware@akisan.org).
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Zoom Details:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89618926671?pwd=MFJUTGtScmpTemlCZjZsUVZJbE85Zz09
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Meeting ID:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           896 1892 6671
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Passcode:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           729579
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          One tap mobile
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          +13017158592,,89618926671#,,,,,,0#,,729579# US (Washington D.C)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +13126266799,,89618926671#,,,,,,0#,,729579# US (Chicago)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Dial by your location
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
          &#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
      
          +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Find your local number:
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
           https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbgKqk7IU
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;h5&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          Downloadable Documents
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/h5&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;a href="https://youtu.be/UcemwKNIvo8" target="_blank"&gt;&#xD;
      
          AWARE Presentation at the 2020 Townhall/Road Show on Saturday, November 7, 2020 (PDF)
         &#xD;
    &lt;/a&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/edidiong-akpan-iquot-aware-900x450-1.jpg" length="34727" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Dec 2020 04:46:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.akisan.org/inaugural-aware-virtual-meeting</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Obituary,News</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b805b8dd/dms3rep/multi/edidiong-akpan-iquot-aware-900x450-1.jpg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/b64dcff9/dms3rep/multi/edidiong-akpan-iquot-aware-900x450-1.jpg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
      </media:content>
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