ODU USA marks 33rd AGM, reels out achievements, expectations

The Oron Development Union (ODU) USA Inc. recently concluded its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference in Dallas, Texas. The event which was held at the Dallas/Addison Marriott Quorum by the Galleria, located at Dallas Parkway, was a celebration of the organisation’s achievements and a vibrant show of the rich cultural heritage of Oro Nation.

In her welcome address, ODU USA President, Dame Comfort Ekpenyong, highlighted the Union’s accomplishments over the past year, including the completion of the citadel project at Ukuko Village, a testament to the organization’s commitment to community development.

Additionally, the union, she announced, awarded scholarships to 14 college students, providing them with the necessary support to pursue their academic goals.

Furthermore, skills acquisition training had been provided to 11 persons in the five Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Oro Nation, empowering them with the skills needed to excel in their chosen vocations.

The ODU USA President also expressed pride in the organisation’s participation in the historic Oron Union centenary celebrations held in May, 2025 in Oron, noting that ODU USA played a significant role in the event, both financially and physically, demonstrating its commitment to the community’s growth and development.

“On the historic Oron Union centenary celebration, I am proud to report that ODU USA participated effectively, visibly, and actively, in terms of financial responsibility and physical attendance at plenaries,” Dr Ekpenyong said.

As the Union looks to the future, Comfort Ekpenyong outlined plans to revive its medical mission programme, which would enable follow-ups on health insurance and provide the much-needed medical care for the community.

Accordingly, she said the Union would also continue its education scholarship awards and sponsorship of skills acquisition training through the Head-Start education project.

This initiative aims to deliver relevant books and other educational resources to all five LGAs in Oro Nation, further emphasising the Union’s commitment to education.

Ekpenyong emphasised the importance of education in Oro Nation, noting that it has been the flagship project of the Oron Union for the past 100 years. “From the records, Oro is undeniably a cradle of Western education in Akwa Ibom State.

“To kick start this global project, the organization has obtained volumes of books from the DFW-ISD, in partnership with ODU USA Dallas Chapter, to co-sponsor the ‘Back Page’ project to schools in the five local government areas”, she explained.

She further highlighted other gains of her two-year old tenure to include the successful adoption of a new constitution, crediting the leadership of BOT Chairman, Dr. Nkoyo Ekpo, for this accomplishment.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman on the occasion, Chief Offiong Effiong Bassey, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), rejoiced with the ODU USA for their constant touch with their culture, not minding the fact that they were far away from home.

Chief Offiong Bassey, while congratulating Oron Union on the recently concluded centenary celebrations, noted that no nation of the world can survive without having strong connection with its culture.

While thanking all guests from far and near for making it to the event, the chairman urged all participants not to relent in their effort towards contributing their resources for the continued building of the legacies of their forebears.

Others who spoke at the event included the keynote speaker, Sir Asuquo Inuikim Obon; the Oro-born Justice of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, Honourable Justice Okon Efreti Abang; and Sir Ita Ntekim. They all spoke on the theme of the AGM, “Global Hands, Local Impact: Building a Future for Oro by Investing in Skills Training”.

Also represented at the event were the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, who served as Father of the Day; Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, serving as Mother of the Day, as well as Sir Victor Antai, serving as Special Guest of Honour.

The event featured a display of Oro’s rich cultural heritage, including traditional dance performances, a showcase of glamorous costumes, and a display of local cuisines.

The attendees were treated to a spectacular display of the community’s cultural richness, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting Oro’s heritage.

As the ODU USA continues to grow and develop, its commitment to the Oro community remains unwavering. With its impressive achievements and plans for the future, the organization is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of its people.