Report of Second National Council Meeting of AKISAN (USA), Inc.
Presented by Mr. Ebong Nsentip
The meeting was held at Best Western’s Luxurious Robert Treat Hotel hosted by Northern New Jersey Chapter on April 16th 20011. The meeting which was well attended commenced at 11:28 am and was presided over by the National President Mr. Buffer Eyo. Atlanta Chapter paid the chapter dues of $200 and the New President Ebong Nsentip was seated accordingly.
I wish to high light some important issues that were discussed as follows:
COMMITTEE REPORTS
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Medical Mission committee:
The medical mission is to be extended to include all the three senatorial districts within the approved $20,000. The state government will provide accommodation, transportation, and security to the personnel who will be undertaking the trip in May 2011. -
Strategic and planning Committee:
This committee recommended that a special election be conducted at the forth coming Annual Convention to elect two members into the Emergency Trust Fund as the National President had no powers to appoint or remove an elected / appointed member of the committee. -
Emergency Trust Fund:
It was reported that funds held in this account have not been disbursed. The committee made recommendations as follows:- Members to contribute $10.00 annually and must be paid in August of every year. Benefits: Death $500.00 Others $250.
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AKISAN Beauty Pageant Contest:
All contestants must be between the ages 18-25 years. They must be ready and available during the entire convention. Applications and letters of introduction must be received on or before July 20, 2011 along with photographs. -
Constitution Review Report:
The constitution amendment committee made several recommendations that are of paramount interest to us individually and as a chapter.- Procedure for registration of new chapters
- Board of trustees election
- List of members of a chapter and verification to eliminate membership inflation
- Time line for candidate presentations
- Teleconference calls for information only and non binding
AKISAN Scholarship Project Committee:
The report was presented and received. The council suggested that the closing date be extended, more publicity to be made in the AKS local newspapers so as to attract more applicants from all the 31 local government areas. Beneficiaries should be from 2nd year and above currently attending UNICAL.UNIUYO and AKSU so as to facilitate verification of beneficiaries’ records.
MARYLAND CHAPTER DISPUTE
Maryland chapter objected to Mr. Ekop of Greater Baltimore/ Maryland chapter being recognized and seated. It was observed that there was no provision in the current constitutions that prohibits the formations of another chapter. Maryland chapter President requested Mr. Ekop to do proper handling over of records in his possession. Copies of bank statements were presented by Maryland while Mr. Ekop maintained that he spent the amount for the National Convention. Dr. Peter Umoh Dr (Mrs.) Abia and Ebong Nsentip were appointed to reconcile the accounts and report to the National Executive.
ATLANTA CHAPTER REPORT
The report was duly presented, indicating change in leadership and that the state of the union is good. I requested that the National should invest in Atlanta as we have an existing property which we are paying mortgage on it. I had a separate discussion with the members of the National building committee on the need for the National to come in and partner with us on joint venture basis.
2011 NATIONAL CONVENTION IN MIAMI
Chapters were requested to encourage their members to attend the convention and the cruise that will follow immediately. 20 Invitation cards, 30 Raffles $5 each, 20 Gala and cultural night tickets @ $25 each were distributed to be issued out and sold by each chapter. Other matters are posted in the Akisan Website.
My sincere appreciation to the entire Northern New Jersey and Philadelphia chapters who made my trip to be successful in addition to their North Eastern hospitality.
Signed:
Ebong Nsentip
AKISAN Atlanta President (2011 - 2012)
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