Civil Society Organizations in Akwa Ibom have declared support for Mr. Harry Udoh as the state chairman Guild of Community Development Advocates in Akwa Ibom State also known as Akwa Ibom State Civil Society Organizations Forum.
The declaration is sequel to a release making the rounds in which 10 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Akwa Ibom disowned Akwa Ibom Civil Society Forum and Mr. Harry Udoh as chairman.
In a release dated August 18, 2025 and signed by 40 Civil Society Organizations in Akwa Ibom State, they reiterated that Akwa Ibom State Civil Society Organizations Forum, established in 2008, has been duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) since 2014 as the Guild of Community Development Advocates in Akwa Ibom State (AKGCODA).
They noted that the forum is recognized as part of the sub-national CSO networks operating across 35 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, adding that members of the forum have over the years attracted several million dollars’ worth of socio-economic development interventions from various donor agencies and development partners to Akwa Ibom State.
They noted that the forum is recognized as part of the sub-national CSO networks operating across 35 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, adding that members of the forum have collectively attracted several million dollars’ worth of socio-economic development interventions from various donor agencies and development partners to Akwa Ibom State.
“Given the attempt to mislead the public concerning the legal status and legitimacy of our Forum, as well as the reference to our Chairman, Mr. Harry Udoh, we find it necessary to set the record straight:
“The Akwa Ibom State Civil Society Organizations Forum was established in 2008 and duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2014 as the Guild of Community Development Advocates in Akwa Ibom State (AKGCODA).
Ikot Abasi people tackle SPFL over forceful encroachment, environmental degradation
“The Forum is recognized as part of the sub-national CSO networks operating across 35 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
“Membership of the Forum is open to development-focused civil society organizations in the state, and is guided by a code of conduct and shared ethical standards.
“Since inception, the Forum has worked collectively with its members to advance development in Akwa Ibom State while respecting the independence of other civil society organizations.
“The Forum was founded with eminent and respectable citizens of Akwa Ibom State as members of its Board of Trustees, including Dr. Nsekpong Udoh, Prof. Selina Ekpo, Mr. Idem Udoekong, and the Late Obonganwan Imo Isemin of blessed memory, alongside Mr. Harry Udoh. The current Board of Trustees are Dr. Uduak Akpan, Mr. Tijah Bolton-Akpan, Mrs. Emem Akpan Nkereuwem, Barr. Ekaette Anwana, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, Dr. Nsekpong Udoh, and Mr. Harry Udoh, who serves as Chairman.
“Over the years, members of the Forum have collectively attracted several million dollars’ worth of socio-economic development interventions from various donor agencies and development partners to Akwa Ibom State.
“Mr. Harry Udoh serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Executive Council of the Forum. In 2023, he was also elected by his peers nationwide to lead the National Civil Society Initiative on CSO Self-Regulation in Nigeria, in recognition of his experience, integrity, and leadership.
“The individuals behind the said publication are not members of the Akwa Ibom State CSOs Forum and therefore lack the authority to speak for or about the Forum. Their attempt to wish away our legacies can only be interpreted as an act of mischief.
“We therefore urge the Government, donor agencies, security agencies, and the general public to disregard the said publication and to continue to engage with the Forum through its recognized leadership structures.
“The Guild of Community Development Advocates in Akwa Ibom State (Akwa Ibom State Civil Society Organizations Forum) remains committed to strengthening civic space, advancing good governance, and promoting the collective development of Akwa Ibom State.”
Those who signed include:
1. Emem Akpan Nkereuwem – BOT Member
2. Barr. Ekaette Anwana – BOT Member
3. Dr. Uduak Akpan – BOT Member
4. Dr. Ini Adiakpan – BOT Member
5. Tijah Bolton-Akpan – BOT Member
6. Dr. Nsekpong Udoh – Secretary BOT
7. Harry Udoh – Chairman, BOT
8. Amb. Peace Edem, Founder, Youth for Change & Social Life Development Foundation (YOFCI)
9. Umo Isua-Ikoh – Peace Point Development Foundation (PPDF)
10. Cyril Bieh – Social Edge Development Foundation (Social Edge Africa)
11. Mfon Gabriel – Ibom Peer Foundation
12. Evelyn Akpan – Arc Initiative for Youth Transformation (formerly, Greater Tomorrow Initiative)
13. Emem J. Ekong – Citizens Community Aid and Development Initiative
14. Emem Okon – Hope for Coastal Women Empowerment Initiative
15. Imo Udoh – Community Partners For Development (CPD)
16. Edidiong Sambo – Anti-Corruption and Transparency Support Initiative (ACTSI)
17. Iboro Adam-Etuk – Support Persons in Trauma Initiative (SPITI)
18. Hon. Emem Edoho, Network Advancement Program for Poverty and DRR (NAPPDRR)
19. Faith Paulinus – Policy Alert
20. Edidiong Enang – Hallowed Hands Initiative
21. Blessing Edet – Vitonia Lead Foundation
22. Mmanti Umoh – Community Stakeholders for Social Good
23. Usoro Peters – Abundant Word of Faith Foundation
24. Prof Etim Frank – Centre of Development Research Enlightenment and Advocacy
25. Akanimo Oriowo – Rebuilders Foundation
26. EnomfonAbasi Paul-Simon – Steps to Sustainable Transformation & Empowerment Foundation (STEPS)
27. Emem Frank – Dynamic Youth Development Organisation
28. MaryJane Akpabio – Marusen Foundation
29. Mfonido Udoekong – Akwamfon Sustainable Community Association
30. Princess Victoria Umoh – Development Research and Synergy Initiative (DERSI)
31. Etido Ime Akpan – Advocates of Peace, Nature and Gender Justice (APNAG)
32. Immanuela Iniodu – Arts and Skills Development Initiative
33. Ms. Iboro Nelson, PhD – Silverline Development Initiatives
34. Rosemary James – Women United for Economic Empowerment (WUEE)
35. Elkanah Oluyori – Clement Isong Foundation (CIF)
36. Iniobong Frank – Women’s Initiative for Self-Actualization (WISA)
37. Etukudo Imaikop – Life Bridge and Development Foundation
38. Felicia Robert – Youth Alive Foundation
39. Mrs. Adeola Ekanem – Partnership for Community Empowerment (PACE)
40. Regina Fabian-Rural Health and Women Development Foundation.
