The Interim EXCO is expected to reposition the Forum for greater impact, inclusiveness, and credibility within Akwa Ibom’s civil society space.
By TheInvestigator
The Akwa Ibom Civil Society Organisations Forum, also known as the Guild of Community Development Advocates in Akwa Ibom State, has inaugurated an Interim Executive Committee (EXCO) to steer its affairs through a six-month transitional phase.
The new leadership emerged following a resolution of the Forum’s Board of Trustees and the unanimous decision of members during a special meeting held on Sunday, August 24, 2025.
Development policy expert and Executive Director of Policy Alert, Tijah Bolton-Akpan, was named Interim Chair of the Exco. He will be supported by Emem Okon of the Hope for Coastal Women Empowerment Initiative as Programmes/Public Affairs Advisor; Emem Joseph Ekong of Women United for Economic Empowerment (WUEE) as Treasurer/Financial Advisor; Kingsley Atang of Youth Alive Foundation (YAF Africa) as Compliance Advisor; and Elkanah Oluyori of Clement Isong Foundation as Secretary.
In addition, Bolton-Akpan and Emem Nkereuwem of the Arts and Skills Development Initiative had earlier been returned as Interim Board Chair and Board Secretary respectively.
Speaking shortly after the inauguration, Bolton-Akpan expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in the team, pledging to promote inclusivity, accountability, and stronger governance within the Forum.
“This mandate comes at a defining moment when civil society faces a twin challenge of ensuring internal accountability within our own structures while also holding duty bearers accountable for inclusive and sustainable development in the face of dwindling global resources,” he said.
“We will work together to strengthen the Forum’s governance systems and safeguard the participation of every member organisation in driving reforms, while forging a united front to enhance our visibility, build trust, and reposition our Forum as a respected and effective voice for the Third Sector in Akwa Ibom State.”
The Forum, which brings together over 120 organisations—including NGOs, CSOs, CBOs, and FBOs—was established in 2008 and formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2014. It is recognized as part of the sub-national CSO networks operating across 35 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Interim EXCO is expected to reposition the Forum for greater impact, inclusiveness, and credibility within Akwa Ibom’s civil society space.