By: Princess Don, Uyo.
The Oron Union (OU), a leading socio-cultural organization representing the Oro ethnic nationality of Akwa Ibom State, is set to round off its 100th anniversary celebrations with a landmark award of 100 special scholarships to youths across the Oro Nation.
This announcement was made by the President-General of the Union, Sir Esang Nsa Bassey, during a press conference in Uyo recently.
The scholarships will be distributed to beneficiaries from the five Oro-speaking local government areas including Oron, Mbo, Udung Uko, Uruefong Oruko, and Okobo, as part of activities for the centenary celebration’s theme of legacy and empowerment.
“The 100 scholarships are symbolic of our 100 years of existence, It reflects the spirit of our founding fathers who, back in 1923, envisioned the Oron Union as a force for cultural preservation and human capital development.” Sir Bassey said
The weeklong centenary celebrations, which began on April 26 with heritage site visits, have included school quizzes, debates, novelty football matches, traditional wrestling (Bok Oro), and a colorful boat regatta, each designed to celebrate and showcase Oro culture.
The grand finale, scheduled for May 23 at the Oron Civic Centre, will host a gathering of dignitaries including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, and renowned environmental rights activist Ledum Mitee, who will deliver the keynote address at a centenary colloquium.
The colloquium will also feature academic reflections by Professors Peter Esuh and Emmanuel Onwidieokut, under the chairmanship of Professor Akpan Ekpo. Cultural presentations and a special concert night will cap off the day’s activities.
Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and former Deputy Governor Etim Okpoyo will serve as Mother and Father of the Day respectively.
Sir Bassey hailed the union’s journey from a three-man initiative in 1925 to a national platform for cultural identity and advocacy, noting that the centenary is not just a celebration of the past, but a commitment to the future of the Oro people.
