AKWA IBOM STATE ASSOCIATION

Annual Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY United States is a land of immigrants. From the first waves of African immigrants to Irish, then Italian immigrants and immigrants of the twenty first century, one thing is true, immigrants thrive in an environment in where there is a sense of belonging. The Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA Inc. Twin Cities chapter provides such a communal back drop for immigrants, friends, and Americans of Akwa Ibom descent in Minnesota. MISSION STATEMENT: To promote, advocate, and support the Akwa Ibom community in Minnesota, to contribute positively to the development of our community and cultural heritage; enhance the family structure, enable our members to excel personally, professionally and economically. BACKGROUND: Akwa Ibom State Association is a community based 501© (3) non-profit organization. The organization was formed for the following purposes: To promote, encourage and foster unity among the citizen of Akwa Ibom State in Minnesota, United States, and at home Nigeria. To promote economic, educational, cultural, civic, scientific, and social progress of Akwa Ibom State Citizens in the United States. To encourage and support the educational, professional, and legitimate aspirations of all Akwa Ibom State citizens in the United States and in Nigeria where practical. To assist and provide moral and financial support to members during sickness, death, or social activities. To support and promote various charitable organizations by cooperating with any such organizations, participating in its activities, or contributing to such organizations. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Offices Officers President Ezekiel Etukudo Vice President Mary Akpan Public Relations Office Edem Umoh Director of Socials Udeme Okon Secretary Emem Akpan Financial Secretary Emem Akpan Webmaster Emem Akpan Contact Information Website: http://www.akwaibomstatemn.org E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Phone: 612-234-AKWA YEAR 2009 ACTIVITIES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Two volunteer activities were organized by the association as part of the giving back to the community. Members helped in packing food for Feed My Starving Children and Kid's Against Hunger. Organized presentations on various life-relevant topics including: Diabetes, Financial management, and Life Insurance. Organized social activities like the Annual Picnic and End-of-Year celebration, which brought the community together. The End-of-Year celebration, which was jointly organized by the Nka Iban Association brought about a record number of attendees, and every child that attended received a gift! Maintained the Life Insurance program, which provides financial protection to families when their love ones pass on. The Life Insurance program is under-written by Hartford Insurance Company. In support of other cultural association in Minnesota, the association supported the Igbo Women Association during her fund-raising effort. The association provided financial support to Akwa Ibom's "Child Relief Program",  in the amount of $500. In recognition of the role of public radio in the community, the association pledge membership (2009 ) to the Minnesota Public Radio. The association provided direct support to the activities of Miss Akwa Ibom by participating in a fund-raising effort hosted by the Houston Chapter. A phone line was added to the association's tool-box. You can reach the association by calling (612) 234-AKWA. The association received donations (an employee grant) in the amount of $600.00 from Medtronic Foundation. On March 14, 2009, the association helped feed 310, 000 people by assisting in packaging food at Kid's Against Hunger.   From Left to Right: Edem Umoh, Eric Etukudo, Ezekiel Etukudo, Emem Akpan, Mariah Ekpo, Nora Akpan, Yvonne Ekpo, and Mike Essien On August 22, 2009, the association helped package food for 24 kids for over a year at Feed My Starving Children THANK YOU NOTE FROM NATIONAL: From: Obong E. Umana, National President, Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA Inc. TO: Minnesota Chapter DATE: March 3, 2009 SUBJECT: Child Relief Actions Donation Mr. Ezekiel Etukudo, On behalf of the beneficiaries of your generosity, I would like to personally thank you and members of the Minnesota Chapter for your contribution of $500 towards the Child Relief Actions, outlined during an Emergency National Council Meeting held last December. Although, the global economy has negatively affected many of us, we cannot, and should not overlook the health and welfare of our young vulnerable children caught in the recent wave of ungodly accusations in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. I pledge that every penny of your donation will go directly towards supplies for the children of CRARN House and that full accounting will be provided to all once actions are completed. Again, thanks for supporting the National Secretariat through your support of this initiative. Sincerely, Obong E. Umana National President,Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria,USA. INC. National President, Mr. Obong Umana, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 586-260-7506 National Secretary, Mr. Isong Ekpenyong, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 313-655-3397 FINANCIAL STATEMENT The documents in the Financial Disclosure section are provided for informational purposes only. Request an official copy of the financial statement from the financial secretary. Overall, the association had a net income of $288.78! A bulk of our income was from contributions made by members and friends of the association towards events such as our hosting of the National Council Meeting. A total amount of $2,284.98 was spent by the association. Expenses made include payments made towards events as well as payments made to National. A total amount of $476.00 was paid to National for membership dues and registration, chapter registration, and National Emergency Trust Fund. MONTHLY REPORT: CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES:                                      Budget         Actual          2008 REVENUE                               Membership Dues                    $1,650.00     $  968.00       $4,851.84 Contributions                      $1,380.00     $1,005.76       $1,355.00 Grants                             $    0.00     $  600.00       $    0.00 Interest from Bank                 $    0.00     $    0.00       $    0.00                                                               TOTAL REVENUE                      $3,030.00     $2,573.76       $ 6206.84                                                               EXPENSES                                                      Travel                             $  300.00     $  260.41       $  397.00 Accomodation                       $  200.00     $  188.70       $  170.00 Office Supplies                    $   10.00     $    0.00       $    0.00 Bank Charges                       $    0.00     $   10.00       $    0.00 Picnic                             $  150.00     $   99.70       $  150.66 End-of-Year Celebration            $1,000.00     $  217.11       $  606.42 Postage & Shipping                 $   10.00     $   38.00       $   51.00 Website                            $   35.00     $   34.94       $   44.36 Family Day                         $  100.00     $    0.00       $   59.56 Benevolence                        $  200.00     $   10.12       $    0.00 Miscellaneous Expenses             $   10.00     $  890.00       $   50.00 Members Convention Registration    $  500.00     $  100.00       $  300.00 National Membership Dues           $  125.00     $   80.00       $  125.00 National Emergency Trust Fund      $  150.00     $   96.00       $  150.00 Chapter Registration with National $  200.00     $  200.00       $  100.00 National Council Meeting           $    0.00     $    0.00       $2,464.49 Public Radio Membership            $   60.00     $   60.00       $    0.00                                                               TOTAL EXPENSES                     $3,050.00     $2,284.98       $4,668.49 Change in Net Assets              ($   20.00)    $  288.78       $1,538.35              LIFE INSURANCE             Life Insurance, Beginning of Year              $  589.70       $    0.00 Life Insurance, Contributions                  $1,284.25       $1,664.82 Life Insurance, Payments                      ($1,590.28)      ($1,075.12) Life Insurance, End of Year                    $  283.67       $  589.70              TOTAL ASSETS             Net Assets, Beginning of Year                  $2,346.35       $  808.00 Change in Net Assets                           $  288.78       $1,538.35 Life Insurance, End of Year                    $  283.67       $  589.70 Net Assets, End of Year                        $2,918.80       $2,936.05 LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAM The Association provides Community Life Insurance to her members through the Cultural Group Benefits underwritten by The Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company, Simsbury, CT. The Life Insurance service is available only to Paid members of the association. About 6 members of the association signed up for Life Insurance through the association.  Enrollment for the life insurance program is by September 30th of every year. Picture taken during AKWA PICNIC 2009 - July 18, 2009 at Lake McCarrons Park MEMBERSHIP The following benefits are available to members: Access to services provided by the association to include, but not limited to the following: Life Insurance Seminars organized by the association. Example financial, health or immigration seminars. Publicizing of events through the association - website and weekly bulletin. Visitation from the association during: - ACTIVE MEMBERS ONLY Birth into the family of the member Bereavement of a family member Other situations that warrants association's support Financial assistance from the association during: - ACTIVE MEMBERS ONLY Birth into the family of the member Bereavement of a family member Other situations that warrants association's support An active member is an individual participating or attending at least 2/3 of events or activities organized by the associations, and paid the membership dues. Overall, the association celebrated and welcomed the birth of two of our children: Toro Okon and Precious Okon. The year was without some sad news. The association mourned with our members whose relatives passed away. About 5 members mourned and celebrated the life of their love ones as the move to the land beyond. The following individuals / companies have supported the association in the year 2009. Thank you for your support. AKPAN, Emem, Mary, Nora ARCHIBONG, Mfon, Mfon, Joshua, Eno, Joy, & Victor EDET, Isonguyo EFFIOM, Ita EKANEM,  Lucy EKONG, Ekan, Stella (M.D) EKPO, Maria ESSIEN, Mike, Stella, Mike Jr., Constance ETUKO, Steve, Nse, Itoro, Idara, & Imoh ETUKUDO, Ezekiel, Eric EYO, Bassey (prof.), Abike, Eskor Bassey, Atimma Bassey, Arita Bassey, Ameena Ekaete EYOH, Innocent, Lila, Ini, & Eka JAAFARU, Roseline & Tahiru OKON, Dominic, Uduak, & Emem OLOFINBOBA, KAYODE, IFIOK, Babatunde, Banji UDO, Michael, Margaret, Michael jr, Michelle, Monique UDOH, Aniekan UDOH, Ime UMOH, Edem, Andem, & Lillian MEDTRONIC, INC