The leadership of Oron Union Uyo Branch has noted with concern a publication authored by Mr. Eteobong Nyong Inyang, which purportedly reports the recent thank-you visit of the Branch to Sir Victor Antai, PhD, Executive Director (Projects), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Ordinarily, such a publication would not have warranted a response. However, the report is riddled with serious distortions, glaring omissions and misleading insinuations, making it necessary to clarify the true account of what transpired during the visit.
It is important to state from the outset that Mr. Eteobong Nyong Inyang is neither the Publicity Secretary nor the Secretary of Oron Union Uyo Branch, the officers constitutionally responsible for communicating the activities of the Branch to the public. His decision to unilaterally publish and circulate the report therefore represents an unfortunate intrusion into responsibilities outside his assigned portfolio.
For the avoidance of doubt, the visit of the Executive Committee of Oron Union Uyo Branch to Sir Victor Antai was purely a thank-you visit, aimed at appreciating his numerous developmental interventions and sustained commitment to the progress of Oro nation.
Regrettably, the publication in question ignored the central highlights and substantive outcomes of the visit, choosing instead to project narratives that were neither discussed nor reflective of the true purpose of the engagement.
Among the critical facts conspicuously omitted from the publication are the following:
1. Redemption of ₦10 Million Building Pledge: Sir Victor Antai redeemed his earlier ₦10 million pledge towards the construction of the Oron Union Complex in Uyo, a landmark project intended to strengthen the institutional presence of the Union.
2. Additional ₦21 Million Contribution from Friends and Associates: Friends and associates of Sir Victor Antai who were present during the visit were inspired by the vision of the project and collectively donated an additional ₦21 million in support of the building project.
3. Commitment to Continue Supporting the Project: Sir Victor Antai further pledged to continue contributing to the project until its successful completion, demonstrating his sustained commitment to Oro institutional development.
4. Sponsorship of 675 JAMB Forms and Career Counselling: The publication also failed to acknowledge the significant educational intervention by Sir Victor Antai through the sponsorship of 675 JAMB registration forms and intensive career counselling for indigent Oro students who could not afford the registration fees but were interested to develop themselves educationally
5. Scholarship Pathway for Outstanding Students: It was also stated that top-performing students among the JAMB beneficiaries will be recommended to the Oro Educational Foundation, chaired by Rev. Patrick Grace Henry, for further scholarship opportunities and educational sponsorship.
6. Adoption of “Catch Them Young” Development Philosophy: Sir Victor Antai explained that this initiative forms part of a broader youth development strategy he described as “Catch Them Young,” aimed at nurturing the intellectual and professional capacity of Oro youths from an early stage.
7. NDDC Transmission Station Project for Oro Nation: The publication equally ignored the important disclosure that the NDDC, through the facilitation of Sir Victor Antai, is building a transmission station intended to permanently address the long-standing electricity supply challenges in Oro nation.
8. Provision and Upgrade of Transformers Across Oro Nation: Also omitted was the fact that Sir Victor Antai has facilitated the installation of several new transformers and the upgrading of existing ones across communities in Oro nation, aimed to significantly improve electricity distribution in the area.
9. Clarification of Political Position: Contrary to the impression created in the publication, Sir Victor Antai did not endorse the Deputy Governor during the visit. His remarks simply indicated that his responsibility is to support the re-election of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Governor Umo Eno, in line with his broader political commitments. The author couldn’t put it explicitly that the EDP corrected the erroneous impression being carried by agents of blackmail that he is lobbying for the office of the Deputy Governor. The worthy Knight clearly said his interest is to use the current office he is occupying to help his people and that is all. He concluded that people should stop using his name for cheap political antics.
10. Advice to Oro Youth on Educational Direction: During the engagement, Sir Victor Antai also admonished Oro youths to prioritise professional and specialised courses in universities, stressing that such educational focus remains the surest pathway to securing a stronger and more prosperous future for Oro nation. It was also not reported.
11. Encouragement to Commence the Laying of the Foundation for Oro House in Uyo: Sir Victor Antai further urged the leadership of the Branch to commence in earnest the laying of the foundation for the proposed Oro House in Uyo, emphasising that the project would strengthen unity, coordination and institutional presence of Oro people resident in the state capital.
12. Advocacy for Justice and Inclusiveness in Oro Leadership: He also emphasised the need for justice, fairness and inclusiveness among all sections of Oro nation, particularly noting that Udung Uko Local Government Area has long been denied opportunity to represent Oro in the national assembly, noting that Oron Local Government Area has been there for 5 times, including senate and the house of representatives.
13. Lighting up of the Oron Union Complex in Uyo and it’s environs: the exported failed to capture the encomium poured on Dr Victor Antai for his magnanimity in lighting up of the Oron Union Complex and its environs which has made the area a safe haven for businesses and social activities
It is therefore deeply regrettable that a visit rich in developmental support, educational empowerment initiatives, institutional advancement and constructive dialogue on the future of Oro nation was reported in a manner that ignored these significant contributions while promoting unrelated speculation.
The leadership of Oron Union Uyo Branch therefore dissociates itself entirely from the said publication and urges members of the public to treat it as an inaccurate and incomplete account of the visit.
Oron Union Uyo Branch remains committed to truthful communication, responsible leadership, and the continued pursuit of unity, justice and development for Oro nation.
Chief Elder Eddy Ukosin
Branch President
Oron Union
Uyo Branch
