|
IBOM FORUM
Akwa Ibom State is in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria where the Ibibio, Annang, Oron, Eket, and Ibeno ethnic groups are found. The Ibibios are the most populous indigenous inhabitants in the state and possibly in the Niger Delta. When combined together including the Efiks, the group constitutes the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria.
Hydrocarbon, which was first discovered in commercial quantity in Oloibiri, a community in Rivers State in 1958, has become the main stay of Nigeria's economy. In early 1960s, Shell (Anglo/Dutch) began exploration in Akwa Ibom State. In 1970, Mobil Producing began oil production off the coast of Akwa Ibom which is, possibly, the largest oil producing state in Nigeria today. These oil companies have colluded with the military and successive governments of Nigeria in waging war of economic exploitation, economic apartheid, and environmental degradation, as well as the institution of internal colonialism.
The Ibom Forum was initially set up to promote communication among Akwa Ibom organizations, Akwa Ibomites around the world and also to promote the activities of Ibom Peoples Congress (IPC) USA, Inc. IPC is involved in the struggle to achieve structural change and free the people of the Niger Delta, particularly Akwa Ibom people, from decades of environmental pollution, unjust socio-economic structure and political oppression.
IPC (USA) Inc. is a grassroots organization whose membership is made up of Akwa Ibomites around the world most of whom reside in the United States of America. Its organizational motto is "Equality, Justice and Fairness".
PLEASE NOTE THAT IBOM FORUM AND IPC ARE TWO DIFFERENT ENTITIES. Membership of Ibom Forum does not translate into IPC membership, or vice versa!
Dr. Tom Mbeke-Ekanem
Moderator
|