Stanley Ihedigbo
AkwaCross Community Ghana (ACCG) has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and diaspora development with the successful hosting of its Virtual Youth & Community Symposium themed “Breaking mental chains: From self-doubt to self-belief.”
Held on Saturday, via Google Meet, the high-impact online engagement brought together community leaders, professionals, and young people for a one-hour session focused on mindset transformation, purpose discovery, and global visibility for Akwa Ibom and Cross River indigenes living in Ghana.
The symposium, powered by AkwaCross Community Ghana, was strategically designed to address psychological and emotional barriers limiting young people’s growth in an era of rapid global change and uncertainty.
Organizers emphasized that sustainable leadership and long-term success begin with a strong mindset rooted in self-belief.
Delivering a keynote address, President of ACCG, Hon. Prince Emmanuel Brown, stressed that internal limitations often pose greater obstacles than external circumstances.
He noted that the theme was chosen to challenge participants to dismantle fear, an inferiority complex, and self-doubt.
One of the guest speakers, National President of AKISAN Canada Inc., Akparawa Udoh Christopher, delivered a stirring presentation that drew from his personal journey and leadership experience.
He reminded participants that life is not defined by being born with a silver spoon, but by self-belief, consistency, and resilience.
According to him, failure is part of the process of growth, but what determines success is what individuals “know, see, say, and believe” about themselves.
“As beginners or starters in any field, we must not give up because of challenges. Through consistency comes improvement,” he said.
Christopher cited several global achievers of Akwa Ibom and Cross River origin across engineering, medical sciences, leadership, and other professional fields, stressing that the current generation must rise above timidity and invisibility.
He expressed concern that some Akwa Ibom and Cross River youths shy away from visibility in global spaces, unlike other communities that proudly project their identity wherever they are found.
Highlighting practical examples, Christopher referenced AKISAN Canada’s active participation in cultural day celebrations in Canada, where different ethnic communities showcase their food, attire, and dance to promote cultural heritage.
He encouraged members of ACCG to draw inspiration from AKISAN Canada’s vibrancy and visibility, urging them to explore the association’s activities online for motivation.
He further challenged the community to initiate impactful programs aligned with continental and global development frameworks such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Vision 2030), as well as development priorities of the Akwa Ibom State Government.
According to him, ACCG must begin to “invite others, not always wait to be invited,” stressing that proactive engagement builds recognition and influence.
“The sky should be your starting point,” he declared, urging members to combine faith with measurable action, noting that prayer must be accompanied by results.
During the interactive session, participants raised concerns about the repatriation of stranded AkwaCross indigenes in Ghana, many of whom were allegedly deceived with promises of employment.
Responding, Christopher assured the community that AKISAN Canada would look into possible support mechanisms. He pledged to leverage his relationships within government circles in Akwa Ibom State and the broader diaspora network to explore collaborative solutions.
He also encouraged ACCG leadership to formally follow up on the matter, promising to open communication channels that could help protect and support affected individuals.
Purpose, Direction, and Long-Term Vision
Another speaker, Comrade Perez Usoro of King’s University, Accra, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on “Purpose, Direction, and Long-Term Vision.”
He emphasized that purpose is not merely a job title but the specific problem an individual is created to solve. Recognizing one’s unique gifts early, he said, allows young people to align their talents with destiny.
On direction, Usoro cautioned that busyness does not equal productivity. True progress requires clarity, discipline, and intentional decision-making.
He concluded by urging participants to think beyond immediate gratification and design a long-term vision that gives meaning to sacrifice and ensures a future built by choice rather than chance.
The symposium aligns with ACCG’s broader vision of building a united, empowered, and globally connected Akwa Ibom and Cross River diaspora community in Ghana.
Its mission includes advancing the social, cultural, educational, and economic interests of members through advocacy, partnerships, capacity building, and community support.
Organizers expressed optimism that the symposium would yield tangible outcomes, including improved self-awareness, renewed confidence, stronger community identity, and a commitment to long-term impact.
As the event concluded, participants were reminded that breaking mental chains begins with personal conviction—and that when individuals overcome self-doubt, they are better positioned to lead, serve, and thrive both locally and globally.
