Afo-a-Kom USA: President, Dr PK Yong, counts association’s achievements.

The Dr Yong-led executive bureau which has been piloting the affairs of Afo-a-Kom USA, since voted into office in June 2022 came to the end of their two year-mandate last month.

They have, however, been given an additional year in office before elections hold in June 2025.

In a state of the union address during the Boston convention, the President of Afo-a-Kom USA, presented a plethora of achievements.

Agriculture, water & infrastructure projects back home

Dr PK Yong presented the Agricultural Input Project in Kom which earlier this year, saw the distribution of fertilisers to farmers in some 30 villages across three Subdivisions-Fundong, Njinikom and Belo. This was done in collaboration with the municipal councils.

“We created a positive impact on food crisis in Kom through our agriculture inputs project, distributing over 18,000 kg of fertiliser to more than 1,200 families across 30 plus villages in Kom,” the Afo-a-Kom USA president detailed. 

He said thanks to these inputs, farmers can hope to have greater yield and this will help contribute to fighting food insecurity.

“We will continue to nurture the roots of prosperity and sow the seeds of sustainable change, knowing that when we invest in farmers, we invest in a future ripe with promise and possibility,” he intimated.

The donation was highly saluted by the beneficiaries, especially given that it came at a time the prices of fertilisers in the markets are exorbitant.

Dr PK Yong also mentioned the construction of a water tank and extension of potable water to a population of more than 2,000 inhabitants at Fujua II in Fundong Subdivision. 

The 4,000 US Dollars project is to solve the problem of insufficient water supply, particularly during the dry season when water sources dry up.

Another project which Afo-a-Kom USA has been carrying out, is the construction of 5metre-long bridge in Mboh village in Fundong Subdivision. 

Here, farmers find it difficult accessing their farms especially during the rainy season. By the time the construction will be completed, it will connect the village of more than 3,500 inhabitants to their farms and other villages.

The Afo-a-Kom USA president hailed the contributions of members of the organisation to realise the said project. 

“...we have achieved many great things at home and within Afo-a-kom USA members here. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, volunteers and members,” he said. 

Other projects

Apart from the projects undertaken back home in Kom, Afo-a-Kom USA under Dr Yong’s leadership has been able to carry out other projects at the level of the association.

This includes the institution of a member welfare and socio-economic growth known as Optional Life Trouble Fund, the putting in place of a project identification process where members of the organisation can submit proposals for microprojects.

“With your help, we have instituted the Optional Life Trouble Fund (OLTF) and have paid out $60,000 to three families so far,” he said. 

There is also a project for the learning, practice of the Kom culture and language, where the speaking, writing and reading of the Kom language has been instituted.

“We have instituted a program for the reading and writing of Kom language; we are bridging the gap in digital literacy through our computer literacy program and scholarships,” he added. 

Dr PK Yong went on to mention the successful celebration of the 50th anniversary of the return of Afo-a-Kom back to Kom organised last year. 

“The celebration did not only inspire American-born kids to connect to their roots, it also placed Kom and its culture on a world stage and would lead to the construction of a storage sanctuary for Afo-a-Kom statue at the Kom palace,” the Afo-a-Kom USA president underlined.

He also saluted the growth in membership. “We have seen membership growth & greater unity in our virtual meeting house of nearly 500 members,” he detailed.

Boston convention

The gathering brought together members of the association from the different States in the USA and guests from out of the US. For three days, the rich Kom culture was showcased through dance, song, food and dressing.

Several events and activities were organised, among them a leadership council meeting, Komnamites night, general assembly meeting, cultural night, boat ride as well as red carpet award ceremony.

The president of the association said: “Through this convention, our goal is to celebrate our rich culture while providing a platform for intergenerational interaction and knowledge sharing”. 

“By engaging our youths through cultural programs, we can unlock their full potential and empower them to build a brighter future, rooted in the richness of our cultural traditions,” Dr PK Yong concluded. 

The convention was organised under the theme: “Engaging Our Youths Through Culture: A gateway to Unleash Innovation and Leadership for our Community to thrive”.

Afo-a-Kom USA which saw the light of day in 2004 with the holding of the first convention in Washington DC, has clocked 20 years.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post Issue No:3159 of Friday July 5, 2024