The City of New York is the cradle of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA, Inc. (AKISAN). Founded in 1987, the Akwa Ibom Association of Nigeria, USA, Inc., is part of the network of over 15, 000 member chapters spread across 23 states in continental USA.

Since its founding, AKISANY has not only promoted and fostered unity among Akwa Ibom State residents in New York State and Americans of other ethnic nationalities, but it has also provided opportunities for the community to take responsibility for social participation and to get involved in charitable work.

To promote unity and undertake community based services in keeping with the aspirations and determination of New Yorkers who are descendants of the State of Akwa Ibom of Nigeria.

Akwa Ibom State Association, USA, Inc, New York Chapter is a 501C(3) non-profit organization with the following sets of objectives:

• To promote, encourage and foster unity among the citizen of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria both at home and in the Diaspora.
• To promote economic, educational, cultural, scientific and social progress of Akwa Ibom State within the framework of one Nigeria.
• To cooperate with and support bona-fide Nigerian Associations in the United States of America and encourage members of the Association to join Nigerian Associations and participate in promoting the interest of Nigeria both at home and abroad.
• To encourage and support the educational, professional and legitimate business aspirations of all Akwa Ibom State citizens, provided those aspirations are consistent with the best interest of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria and its citizens.
• To act as a liaison between our government, and others, including other organizations both government and non-governmental, and the members of this Association and citizens of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria in the United States of America.
• To support and promote charity work and various charitable organizations by cooperating with any such organization, participating in its activities or contributing to such an organization.
• To promote good and responsible citizenship among Akwa Ibomites in New York and its environs.

The antidote to a fatalistic attitude that hinders social development is spiritual reawakening and meaningful social participation by "the citizens at all levels of community activities.

This belief is at the core of the approach that AKISANY brings to the way members do and conduct business.

• In support of its charity work, and to foster support for the achievement of its objectives, AKISANY seeks and establishes partnership with governments, agencies, groups, and individuals whose services and support are relevant to its core programs and activities.
• Since its inception, AKISANY has not only inspired its members to help others through its numerous programs, but it has also supported a lot of causes through advocacy, fund raising, exchange of information, volunteering, and donation of funds and goods.
• Once a year, AKISANY sets aside a day to celebrate the unique culture and heritage of Akwa Ibom State and its industrious people. "You have been a tremendous source of support for your community..", the Hon. Michael Bloomberg, New York Mayor, lauded AKISANY in his good will message in October 2003 on the occasion of the Chapter's celebration of Akwa Ibom Day, New York, USA.

AKISANY has always demonstrated outstanding leadership in community development. It has also shown an unwavering support for traditional family values. In his good will message to AKISANY at the November 2006 Charity Dinner Dance, the Mayor of New York, Hon. Michael Bloomberg, wrote "All New Yorkers join me in sharing our appreciation for this terrific communal government, and others, including other organizations both government and non-governmental, and the members of this Association and citizens of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria in the United States of America: