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Fresh from presenting his Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno as his preferred Successor, Governor Udom Emmanuel, says his decision was based on the fact that he means well for the State.
The Governor disclosed this while fielding questions from a group of journalists earlier in the day and later at the commissioning of Spectrum Television, the State’s first privately owned cable television station, owned and operated by TAF Media Group, on why he settled for the Lands and Water Resources Commissioner.
“Let me say this emphatically, I mean well for this State, that is why I waited for God to show me the man who would continue with the pace of developmental strides we have started in the last six plus years and then move the needle even further.
“Pastor Umo Eno is a highly respected person; he has enormous capacity, is an epitome of humility, and is blessed with the common touch, a compelling story and is God- fearing.
“He is a successful entrepreneur who has employed our people, lifted thousands from poverty to prosperity.
“He will be coming to the office of Governor with an economic blueprint that will further guarantee employment, development, and economic prosperity for our people.
“He is a man of peace and will ensure that the peace and security of life we have enjoyed in the last six plus years will be maintained. His life story resonates with the story of most ordinary Akwa Ibom people.
“He came from the Police barracks, where, as he said during his Thanksgiving Service last year, life was dreary and hope seemed a distant ingredient.
Through hard work, he summoned hope and overcame his early difficulties and ended up as one the biggest employers of labour in our State.
His story is a testament to our Dakkada philosophy; one that will inspire and motivate our youths.
The Governor stated that he never looked for a surrogate to do a third term but rather was looking for a man of exceptional capacity, of peace and humility and enjoined all peace-loving and progress-minded Akwa Ibomites to rally round and support God’s choice.
“I will never use God’s name in vain” the Governor stated at an interview at the Spectrum Television Studio with host, Ekaete Afia.
Pastor Umo Eno is Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Lands And Water Resources with a Master Degree in Political Science from the University of Uyo and currently on his Ph.D in Public Administration.
He is an alumnus of Pan African University’s Lagos Business School with 35 years of experience in banking, marketing, management and hospitality and a Fellow, Nigerian Catering and Hotel Institute.
Pastor Eno is the founder of Royalty Hotels and Recreation Limited, Eket, a group with diversified interest in beverages, industrial catering, apartments and coffee shop; creating direct employment for people across the country.
He is a pastor at All Nations Christian Ministry International, Eket, a nondenominational Church where he oversees the Bridge of Hope, an arm of the Ministry that offers free medical services to host community.
As one who is passionate about raising young entrepreneurs, he set up “The Gathering” a nonprofit making initiative that convenes IGNITE; a global platform for knowledge-based empowerment, training and entrepreneurial skills development of youths for entrepreneurship and self sufficiency.
Pastor Eno is the chairman, BOT, Akwa Ibom Business Community among other appointments including the Chairman, Akwa Ibom Hotels and Tourism Board from 2004 to 2007.
He is a two Star Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary Club of Eket, District 9140 and has received several awards for his public spirited life, among them the National Productivity Award, Icon of Hope Award by The Apostolic Church, Nigeria; Special Recognition Award by the Nigeria Medical Association, Akwa Ibom State.
In October 1, 2019 he resigned as Chief Executive Officer of Royalty Group with six subsidiaries, having put in place a seamless succession plan, to accept an appointment with the State Government as Executive Director, Agricultural Investment, AKICORP.
Eno, a good social mixer who believes in hard work, integrity and strong character, is the author of “Wealth Creation, God’s Way, Break Forth, Exercising Your Dominion Mandate, Dream Again” “The Legacy of a Father and True Friendship.”
Critical stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State have adopted the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Rev Umo Bassey Eno as their preferred choice for the Hilltop Mansion come 2023.
At a well attended meeting presided over by Governor Emmanuel at the Government House in Uyo, a former Governor of the State, Arch. Victor Attah presented Pastor Umo Enoh to the forum as a humble and sincere man with capacity to lead the state.
According to an insider, the nomination of Pastor Eno attracted a loud spontaneous applause from all who where present, showing strong affirmation of the nomination.
The support further heightened by the Oku Ibom Ibibio and Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk who spoke as the Chairman of State Council of Chiefs, glowingly in support of the revered Clergy.
The Stakeholders included former deputy Governor Etim Okpoyo, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, Chief Nduese Essien, Senator Effiong Bob, Senator Alloy Etok, among others
Prayers to dedicate the nominee to God were offered by some fathers of faith led by Dr. Sunday Mbang and Rev Uma Ukpai.
They prayed against any force that may attempt to derail the decision of God for the people of Akwa Ibom State.
Rev Eno in an emotion ladened voice, is said to have appreciated the stakeholders for nominating him, saying he was humbled to be so recognised.
Pastor Eno, until his appointment into the State Executive Council, was Chief Executive Officer of Royalty Hotels, the first local Akwa Ibom company to take on large industrial catering offshore.
Akwa Ibom stakeholders this evening adopted Rev Umo Enoh as their preferred successor to Governor Udom Emmanuel in 2023.
Former Governor, Obong Victor Attah, supported by the Chairman of Akwa Ibom council of Chiefs, Dr Solomon Etuk, presented the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, as a man with the capacity to consolidate on the gains recorded by the present administration of Mr Udom Emmanuel.
Several former and serving political office holders were present at the meeting.
Nigeria’s Senate President Ahmad Lawan has again commended Governor Udom Emmanuel’s sterling leadership qualities which has brought massive developments in Akwa Ibom State.
The Senate President, spoke when he joined Governor Emmanuel and other dignitaries on Saturday to inaugurate a 1.3km Ifa Ikot Akpan Road, Etoi, and a Multipurpose Recreational Complex, initiated and completed by Senator Bassey Albert in Uyo.
Senator Lawan said despite belonging to different political platforms, he was happy to attest to the good leadership attributes of the state Governor.
“Governor Udom Emmanuel has placed the interest of the nation as a top priority, and he is a partner of development in the country.”
The Senate President described the Multi-purpose Recreational Complex as a project with dual capacity that will provide physical fitness and mental development, and called on the people of the state to take advantage of it numerous advantages.
Senator Lawan also extolled the leadership qualities of Senator Bassey Albert as a pace setter, a man of vision and a patriotic leader who puts the interest of his constituents first.
He recalled a bill co-sponsored by Senator Bassey Albert to amend the deep offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract which became a law, adding that his performance in the senate demonstrates exemplary attributes of a passionate leader.
“I am pleased to be here, for me this is homecoming. We are here to thank God for what our colleague Senator Bassey Albert Akpan has achieved here for the people of his senatorial district.
“This multipurpose complex is not only for sports, but for education and learning as well, what we have here is both physical fitness and mental development.
“I want to add that the people of this senatorial district and the State should take advantage of it.
“For us in the senate it is our constituency first, because you voted for us, and you voted for Sen. Bassey Albert and I am so proud of him”.
Governor Udom Emmanuel in his remarks joined Senator Bassey Albert in thanking God for making the projects executed by Senator Bassey Albert come to fruition to the benefit of Akwa Ibom people, adding that the multipurpose Recreational Complex will serve as an alternative for tourists to relax in the state.
The governor who described the project as befitting the purpose prayed God for peace, tranquility and development and urged the people to take advantage of the project and also safeguard it for posterity.
“I want to thank God for the multipurpose recreational complex has been dedicated to God and I want to join my voice in saying that this place shall be for peace, tranquility and development of our people’’.
The Senator Representing Akwa Ibom North-East, Senator Bassey Albert, in his thanksgiving and appreciation to God reflected on God’s mercies upon his life, stating that he is a man God has shown mercy throughout his life.
Senator Albert stated that the project was designed to meet the needs of the people in the state, adding that 30 pioneer students will be presented certificates from the ICT center, among others benefits to be derived from the multi-purpose complex.
‘’There is nothing as good as thanking God in the presence of the congregation of believers, to thank the only God that has been there for you from the beginning and most especially if you find a man that God has helped.
“I am one man that God has helped. Where you are going to commission today seats on 3-hectares of land with a standard football field, ICT center to drill people on digital proficiency and we will present certificates to first 30 graduands who benefited from the International Certified Training’’, the Senator noted.
The meeting commenced at 6pm with the rendering of the National cum State anthems, and an opening prayer offered by Prof. Eno Ibanga(HC-Works and Fire Service).
The meeting was presided by HE the Governor, sitting as Chairman-In-Council, who welcomed all members back from the retreat and reminded that all members must take their assignments very seriously as time was a major concern.
Business of the day All project ministries presented a status update of projects under their supervision, due for commissioning in the first and second quarters of this year. HC Works & Fire Service and HC-Special Duties undertook a comprehensive presentation of all ongoing projects in their ministries, with the projected completion period.
The Governor charged all Commissioners to ensure effective supervision of projects within their area of responsibility , for timely delivery.
The meeting came to an end at 7:44pm with a closing prayer worded by HC-Power and Petroleum Development.
Signed:
Comrade Ini Ememobong Honourable Commissioner for Information & Strategy Akwa Ibom State 28012022
The vision of Governor UDOM Emmanuel to make Akwa Ibom state economically viable is seeing the light of day, as the completion agenda has been given a huge boost, with the launch of the Ibom Fadama microfinance bank.
It is clear that Governor Udom Emmanuel understands that Agro-Preneurs need access to capital for business investments and expansion. In solving this problem, he has enabled the IbomFadama Microfinance Bank, a financial institution that will cater to farmers as well as the needs of micro, small and medium enterprises, boost the investment drive of the citizens and strengthen the private sector economy.
It is a new dawn in the business ecosystem of AkwaIbom state as the Ibom Fadama microfinance bank will provide solutions to entrepreneurs, farmers and individuals doing business at the lowest level of the society. The 7 years of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration has seen young Ibomites going into the agro-allied businesses, especially farming as well as local and global trade engagements within the MSME sector.
Clearly, Akwa Ibom farmers now have access to funds for the production of agricultural products. This will have a spiral effect on food security and will also boost commerce in the state.
As a microfinance bank, the institution will provide investment opportunities to individuals, salary earners and organizations by way of deposit and loan products, catering to the financial needs of workers and institutions.
Governor Udom Emmanuel deserves commendation for his commitment to changing the business narrative and continuous support to the entrepreneurship sector in Akwa Ibom state. The IFMF is a game-changer that will play an important role in providing credit facilities for start-ups and individuals. When passion and vision meets entrepreneurial education and funding, the result is success. In a few years, the grand effects of this synergy between the government and the business class will reflect massively on the economy of the state. Imagine Akwa Ibomites becoming huge exporters of products from their businesses funded by IbomFadama microfinance bank, imagine the revolution that will take place in the Agric sector with tens of thousands of farmers producing food from their farms funded by IFMF. This self-sufficiency in food production will result in a reduction in the prices of food items in the state making food affordable to all. Imagine a salary earner being able to access low-interest loans at critical times.
The economy of any state cannot move without the production of goods and services. An economy that relies on the importation of all essential items and services will continue to be in the doldrums, this is why the IFMF idea and establishment is very apt at this point in our history given the diversification policy of our economy from crude oil and dependence of federal allocations. Akwa Ibom entrepreneurs, farmers, businessmen and women, companies and corporate organizations should key into this vision of Governor Udom Emmanuel and do business with the IbomFadama Microfinance bank.
As we look towards the future of Akwa Ibom state we can see only hope, economic prosperity, peace and progress in an industrialized society.
A cross section of entrepreneurs in the state have listed tax holidays, increased access to credit facilities, as well as sustenance of the industrialization tempo of the Udom Emmanuel Administration, as some of the key qualities they expect from the next administration in the state. The entrepreneurs made the assertion at the debut edition of the 2023 Leadership Series on the Dakkada Networking Experience (DNE), which held today at the Ibom Yield Center and streamed live to viewers on social media platforms.
The entrepreneurs who were part of the panel of discussants on the programme bared their minds on a wide range of issues ranging from mentoring, taxation, business policy formulation, to business education, amongst others. In their separate presentations, Akan Udom, of Yenne E-market, and Collins Oscar urged up and coming entrepreneurs to prioritize mentoring and entrepreneurial education, while holding fast to qualities such as honesty and integrity. They also commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for his numerous investments in industrialization and human capacity development, which they opine is responsible for the surge in entrepreneurial activities in the state. They however said as the process of electing fresh leaders kick-starts shortly, they will go for leaders who have entrepreneurs at heart and would consolidate on the gains of the Udom Emmanuel administration.
The networking event, which aims at starting conversations and ultimately driving youth participation in leadership, politics and governance also had in attendance grassroots legislators who spoke on ways to harness the instrument of legislation towards supporting business growth at the grassroots. The legislators – Honourable Sandra Bassey, Leader of Abak Legislative Council, and Honourable Ifiok Asuquo, Councilor representing Northern Uruan Ward 1 listed harmonizing tax laws and creation of more opportunities for women as ways of sustaining entrepreneurship at the grassroots.
On their parts, the guest speakers on the programme, Mr Ime Uwah and Mr Magnus Chukwuekezie stressed on sustenance and continuing with the industrialization tempo of the present administration. Mr Ime Uwah, a Senior Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor also added that what most entrepreneurs and business owners in the state would want to see, is a continuation of the lofty ideals and human capacity development efforts of this administration.
The DNE Leadership series 01 also featured presentation of cash prizes to winners of the recently conducted MEGP Pitch Deck Series 3, During which Idongesit Udoh took home two hundred thousand naira for coming first in the start-up category. Utonne Ekefre of Latonne Signatures Clinched Five Hundred thousand naira for winning the Existing business category, while Fruitful Acres farms bagged the One million naira prize for emerging tops in the social enterprise category.
…Nobody conversant with A’Ibom PDP history would dare oppose Enoidem for Senate- AKHA Members
…My ambition a joint ticket with Udom’s preferred successor – Enoidem tells supporters
… We’re with you, from consultation to swearing in- Prince Ikim declares
By Dan Etokidem, Uyo
In a move that sent a strong message of unity, togetherness, brotherhood and solidarity, the entire Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly members from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District on Friday, endorsed the 2023 Senatorial ambition of the immediate past PDP National Legal Adviser and National Chairman of Maintain Peace Movement, MPM, Hon Barr Emmanuel Enoidem, during Friday’s consultation by Barr Enoidem to the lawmakers.
The event which took place at the Shelter Afrique residence of the member representing Oruk Anam State Constituency and Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Udo Kerian Akpan also had in attendance, member representing Ukanafun State Constituency, Hon Charity Ido, member representing Abak State Constituency, Hon Elder Udeme Otong , member representing Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency, Hon Mfon Idung, member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Hon Esse Umoh, member representing Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency, Rt Hon Prince Idongesit Ntekpere, member representing Ikono State Constituency, Hon Asuquo Nana and Chief Whip and member representing Ini State Constituency, Rt Hon Emmanuel Ekpeyong
Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, the host and Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Udo Kerian Akpan said, their decision to unanimously adopt and endorse Barr Enoidem for the 2023 Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial seat, is borne out of their desire to ensure that the Senatorial District is represented by the best, most experienced and competent candidate who will not only offer pragmatic and effective representation but will also have the depth and contacts to deploy and collaborate between the federal and state governments to attract democratic dividends to the Senatorial District.
The lawmakers thanked Barr Enoidem for the visit and for finding them fit to be consulted, declaring that the National Chairman of MPM has worked and supported all of them in their respective political journey since 1999 till date which has culminated to their success and election int the House of Assembly.
Hon Kerian observed that Barr Enoidem is not an over ambitious politician because though he aspired for the Senate in 2011 and all the political forces in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District were mobilized to achieve the purpose, destiny had another plan and time for him which he never objected to, stating that 2023 was God’s ordained and unstoppable time for him to proceed to the Red Chambers.
“No one conversant with the history of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District will dare oppose you. This is your time to be compensated. It’s our time to support you, same way you’ve always been supporting us since 1999. We’re with you in the planning and execution of your 2023 Senatorial bid and the Governorship election. Let’s start strategizing for the election because the PDP primaries is already a done deal”, Hon Kerian declared.
Speaking earlier, Barr Enoidem thanked the state lawmakers for giving him the honour of consulting them at a central venue, stating that though their support to him has always being both unflinching and unwavering, it was still traditionally statutory for him to consult them on his 2023 ambition, stating that he does not take this unusual honour accorded him by the lawmakers for granted.
He stated that from 1998 till date, he has always been at the forefront of all elections in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and has supported the political aspirations of numerous Councillors, Chairmen, House of Assembly members, House of Representatives members, Senatorial and gubernatorial candidates, including political appointees as well as coordinated Presidential campaigns in the State for the party.
He explained that though he is not trying to blow his trumpet, the narrative was necessary to highlight the fact that he has cut his teeth politically, paid his dues for more than two decades and has planted seeds in both the Senatorial District and Akwa Ibom State since 1998.
He noted with delight that with the unprecedented solidarity and unity by the state lawmakers from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, the Youth Caucus and others and for God to grant him the grace to survive the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, his journey to the Senate come 2023 was divine.
Barr Enoidem announced that his Senatorial ticket come 2023 is a joint ticket with whoever the Governor will bring forth as his preferred candidate for the 2023 Governorship election, admonishing the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District to be steadfast and unite in solidarity with the Governor to produce a successor so as to achieve effective collaboration, unity of purpose and a seamless transition.
The MPM National Chairman was accompanied to the consultation by youths from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District led by the Board Chairman of Akwa Ibom Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, AKSEPWMA, Prince Ikim, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr Imoh Moffat, SSA to the Governor on Petroleum Matters, Sir Victor Etefia, former PDP Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Rt Hon Imoh Ibokette, the Chairman of Abak Local Government Area, Hon Ekerette Inyang, former Chairmen of Etim Ekpo LGA, Rt Hon Udeme Eduo, Board Chairmen and members, Special Assistants and Personal Assistants to the Governor, PDP Chapter and Ward Chairmen in the Senatorial District, amongst others.
Oruk Anam State Constituency seat has the most preferred candidate in the person of Mr. Nsidibe Essien come 2023.
Don’t ask me why? Because, Nsidibe is a man who will change the narratives of our State Constituency. He is man with style and swags, a very vocal and humble man, a God-fearing man, a youthful, strong and energetic man.
OrukAnam was yearning for a man who understands the problem of both the elderly, the women, the men, the young and the old. And, Nsidibe Essien is one.
He is a father, a husband and a friendly friend to all, a generous giver and a soft and kind-hearted man, a man who sacrifices his all for others not just to be happy but seeing them doing well in thier endeavours. Who else did we need?
Is it not a man who will never disappoint us in his representation come 2023 in the State House Assembly? Then, this cap fits him roundly.
If the unity of Oruk Anam is a matter to give a second thought, then, this mandate fits Nsidibe like a masquerades mask. If he could singlehandedly, without the backups of public funds, touched on one of the major factors that united humanity, human capacity development, by sponsoring many through his scholarship platform without the eyes of the cameras. This singular gesture has made many of the youths self dependents and well doing. It takes an intelligent man to achieve this feat.
In representation, this is the man that has what it takes. Essien is great man at all times.
Let’s come together to build the future of our Oruk Anam which our sons and daughters and the unborn would be proud of, through a man who will by God’s grace and strength represent us effectively.
Support good leadership Support effective representation Support Nsidibe Essien, and let’s make Oruk Anam state constituency better again.
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