Udom Emmanuel, immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, has been described as “a visionary leader whose dynamic career has left an indelible mark on the state during his political stewardship between 2015 and 2023.”
“His governance style, emphasised peace, and security, creating a conducive environment for business and tourism,” organisers of the Igbere 2024 Leadership Excellence Awards (LEA) stated over the weekend while conferring an award of overall Man of the Year, on him at the Nigerian Airforce Base, Banquet Hall, Abuja.
Also applauded were other winners in other categories, such as Lifetime Achievement in Public Service on former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi; Women Leader of the Year on Senator Uche Ekunife, and Dame Adaora Umeoji, GMD / CEO of Zenith Bank, as Woman of the Year.
Others included the Akwa Ibom federal lawmaker representing Ikono/Ini, Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong -Udo, who was honoured as the House of Representatives member of the year; Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the president on School Feeding Programme, got the Social Welfare Icon of the Year, while veteran broadcaster, Cyril Stober and veteran Nollywood actress, Patience Ozokwor got a Lifetime Achievement Award in journalism and entertainment respectively.
However, Emmanuel, who was represented by the House of Representatives member, Hon. Ime Okon was also commended for his continued “focus on expanding the state’s industrial and economic base, making Akwa Ibom a model for sustainable development.”
Receiving the award on behalf of Mr Emmanuel, Hon. Okon thanked the organisers for the award, emphasising that “whether in public or private practice, Mr Emmanuel remains committed to continually contributing immensely to the development of the country.”
Hon. Okon, flanked by former national publicity secretary, PDP, Kola Olagbondiyan, an Economic Development Consultant, Dr Victor Adoji, former media aides of the former Governor Dr Essien Ndueso and Engr. Solomon Eyo, and Otuekong Franklin Isong, a civil rights activist, said, “Our leader did very well during his tour of duty in Akwa Ibom and is still doing well, and I’m sure this award will spur him to even greater heights.”
The keynote speaker on the occasion, former Governor of Ogun State Chief Olusegun Osogba, represented by the SSA to the President on Media, Tunde Rahman, commended the organisers’ efforts in recognising the achievements of the awardees and congratulated the award winners.
He urged others to exhibit tenacity and patriotism in their dealings to stand out and be celebrated.
The proprietor of Igbere TV, Mr Emeh James Anyalekwa, said the award ceremony is the 6th in the series and “seeks to recognise outstanding individuals and celebrate the spirit of leadership that drives positive change, inspires hope and builds bridges in our communities and beyond.”
“The Leadership Excellence Awards was founded with a profound vision to shine a light on leaders who embody integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to service,” Mr Emeh said.
Also speaking, Representative Emmanuel Ukpong Udo, accompanied by his wife, thanked the people for finding him fit for the award and also thanked his constituents for the platform to serve.
Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, represented by their wife, Judith, Senator Ekwunife, and other awardees, also thanked Nigerians for supporting them in public service.
