Former Akwa Ibom governor crowned ‘Man of the Year’ at prestigious leadership awards

Immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, has been described as, “a visionary leader whose dynamic career has left an indelible mark in his home State, Akwa Ibom, and the country at large.”

Organizers of the Igbere 2024 Leadership Excellence Awards, reiterated this over the weekend while conferring an award of overall Man of the Year, on Mr Emmanuel at a colourful event held at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Banquet Hall, Abuja.

“His governance style, emphasized, peace, and security, creating a conducive environment for business and tourism,” the organisers stated.

The former Akwa Ibom Governor, who was represented by House of Representatives Member, Rt. Hon. Ime Okon was also commended for his continued “focus on expanding the state’s industrial and eco”nomic base, making Akwa Ibom a model for sustainable development.

Receiving the award on behalf of Mr Emmanuel, from Senator Uche Ekwunife, Hon Ime Okon, thanked the organizers for the award, emphasizing that whether in public or private practice, Mr Emmanuel remains committed to continually contributing immensely to the development of the country.

Hon. Okon who was flanked by former National PDP Publicity Secretary, 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 awards ceremony had 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, with Dame Adaora Umeoji, GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank, rewarded as woman of the year.

An Akwa Ibom Federal Lawmaker, Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong Udo, was honoured as the House of Representatives member of the year, Dr Yetunde Adeniji, SSA to the President on School Feeding Programme, got social welfare icon of the year, while Veteran Broadcaster Cyril Stober and Veteran Screen Actress, Patience Ozokwor got lifetime achievement awards in journalism and entertainment respectively.