By Imoh Etimudo
What is leadership? The beauty of a man’s effort in climbing a mountain is more appreciated when he gets to the mountain top. It is a vantage position to review one’s energy, priorities and strategy.
For eight years, Mr Udom Emmanuel squeezed an outsize vision into the geographical map of Akwa Ibom State where he served as governor, and years after he left office, the ripples of his good governance continue like a pebble was thrown into the lake.
From 2015 to 2023, Mr Emmanuel fired passion from all cylinders, and there was everything every sector of the economy. He got the experiment right on industrialization, and had industries sprout across the State, from land to the sea and in the air. That vision gave wings to Ibom Air, a viable subnational airline that submitted Akwa Ibom’s profile of flourish in the sky, with attendant economic boom.
It was an all-encompassing vision for the aviation sector. This incorporated the building of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and a new International Terminal Building at the Victor Attah International Airport.
He was tick on roads and infrastructure, superintending over the construction and rehabilitation of over 1500 kilometers of roads, (including dualized ones, bridges and flyover).
Perhaps, Mr Emmanuel’s most enjoyed legacy is in the area of peace and security. He was intentional about achieving sustainable peace in the State, and that feat still remains in the State.
He gave education a deserving priority. Schools were massively renovated, and equipment supplied to aid learning. That was in addition to employment of teachers and implementation of their welfare programme.
Former Governor Emmanuel effectively diagnosed the healthcare sector. He transformed moribund healthcare facilities, resuscitated and upgraded facilities from Ituk Mbang in Urian, to Ikot Abasi, Oruk Anam, Onna, Ikot Ekpene, Ikono and others to assume the status of modern healthcare facilities as general hospitals.
Mr Emmanuel translated his guiding philosophy, the Dakkada philosophy into an abiding article of faith, and ensured that reveberated in all areas of the economy. That preceded and gave birth to the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, Ikot Ada Idem in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.
In many ways, Mr Emmanuel used his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State to serve humanity. That has been his disposition in all his stations of life.
At 59, Mr Udom Emmanuel has lived a life of service to God and humanity. He ensures that the thousands who come across his path are bathed with the sunshine of smiles. A handshake with him is like touching the rose flower. The scent lingers.
Mr Emmanuel’s life is even worth celebration the more. He helps impulsively. He does that noiselessly, abhorring the blowing of his trumpet like plague.
Such is the life of a leader worthy of celebration.
Congratulations, Your Excellency!
#UdomAt49
