A group of professionals in Akwa Ibom, under the aegies G35, has concluded plans to honour the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for what it called his many achievements while in office.
Accordingly, the group is instituting a maiden lecture in September to celebrate the former Governor as well as launch a magazine to espouse his landmark infrastructural accomplishments in the eight years of his administration.
Leader of the G53, Mr. James Akpan, who disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Friday, explained that professionals in the state cannot afford to ignore the enormous contributions of leaders in the state.
Akpan stated that ex-Governor Emmanuel recorded numerous achievements in the areas of infrastructure, human capital empowerment, especially in the aviation sector as exemplified in the birth of Ibom Air.
He said, “It is very important that a man who has done excellently well on human capital empowerment, infrastructural development, securing the lives of the state for 8 years must be celebrated after leaving office.
“Udom Emmanuel’s achievements has endeared him to the people. He created strategies for the state to be among the top development states in the country and beyond.
“He started Ibom Air that has become a strong brand today, transited very peacefully to another without violence as was recorded In many places.
“Udom built institutions, people, and upheld the values of our the state into enviable heights. We cannot continue to ignore our leaders when they leave their office. The practice must stop because it would encourage incoming leaders to do more for us. We are breaking the record.
“We are hosting the former governor and also instituting Udom Emmanuel’s first annual lecture on sustainable leadership with the launching of a magazine of his achievements in 8 years”.
Akpan said that the annual lecture will be sponsored by the G35 as a way of setting the pace to promote good leadership in Akwa Ibom state and beyond.
“We are committed to promoting leadership in the state and beyond. Our people’s achievements around the world must be celebrated. The programme is slated for September 2024 , everything is ready and cultural and carnivals will be displayed.
“We will showcase the Akwa Ibom spirit of love unity and togetherness because udom Emmanuel’s is a unifier. His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno will be invited as the special guest of Honour as we are ready to celebrate the great son of Akwa Ibom who did us proud”, the statement added.
