A’Ibom: G-35 to honour Udom Emmanuel

Dennis Udoma, Uyo

The G-35, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), comprising young professionals in Akwa Ibom State and the Diaspora, is to honour former Governor Udom Emmanuel for his eight years of meritorious service to the state.

The honour, billed for September 2024 will be spiced with a book launch chronicling the superlative performance and legacies of the former governor.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LoC), Reverend James Akpan disclosed this during a chat with newsmen in Uyo on Friday.

He added that the 300-page publication will highlight the significant projects and other achievements recorded by the former governor across the three Senatorial Districts.

According to him, “We want to celebrate former Governor Udom Emmanuel and let him know that, in his eight years he touched positively on the lives of Akwa Ibom people across the 31 LGAs.

“We are coming together to celebrate a great man and politician. We are Non – Partisan and Non-Governmental Organisation.

“We are committed to celebrating a great man who had touched the lives of fellow citizens across all sectors of the state’s economy.

“He established Ibom Air and sustained it. Today, Ibom Air is one of the leading airlines in Africa. We look at his achievements in the industrial sector, road infrastructure, education, agriculture, capacity development, entertainment, economic development and job creation for the teeming youth population.”

The group, which is also Non-Partisan stated, that there is no part of Akwa Ibom you will visit that you won’t see the footprint of Udom Emmanuel. This is why we have come together to honour him for a job well done and, this is the only point of reference to celebrate leaders who have done well in serving the people.

Udom is one governor that has showcased Akwa Ibom to the world. Akwa Ibom, today, has become a centre of attraction for both indigenes and non-indigenes the world over, he said.

Others who also spoke at the event included the LoC Secretary, Mrs Justina Udo who represented Ikot Ekpene and Uyo senatorial districts said, the event would be the mother of all celebrations for the former governor.

Mrs. Udoh stated that the developmental projects embarked upon by the former governor during his eight-year tenure cut across the nooks and crannies of the state.

“Every part of the state felt the presence and impactful leadership of former Governor Udom Emmanuel. The former governor is one of the best friends of the state in terms of appointments.

“No senatorial district was left out in appointment, and he prioritised human development, security, infrastructure, and education and also ensured that the state was marketed globally,” he said.

Market union leadership across the state and transport unions are eagerly mobilizing members towards the event, while members of the academia and top media executives are not left out.

Publicity Secretary, Mr. John Etuk corroborated the chairman saying, the event is packaged to reward excellence in public service.

“We are sending a message to political leaders that, if you do well in serving the people, you will be celebrated. Be it local government chairman or other capacities one has served diligently, would be honoured by the people.

“The greatest celebration is the honour bestowed on you by the people. This means that they are not expecting any gratification. Therefore, we will continue to celebrate our former governor, and this is going to be a three-in-one honour involving; the indigenes, non-indigenes and religious leaders.”