Leadership Newspaper recognises Uko Umoh as Exemplar, Standout Achiever

 

Leadership Newspaper, an elite national tabloid, has recognised the Executive Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area, Hon. Uko Umoh as  2025 Exemplar.

 

The newspaper, in a special project publication in its Monday 25th August 2025 edition, named Hon. Umoh alongside five other distinguished Nigerians as Exemplars - models of excellence worth emulating. 

Personalities named as Exemplars by the publication were, the Senate Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Rufai Sani Hanga; the Chief Executive Officer, Aero Contractors Company of Nigeria Limited, Captain Ado Sanusi; the Registrar/CEO, Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria, Dr. Bashir Idris (Lifidin Jama’a).

Others are, Chairman/CEO, House of Destiny Global Services and Founder of Destiny Messengers Ministry International, Pastor Israel Olajumoke; and Chairman/CEO, Marvelous Mike Press, Engr. Akinola Michael.

According to the Newspaper, the Exemplars are “standout achievers, visionaries, innovators and leaders across business, corporate leadership, humanitarian service and every sphere of life”. 

“What sets them apart is not just their success, but the depth of the challenges they tackle and the purposeful lives they lead. They are influential, inspiring, and unmistakably high-value individuals”, the media organisation added. 

Suzan Inyang, Advert Executive with Leadership Newspaper, explained that the decision to pick Hon. Uko Umoh was based on his impact in the media circle and his extraordinary examples exhibited within his two years in office as Executive Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area.

 

“Uko has created impact in Akwa Ibom State. We want people to know about his creativity and achievements aside being a politician.

 

“We made a cursory assessment of his exploits in the media world and his achievements as local government chairman, we found him worthy to be recognised by Leadership Newspaper.” Suzan said. 

Hon. Umoh who is a media entrepreneur, grassroots mobiliser and politician, was recognised for the impact of his contributions in journalism development in Akwa Ibom State, humanitarian services, and community development. 

He founded UK-Interbiz Resources Company, and The Pulse Group of Newspapers, a media organisation where scores of journalists in Akwa Ibom State cut their eyeteeth in print journalism. 

Within two years in office as local government chairman, Hon. Uko Umoh has remodeled Etinan roundabout sit out; embarked in the construction of an ultra modern motor park to boost revenue source of the council; renovated moribund water projects in four communities; restored electricity in four communities, presented official cars to leader of Legislative Council and Secretary of Council; provided school uniforms and other educational materials for government primary schools in Etinan as well as embarked on renovation of primary health centre at Ndon Utim village and Etinan Legislative chambers among other projects.

GOVERNANCE WITH A HUMAN FACE -Obong Umana Hails Gov Eno

 

“You have approached governance with a human face. Pensioners are happy, Akwa Ibom workers are happy, business people in the State are happy with the grants and business support. Your Excellency, you’ve done well.”

That was the verdict of the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana Okon Umana, while addressing a mammoth crowd at the grand finale of Governor Umo Eno’s Town Hall Meetings with the people of Etinan Federal Constituency at Ikot Edibon, Nsit Ubium.

Describing the event as a carnival of love, validation, and endorsement, Umana said the Governor’s style of reporting back to the people across all the federal constituencies since March has further established him as accountable, transparent, and responsive to the yearnings of his people.

“The verdict from the mouths of Akwa Ibom people is clear: you have performed, you are accountable, you are transparent, and therefore, you deserve to be re-elected,” he declared to loud cheers from the gathering.

The former SSG commended Governor Eno for initiatives that have repositioned Akwa Ibom as a destination of choice, citing the ongoing upgrade of Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort, the ARISE Park project, Ibom Tropicana, and other tourism-linked ventures. He revealed that a former Minister recently confided in him about choosing Uyo for his 25th wedding anniversary celebration, describing it as proof that Akwa Ibom is now attracting attention across Nigeria.

“Most people forget that you also have projects that affect the destiny of every Akwa Ibom person. The Ibom Tower in Lagos, the hotel project in Abuja, and other strategic investments are visionary, and in the next five to six years, the results will speak well of your administration,” Umana added.

He applauded the Governor’s empowerment programmes, noting that the grants and equipment support given to traders, farmers, and MSMEs have touched lives in practical ways, while the recent farmers and traders intervention in Etinan Federal Constituency worth over ₦361 million underscored the Governor’s commitment to inclusive growth.

The event, which drew stakeholders, political leaders, and traditional rulers, witnessed endorsements from across the constituency. The political leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob, who spoke for stakeholders, affirmed that Governor Eno had performed creditably within two years and urged the people to support his continuity.

The Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, praised the Governor’s record of service, assuring him of royal fathers’ support and prayers.

“You are already celebrated as the Best Performing Governor in Nigeria. We urge you to continue so that you will win even greater honours,” the monarch declared.

Highpoint of the day was the symbolic presentation of cheques to beneficiaries by the State Chairman of the APC, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, sealing what many described as a mass movement of love and trust for Governor Umo Eno.

IKONO/INI TOWN SQUARE MEETING: Gov's Special Adviser Emmanuel Bassey Thanks Pst Eno

 

••• Dismisses Road Construction Rumours

Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative Matters, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Bassey, has applauded Governor Umo Eno for the unprecedented empowerment of 476 indigenes of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency with N239m grants, describing the gesture as proof of a people-focused government anchored on fairness and inclusivity.

Bassey, a two-time member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly from Ini, spoke with journalists and bloggers on the sidelines of Thursday’s Town Square Meeting held at the Ikono Council Secretariat, Ibiaku Ntok Okpo.

He said the empowerment, which cuts across farmers, traders, and artisans, was a clear demonstration that Governor Eno is a truly detribalised and Christ-centric leader who has chosen to stand with the vulnerable, the voiceless, and those with no godfathers.

Answering a reporter's question on whether the Governor had stopped road construction in the federal constituency, Bassey dismissed such claims as a misrepresentation of facts. He explained that major road projects are currently ongoing in Ikono/Ini, including the massive Urua Naira Road, as well as the Ukpaakon, Okpoto, and Ikpanya Road projects that cuts across his community, all handled by Hensek Integrated Services.

"The Governor never said he has ended road construction. Not at all. What he meant was that no new contracts will be awarded outside budgetary provisions, but ongoing projects across the Federal Constituency and the State are receiving attention. The Urua Naira Road alone, for instance, is a massive statement of His Excellency's commitment to our people, while the Ukpaakon, Okpoto, and Ikpanya Road projects in Ini are a direct blessing to my community and several other areas. For this and many other magnanimous acts, we remain grateful to His Excellency,” Bassey clarified.

He thanked the Governor for listening to the needs of Ikono/Ini people, as captured in the constituency’s documented requests, and assured that the gesture will never be forgotten.

On the ongoing revalidation and registration of APC membership, the Special Adviser disclosed that he had already mobilised his entire ward and supporters across Ini to revalidate their membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging to work for the re-election of Governor Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and all APC candidates.

His words: “Our leader, Governor Umo Eno has won our trust through his inclusive governance and people-oriented leadership. That is why Ini, together with Ikono, will stand firmly with him and with the APC come 2027.”

The Ini-born heavyweight politician specifically eulogized the Governor’s reliance on the digital ARISE portal for job placements and empowerment schemes, noting that it has broken barriers of patronage and ensured opportunities are based on merit and transparency.

𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗧𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗔𝗜 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗨𝘄𝗲𝗺 𝗜𝗻𝘁’𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗨𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀

Uwem International School, Uyo, the only private nursery school in Akwa Ibom running a free tuition policy across all classes, has announced the commencement of its 2025 Summer Classes with a unique package that stands out in the State.

The institution, which boasts of some of the best and most caring educationists, has introduced Artificial Intelligence lessons alongside poetry, drama, music, and other creative engagements for children.

The Summer Classes, tagged “My Summer Kids”, will run from Monday, August 25 to Friday, September 12, at the school premises, GlassWhite House, Aka-Obot Idim Road, Uyo.

According to the school management, pupils will be exposed to a wide range of activities including AI tools, book reading, poetry, drama, piano and drum play, as well as computer appreciation.

Speaking on the initiative, the Proprietress, a Canadian-based psychologist and physiotherapist, Apostle (Dr.) Uwem Abasiodu said the programme was carefully designed to blend creativity with modern learning while reducing the financial burden on parents through the free-tuition policy.

She explained: “We want to give children the best start in life. AI is shaping the world, and we believe that even at nursery level, kids can be guided to understand the basics in a fun and interactive way. More importantly, we are doing this at no cost to parents because education must remain accessible, thanks to the Akwa Ibom State government which has set the pace in this direction over the years.”

Parents who have already enrolled their wards for the programme described the approach of the school as top-notch and refreshing, noting that Uwem International School has distinguished itself within a short period.

Meanwhile, classes will hold Mondays through Fridays, from 9am to 12 noon, with management assuring that safety, discipline, and personal attention remain top priorities throughout the three-week session.

Admission for the summer programme is still open, and enquiries can be made via 09124854562 or 07026637787. Venue is; Uwem Int’l, School 

The Glass White House, Ikot Odout U-turn, Aka Nung Udoe Road.

Eteidung Asikpo Holds Maiden Solemn Assembly To Rededicate Ekpri Nsukara Offot Community To God

 

It was an explosive spiritual encounter for blessings and transformation as Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo, Village head of Ekpri Nsukara Offot in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, gathered indigenes and residents for a maiden solemn assembly in the community.

The spiritual gathering, held at the Village Town Hall on Mission Road, Ekpri Nsukara Offot, Uyo, attracted a large and enthusiastic crowd, including church leaders from different denominations domiciled within and beyond the community.

With the theme, “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts,” (Haggai 2:9), the solemn assembly featured praise and worship, choir ministration, exhortation, sermon and intercessory prayers. 

Women group 

Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo, visibly overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, stated that the solemn assembly was a divine opportunity for the community to unite in appreciation for God's innumerable blessings and to rededicate their land to the Almighty.

Eteidung Asikpo acknowledged all the indigenes and residents including the youth, women and the clerics who gathered for the spiritual renewal exercise, assuring that the village council would make this profound gathering a regular occurrence, to invoke God’s continuous divine protection, peace, unity, prosperity and wellbeing of the people and the community.

Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo and a cross session of the people

“In times past, our forebears had their ways of attracting blessings upon the land. Today, we embrace this solemn assembly as our pathway to offering sacrifices of praise, supplications and thanksgiving to God, our Creator,” he added.

The village head emphasised that when there is peace and security in the community, development is bound to occur, ensuring flourishing lives and thriving businesses. He therefore enjoined clerics and the faithful not to relent, even in their assemblies, in always committing Ekpri Nsukara Offot community into the hands of the Almighty God. 

In his power-packed message, Apostle Barak O. Ebong of the Christ Perfection Kingdom Ministry, Ekpri Nsukara Offot, commended Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo for his bold initiative in gathering his village council and the community together to commune with God in praise and thanksgiving and to also rededicate their lives and the land through supplication. 

Drawing from scriptures including Haggai 2:9; Deuteronomy 1:6-8; Micah 7:8; and Matthew 9:29, Apostle Ebong emphasised the importance of trusting God and always glorifying Him in our lives, saying that God will certainly hear the prayers of the leaders and people of Ekpri Nsukara Offot and bless them abundantly.

 

Declaring the intentions for the solemn Assembly, Comrade Morris Silas Bassey, Chairman of Ekpri Nsukara Offot Village Council asserted that the era of Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo's leadership as the Village head has brought immense peace, orderliness, unity, cooperation and development in the community.  

Comrade Silas Bassey said Ekpri Nsukara is now experiencing what the scripture says: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice (Proverbs 29:2), adding that it was therefore necessary for the community to heed the village head’s call to hold a solemn assembly as a means of attracting continuous blessings and divine guidance.

The solemn assembly, which had Elder Domingo Bassey Etim, Secretary of the Village Council as Master of ceremony and assisted by Mrs Nkereuwem Bassey, had in attendance an array of attendees including Eteidung Udeme Nnah, a friend of the Village head, Okuku of the Village, Sir Raphael Ekpe Okon, members of the Village Council, Councillors, stakeholders, youths, women, residents and senior clerics.

Ikot Ekpene Political Leader Sen. Ibokessien Hails Gov Eno on NGF Award, 2 Years of ARISE Agenda

 

Former Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate and political leader of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, has congratulated Governor Umo Eno on his emergence as Nigerian Governors’ Forum Governor of the Year 2025 and on the successful two-year evaluation of the ARISE Agenda.

Ibok Essien made the remarks yesterday in a chat with journalists shortly after the public presentation of the socio-economic impact of the ARISE Agenda held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo.

The founder of Ritman University described the twin milestones as “a clear testament to purposeful leadership, fiscal discipline and people-focused governance.” 

The Political Leader commended Governor Eno, for keeping to his inaugural pledge of subjecting his administration to periodic public appraisal, noting that such transparency not only strengthens public trust but also sets a new governance benchmark in the state.

His words: “His Excellency our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D has brought a refreshing blend of humility, competence and accountability into governance and I make bold to say that Akwa Ibomites and by extension Nigerians are proud of him.  The NGF award for instance, affirms what we already know in Akwa Ibom, that his policies are people-centred, his development model is inclusive, and his results are measurable. The ARISE Agenda is indeed, a working blueprint that is changing lives.”

The former lawmaker lauded the Governor’s emphasis on accurate data, fiscal prudence, and sectoral balance in project execution, adding that the delivery of social services, road infrastructure, housing, aviation expansion, and healthcare within two years without resorting to borrowing “reflects rare discipline in public finance management.”

He used the opportunity to urge political stakeholders and residents to rally behind the Governor in consolidating on the gains recorded so far, assuring him of his personal support and collaboration towards the realisation of the ARISE Agenda in Ikot Ekpene.

Meanwhile, the public presentation, themed “Measuring Progress, Deepening Impact”, featured a detailed review of projects and programmes executed in line with the ARISE Agenda across multiple sectors. It was attended by Ministers, legislators, traditional rulers, civil society, and representatives of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, who also presented the NGF Governor of the Year 2025 plaque to Governor Eno during the event.