By Hilary Owowo
Mary K. Pratt defines “Leadership as the ability of an individual or a group of people to influence and guide followers or members of an organization, society or team.” This is exactly how the leadership template of Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State operates.
He leads inclusively, giving prompt and dedicated attention to greater areas of need.
It can be recalled that he promised to do so during his campaigns for governorship in 2022-2023. He promised to offer quality leadership to Akwa Ibom people and to bring freshness into governance. It didn't take him time to prove or redeem that promise. It is only about 20 months, yet the evidence is encouraging across sectors.
It all began with the Akpan Andem market. We still remember the mess or dumpster it was fast becoming with attendant pollution and hindrance to traffic. However, like the Governor had promised those at the market as well as residents, it took him barely three months after assumption of office to actualize that promise, making the market and environs befitting for business and habitation.
For a fact, the governor made sure the clean up of Ndiya Road and the precincts of Urua Akpan Andem were concluded and delivered during his first 100days in office. His choice of contractor for the project, Hensek Integrated Services, was deliberate. He knew the company to be one that delivers. Today, the stench and traffic jam that were constant feature in the area is long gone. The market was also provided with standard facilities comprises, toilet, potable water and good waste disposal bin. The governor also empowered women in the market with some cash support. It was a sign of things to come.
That accomplished according to plan, the Governor then shifted attention to the perennial flood menace that had made Atiku Abubakar Way to be a forbidden route. Again, he was intentional in his choice of the contractor, Hensek again. Within deadline, the project sooner became a good sight to behold, a relief to residents and businesses that had vacated the area. Go to Atiku Abubakar Way and listen to testimonies and prayers for the pragmatic leader Governor Umo Eno has proven to be. Today, a first-time visitor to the State would not believe the road used to be a life-threatening flood site. This was another initial project that endeared the Governor to the people and marked him out as a man of his words. He deployed the same haste in uplifting Ikpa road by Uniuyo main gate as well as the once abandoned Urua Ekpa road.
Nor would we forget the Airport- Nsit Atai-Oron Road. One public affairs commentator had described the road as a "recycled political bait" for aspirants for the Akwa Ibom Government House for over 22 years.
To the best of my knowledge, not fewer than three contractors had hitherto been awarded the contract, yet nothing tangible came out of it. This writer had since discovered that part of the problem for the delay was the attitude of leadership, giving room for conspiracy theories by critics.
But the coming of Pastor Umo Eno changed mindsets and offered fresh narratives on how quality leadership can make a difference. In the last five months, work on that project has been unstoppable, with eye-catching design and quality material for durability. The four primary local government areas of Uruan, Nsit Atai, Okobo and Oron will now have a smooth drive to their home town and businesses along the road are already peaking. Again, for patriotically and professionally maintaining high standards, Hensek must be applauded for all it does for the Arise Agenda to succeed.
Another major projects of Governor is the Dualization of the 7.868km Ring Road III, off Idoro road opposite Stadium road, traversing Idoro parts of Uyo, Ikono and Ibiono Ibom local government areas. It will make it easier to access the Arise quarters for low-level civil servants that was launched some months ago.
The governor again fixed the deplorable state of 1.1KM access road to Goretti secondary school in Ikot Ekpene. The governor further approve the intervention of the collapsed Afia Nsit Road in Eket LGA which is today passable and workable. But please: This is not a catalogue of roads that had been constructed by the administration for they are too many to list here.
There is no doubt whatsoever that the "Golden Boy" was all out to redeem his promises. Recently, the governor hinted that there was a target of groundbreaking for 31 more projects by May 2025. While we await that, let me commend the Governor for fixing potholes in Uyo Metropolis. It might look negligible to some persons, but no one can deny the ease with which we now drive on the roads today.
Indeed, these reminiscences remind us of a postulation by Abraham Lincoln, one of America's finest leaders, that “Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today."
Expectations are still high. But we can trust the Governor to do more, in fulfilling his manifesto.
Hilary Sunday Owowo writes from Uboro-Isong-Inyang In Udunguko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.