The nomination and presentation of the 2022 Ibom Productivity Order of Merit Award on Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Umana, by Governor Udom Emmanuel as part of activities to mark Akwa Ibom at 35 has been described as a dawn of a new era in relationship and partnership between the State Government and relevant Stakeholders crucial to the making of the Akwa Ibom our forefathers dreamt of, Dr Uduak Ukpong has declared.
Dr Ukpong noted with delight that the choice of Umana Umana by the State Government is a further demonstration of the existence of a new way of relationship between the State and critical stakeholders, devoid of party affiliation that has hindered the development of the state in the recent past.
He noted that by looking beyond the sentiment of party affiliation, the Governor has demonstrated that his administration is truly for all Akwa Ibom people, stating that the award will spur other Akwa Ibom sons and daughters to work hard in their various field of human endeavor.
He congratulated the Minister on the award, and commended his resolve and determination to restore both the NDDC and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to its original operational philosophy of strategic partnership with the various States and development partners, reiterating his believe in the ability of Umana to leave the office better than he met him within the period he will be in office.
Dr Ukpong described the award as timely, well deserved and a testimony of Umana’s track record of service delivery, excellence, hard work, selfless service and patriotism and wished both the Minister and the Governor a happy and fulfilled 35th anniversary.