Udom Emmanuel

Early Life and Background

Udom Gabriel Emmanuel was born on July 11, 1966, in Awa Iman, a serene community nestled within the Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. He hails from a family with a strong foundation in education and Christian values. His father, Elder Gabriel Nkanang Emmanuel, was a respected teacher and a devout elder in the Qua Iboe Church, instilling in young Udom a deep sense of discipline, integrity, and public service from an early age. His mother, Deaconess Mrs. Lovina Gabriel Emmanuel, also played a pivotal role in shaping his character and worldview. Growing up in a modest household, Emmanuel learned the virtues of hard work and perseverance, which would later define his illustrious career in both the private and public sectors. His early exposure to the challenges and aspirations of his community fostered a strong desire to contribute positively to societal development.

Education

Emmanuel's educational journey began at Awa Iman Primary School in his hometown, Awa Iman, Onna Local Government Area, where he received his foundational primary education. He then proceeded to Secondary Commercial School, Ikot Akpan Ishiet, also in Onna Local Government Area, where he acquired his secondary education. Demonstrating academic promise, he furthered his pre-university studies at the School of Arts and Science in Uyo, preparing him for higher education. In 1988, Udom Emmanuel successfully earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Accounting from the prestigious University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State, Nigeria. His academic pursuits did not end there; he went on to achieve significant professional qualifications. He became a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a testament to his expertise and commitment to the accounting profession. Additionally, he is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) and an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), further broadening his professional competencies in finance and management. These robust educational and professional qualifications laid a solid groundwork for his distinguished career in the financial sector.

Career

Udom Emmanuel's career trajectory began in the highly competitive financial services industry, where he rapidly distinguished himself as a astute and accomplished professional. He commenced his professional journey with Price Waterhouse Coopers (now PwC), a global professional services firm, where he honed his auditing and financial advisory skills, rising to the position of Audit Manager. This experience provided him with invaluable insights into corporate governance and financial management across various industries.

In 1996, he joined Zenith Bank Plc, one of Nigeria's largest and most respected financial institutions. Over nearly two decades, Emmanuel's exceptional talent, dedication, and leadership qualities saw him ascend through various critical roles. He served as the Group Head of Income Optimization & Financial Control, where he was instrumental in enhancing the bank's profitability and financial stability. He subsequently became a General Manager before being appointed an Executive Director in December 2007. In this capacity, he oversaw diverse portfolios, contributing significantly to the bank's strategic growth and operational efficiency. His influence extended beyond Zenith Bank's domestic operations, as he served as a Non-Executive Director on the boards of several international subsidiaries, including Zenith Bank UK, Zenith Bank-Gambian, and Zenith Bank-Sierra Leone. He also held directorships in other key financial and investment entities such as Zenith Insurance, Zenith Pensions, Zenith Securities, and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). Furthermore, he was a Director on the Board of the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBBS), playing a crucial role in the country's payment system infrastructure. Throughout his banking career, Emmanuel was renowned for his expertise in managing investment portfolios, providing financial advisory services to multinational corporations, and orchestrating successful financial restructuring initiatives.

His transition into public service began in July 2013 when he was appointed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Akwa Ibom State by the then-Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio. In this pivotal administrative role, he gained firsthand experience in governance and state administration. His impressive track record and administrative acumen quickly positioned him as a leading candidate for the gubernatorial election. In 2015, Udom Emmanuel emerged as the gubernatorial candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State. He contested and won the hotly contested election, taking office as the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State on May 29, 2015. His first term was marked by a strong focus on industrialization and infrastructure development, encapsulated by his 'Dakkada' philosophy, a call for Akwa Ibom people to 'rise to greatness'. He was overwhelmingly re-elected for a second term in March 2019, sworn in on May 29, 2019, continuing his development agenda until the completion of his tenure on May 29, 2023.

Major Achievements

As Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel's tenure was characterized by a robust and transformative agenda centered on industrialization, infrastructural development, human capital development, and economic diversification. His administration successfully established several industries, significantly boosting the state's economy and creating employment opportunities. Notable among these are a world-class Syringe Manufacturing Plant (Jingdong), a Metering Solutions Company (MKPPL), a Flour Mills company, a Coconut Oil Refinery, a Plywood factory (Kings Flour Mill), and an Automobile Assembly Plant (Anamco). These projects were central to his vision of transforming Akwa Ibom from a civil service state into an industrial hub.

In the realm of infrastructure, his administration undertook extensive road construction and rehabilitation projects, completing over 1,700 kilometers of roads and constructing 20 bridges, including a monumental 10-lane superhighway leading to the Victor Attah International Airport. He also spearheaded the construction of the iconic 21-storey Dakkada Tower, a modern smart office complex. A groundbreaking achievement was the establishment and successful operation of Ibom Air, the first state-owned commercial airline in Nigeria, which has become a major player in the country's aviation sector. He further enhanced the Victor Attah International Airport with a new, modern terminal building, the construction of a second runway, and the development of a state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility.

Healthcare received substantial attention, with the renovation and equipping of numerous general hospitals across the state, and the construction of new, specialized medical facilities, including an isolation centre during the COVID-19 pandemic. His administration upheld the policy of free and compulsory education, complementing it with the renovation of school blocks and the provision of essential learning materials. Agriculture was also prioritized through investments in food sufficiency programs, rice cultivation, cocoa development, and various livestock farming initiatives. He also initiated various youth empowerment programs, providing skills acquisition and entrepreneurial support to thousands of young people, alongside significant improvements in the state's security architecture, leading to reduced crime rates and a safer environment for residents and investors.

Personal Life

Udom Gabriel Emmanuel is happily married to Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel, a dedicated and compassionate woman who served as the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State during his governorship. Together, they are blessed with four children. Mrs. Emmanuel is known for her significant philanthropic work and advocacy through her pet project, the Family Empowerment & Youth Reorientation Path-initiative (FEYReP). FEYReP focuses on critical social issues such as women and youth empowerment, promotion of education, combating gender-based violence, and improving family welfare. Udom Emmanuel is a devout Christian and an Elder in the Qua Iboe Church, a testament to his strong faith and moral convictions. His personal life reflects his commitment to family values, community service, and spiritual principles.

Legacy

Udom Emmanuel's legacy in Akwa Ibom State is multifaceted and enduring. He is widely credited with pioneering an aggressive industrialization drive that transformed the economic landscape of the state, moving it away from over-reliance on oil revenues and civil service employment. The establishment of numerous industries and the groundbreaking creation of Ibom Air stand as indelible symbols of his vision and determination. His administration's massive investments in infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and aviation facilities, have significantly improved connectivity and opened up new avenues for economic growth and development. The 'Dakkada' philosophy he championed continues to inspire a spirit of aspiration and excellence among the people of Akwa Ibom. Furthermore, his commitment to human capital development, healthcare, and education has laid a solid foundation for future generations. Emmanuel's tenure is remembered for bringing a corporate governance approach to public administration, fostering fiscal discipline and strategic planning in the state's affairs, and leaving behind a more diversified, industrialized, and infrastructurally advanced Akwa Ibom State.