Written by Comrade Essien Henshaw

Posted by Iky ASSAM Jnr., Lagos


It was former First Lady of the United States, Eleanor Rosalynn Carter, who famously said, ‘A leader takes people where they want to go. A GREAT leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.’ Indeed, the sentiments expressed by the wife of former President Jimmy Carter strike a chord with the leadership style of Obong (Hon.) Uko Umoh, the Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State.

Since assuming office just three months ago (in December 2023), this former Newspaper Publisher turned politician, famously known as ‘Uko Biafra‘ among close friends and political associates, has begun reshaping grassroots leadership, sparking positive change, and attracting commendations and eulogies across political party lines in all the 12 wards of Etinan.

One of the hallmark initiatives of his tenure thus far is his unwavering commitment to tackling unemployment among the youth of Etinan. Recognizing the pressing need for job opportunities, Hon. Umoh has embarked on a proactive job hunt in federal establishments in Abuja, the Nation’s capital, specifically for the Iman Ibom people who are currently unemployed.

In a recent meeting with the Special Assistant to the Minister of Interior on Communication and Strategy, Engr Uwakmfon Michael, himself an Iman Ibom son, Hon. Umoh passionately expressed his vision for human capacity development and employment for sons and daughters of Etinan. He emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for all deserving indigenes, irrespective of their family background, religion, or political affiliations.

Obong Umoh was quoted as saying, “I do not have anybody in mind; all I know is that any Etinan person who merits an opportunity should be given a chance.”

Central to his strategy is the establishment of registration points where graduates from Etinan local government can submit their qualifications and areas of specialization. This initiative will create a comprehensive database of unemployed youths, allowing Hon. Umoh to easily connect them with employment opportunities at both state and federal levels.

Engr Uwakmfon Michael, the SA to the Hon. Minister, was reported to have expressed his delight at the proactive measures taken by his Chairman and pledged full support in ensuring that qualified indigenes of their local government area are given priority in any job opportunities within the ministry.

Indeed, Hon. Umoh’s commitment to alleviating poverty and empowering Iman Ibom extends beyond job creation. He has taken concrete steps by launching a committee to address the challenges posed by abandoned government structures including electric transformers, public water and other amenities within the local government area, demonstrating a holistic approach to grassroots development. It seems that Uko Biafra is closely following in the footsteps of Governor Umo Eno, who is on the verge of establishing the State’s Infrastructure and Assets Management Agency to repair and maintain all government-owned buildings, roads, equipment, and land.

In just three months in office, Obong Uko Umoh has proven beyond words that he was ready for service. He has connected the Local Government Council Secretariat to the national grid, which was facing blackout for over a decade, initiated road grading across the 64 gazetted villages in Etinan, made massive investments in education, agriculture, and sports. What’s more, he has been incredibly accessible to his people, even at odd hours, mingling with them and demystifying the office of chairman.

In view of the above and more, many stakeholders, including the supervisors in the local government, have unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Hon. Uko Umoh for changing the narrative of grassroots leadership in Etinan. They express their determination to work with him to support the ARISE agenda of Governor Umo Eno.

In the words of John C. Maxwell, ‘Good leaders know the way, go the way, and show the way.’ Obong (Hon.) Uko Umoh exemplifies this sentiment, embodying the transformative power of servant leadership and dedicating himself wholeheartedly to the betterment of Iman Ibom. In just 3 months, Etinan is not just witnessing change; it is on the path to Eldorado, embracing a future filled with promise and opportunity under a servant leader who is leading the way to prosperity and progress.