Akwa Ibom Gov., Eno appoints two FTAN chieftains, Onung, Udo into executive council

[By VICTOR NZE]

Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Wednesday, appointed two chieftains of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN; Mr Nkereuwem Onung and Mrs Ime Udo, into his State Executive Council (SEC) cabinet, as Honourary Special Advisers (SAs) on Tourism.

The appointments which represent a milestone in the history of the umbrella body of tourism practitioners in the country, come barely a week after FTAN held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja, where it called for improved synergy between the public and private sectors in the regulation of the industry for its growth and development.

The AGM also provided the veritable platform for the Akwa Ibom governor to unveil a snippet of his ARISE agenda which aims to grow the tourism sector of the state.

However, on the third day of an elaborate event tagged; ‘Akwa Ibom Dialogue,’ organised by the State Government which ran from July 24 through to 27, to explain in detail the design of the ARISE agenda to the Akwa Ibom people, Governor Eno announced the appointments of both Mr Onung and Mrs Udo as his Honourary Special Adviser (SAs) on Tourism, while also handing them their official appointment letters literally right on the podium of the high-profile and well-attended summit.

The ‘Akwa Ibom Dialogue’ which began on Monday, July 24 and ran till Thursday July 27 at the Ibom Icon Hotels and Golf Resort, was organised for the governor to explain in detail the contents of his ARISE Agenda.

With facilitators drawn from across the country, the Akwa Ibom Dialogue opened last Monday with welcome remarks by the State Economic Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Uduak Inam; an opening remarks by the Chairman of the Occasion, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, as well as, Goodwill Messages from the immediate past Governor of the state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, and of course a presentation of the proposed ARISE Agenda for deliberation by the incumbent Governor Eno.

The event continued as attendees disassembled into breakout sessions, which was the crux of the matter and the most important aspect of the ‘Akwa Ibom Dialogue’ event.

Different focal areas of the ARISE Agenda were deliberated upon in technical sessions comprising competent professionals in 18 sectors, including; ICT – Dr. Frank Ekpenyong as facilitator; Health – Dr. Eno Angela Attah; Commerce, Trade, and Industry – Mrs. Affiong Ibanga; Public Sector Development and Good Governance – Prof. Akpan Ekpo; Agriculture – Prof. Okon Ansa; Infrastructure – Barr. Mfon Usoro;

Women and Children – Mrs. Idy Okoko; Environment – Prof. Comfort Etok; Housing – Dr. Richard Nyong

10. Transportation – Dr. Godwin Ntukudeh.

Others are; Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas/Solid Minerals – Mrs. Rose Eshiet; Rural Development – Mr. Gabriel Nkanang; Youth and Sports – Elder Paul Bassey; Security – Brig. Gen. Koko Essien (Rtd); Urban Renewal – Prof. Trenchard Ibia; Education – Prof. Enobong Joshua; Power – Prof. Barth Nnaji, with NATOP President, Mrs Udo handling the Tourism sector presentation.

Udo facilitated the ‘Tourism Development Initiative for Akwa Ibom State: A Critical Pathway,’ formulated by the Tourism Focus Group.

The experts took turns through the four days of the event to capture the vision of the governor in his ARISE Agenda through their various presentations.

According to the State Government, ‘Normally, the Governor would have simply said “gentlemen this and that is what we are going to do” as is the case in other states and no one would argue but for His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, leadership is not necessarily about proving how much the leader knows but a collective endeavour where the leader hones ideas, shares his intentions with the people, gets feedback, and together with them, charts a course for the future.

‘This is exactly what His Excellency is doing through the Akwa Ibom Discourse and it behooves every right thinking Akwa Ibom son and daughter to support this laudable initiative and of course the administration of His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno because the success of this administration is ultimately the success of the state as it will provide great benefits to all of us.

‘You will agree with me that the non-partisan or sentimental approach to development adopted by His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno is laudable and worth pursuing as it will leave indelible footprints on the sands of time.’

Both FTAN chieftains were presented with their letters of appointment as SAs immediately after their brilliant presentation on tourism at the Akwa Ibom Dialogue.

Recounting her experience, Mrs Ime, who also doubles as the National President of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and Financial Secretary of FTAN, said she was overwhelmed by the honour accorded her by Governor Eno.

“Today (Wednesday) is a day we will NOT forget in a hurry. Our presentation was top notch and well delivered. We got a loud ovation from the participants. Truly, everything centers on tourism and tourism is life.

“God showed up for us and made the Governor to make comments on our presentation. That comment made us have two of our leaders appointed into the State Executive Council as Honorary Special Advisers to the Governor on Tourism and Culture.

“This is a testament to the truth that if you know your Onion you can stand tall anywhere.

“I congratulate our SA’s and wish them success in their new offices. We will always join them to articulate His Excellency’s ARISE AGENDA.

“I am very confident in their abilities to deliver on the mandate given to them,” Udo recounted.