A former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Okon Umana, has been honoured in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, by his kinsmen.
The honouring delegation comprised Ndiya Wards One and Two Elders and stakeholders in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
They did this when they paid homage to the former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the nation’s Oil and Gas Free Zone in his Ewet Housing residence in Uyo.
Welcoming the delegation, Umana lauded the team for the honour bestowed on him despite their political differences.
Umana, who once served as the state Commissioner for Finance and later as the Secretary to the State Government, used the opportunity to emphasise the need for politicians to empower their constituents with various skills instead of throwing money for people to scamper.
He advised that those blessed by God should pull their resources together to transform lives and the society by extension.
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The 2015 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State said to empower people is an investment from which one expects returns in the future.
He frowned at the practice of running down the leaders and urged those engaged in such acts to desist forthwith.
Leader of the group, Captain Iniobong Ekong (retd), informed their host that they were in his domain to honour and share their common bonds as brothers from the same ward in Nsit Ubium.
Ekong, who is the immediate past Commissioner for Lands in Akwa Ibom State, expressed delight at the warm reception accorded them by Umana, stressing that they decided to honour the elder statesman as a sign of respect to him for what he did for his people while in power.
Also speaking, a one-time Personal Assistant to Umana, Inyang Unya, remarked that his boss, through his actions and words, has debunked claims held against him by critics who alleged that he is not approachable and does not lend a helping hand to those in need.
Unya charged the people of Ndiya to position themselves well for things to come, adding that Umana himself is not relenting.
Another speaker, Inyang Anyang, said with the visit relationship and legacy has transcended party politics.
In his speech, Nsidibe Udoakpan, lauded Umana for being the torchbearer for Ndiya people, especially for bringing Captain Iniobong Ekong into the limelight of politics.
He was particularly excited that Umana facilitated the employment of not less than 15 people into management positions in the Oil and Gas Free Zone.
Udoakpan added that their decision to visit Obong Umana was unanimous when considering his contributions to the development of Ndiya.
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