By Grace Akpan in Uyo
"True leaders act with integrity and in doing so they establish trust. True leaders genuinely value their people and in doing so, they create loyalty. True leaders are in the business of assisting people realise their full potentials and in doing so, they inspire excellence."
- Colin Cater
(20th century Australian Prof of Agriculture & Bosurce Economics.)
It will be unimaginable not to take out time to celebrate the 2020 birthday anniversary of this phenomenal personality, a colossus that bestrides the political arena of Nigeria, right from his days in the University, as the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, and in Akwa Ibom State, as the immediate past Publicity Secretary of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Strategy.
He towers high as any true leader, with his name ringing bell across Akwa Ibom State and revibrating through the shores of Nigeria in consonance with his sterling leadership qualities and unparalleled performance in the repositioning process of the Information machinery of government, since his assumption of office on August 3, 2020.
Comrade Ini Ememobong spells integrity, hope, inspiration, motivation and selfless service to the work of God and humanity. While the media community sees and hails him as Governor Udom Emmanuel's gift to the Information sector, some others see and applaud him as a "game changer" whose positive energy has catapulted the Ministry of Information and Strategy into a tourist site of some sort, with his commendable initiatives in staff capacity development and morale booster.
The institution of the college of past Commissioners of Information, the birthday packages to staff and past Commissioners of the Ministry, the branding of the Ministry with Staff ID card straps, facemasks, pens, file jackets, new car port, umbrellas as well as the provision of state-of-the-art office furniture and lighting are legendary and commendable.
Within and outside the state, Comrade Ini Ememobong has made strategic Public Relations visits to different strata of the Press community to cultivate healthy mutually beneficial working relationship for a sustained Government/Media relationship.
Born in Use Ndon, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, 3 decades and seven years ago, Comrade Ini Ememobong, a gentleman, linguist, lawyer, public relations expert, peace advocate, conflict analyst, community development enthusiast and political Strategist, holds double Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Uyo, in (Linguistics, 2005) and (Law LL.B, 2013). He also holds a Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies from the same university (2019). The State Information Boss, whose Doctorate Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies is in view from the University of Uyo, finished from the Nigerian Law School as a Barrister at Law in 2014.
Numerous international academic certificates in his kitty, include: a Certificate in Decision Making Strategies for Leaders, from the London Business School (2019); Certificate in Advanced Communication Strategy, International School of Communication, Dubai UAE, (2019); MIT Master-class: Technology Strategy and Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2019); Certificate in Emotional Intelligence in Leadership, Harvard University Extension School (2019); Certificate in Managing Yourself and Leading Others, Harvard University (2019); Certificate in Essential Leadership, London Business School (2019); Certificate in Fundamentals of Public Relations, London School of Public Relations (2019).
Other notable certificates to his credit are: Certificate in Negotiation (Programme in Negotiation) Harvard University (2013); and Certificate in Environmental Sustainability from Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Russia (2010).
His vast experience could not have been unconnected with his wide exposure at conferences, seminars and workshops, such as: the Conference on Media, Public Affairs and Reputation Management –A Democracy: Strategies, Techniques and Perspectives (2016); Workshop on the Processes for African Peer Review Mechanism (Second Peer Review of Nigeria, 2015); Future Leaders Seminar –Nigeria Leadership Initiative (2013); and World Youth Forum, Seligeir, Russia (2010).
Over the years, Comrade Ememobong has been involved in strategic assignments including: Secretary, PDP State Congress Coordinating Committee, Akwa Ibom State, 2020; Member, PDP Presidential Campaign Organization, 2014; Member, PDP State Campaign Council, Akwa Ibom State, 2014; Member, Task Force on Akwa Ibom State University Accreditation (2013); Member, National Working Group NEPAD/African Peer Review Mechanism (2008); Member, Akwa Ibom State Anniversary Planning Committee (2013-2014); and Member, Democracy Day Celebration Planning Committee (2014-2015).
Prior to his assignment as the Publicity Secretary of the PDP, the State Information helmsman had served as a Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, Akwa Ibom State (June 2015 – May 2016); Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Matters, Akwa Ibom State (July 2013 – May 2015); Managing Partner, Justice Chambers, Uyo (from 2014); Technical Assistant on Millennium Development Goals, The Presidency, Abuja (Nov. 2012 – Dec. 2013).
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, is a Fellow, Institute of Chartered Media and Arbitrators; Fellow, Institute of Public Diplomacy Management; Member, Nigerian Bar Association; Member, Association of Professional Protocol Practitioner in Nigeria; and Associate, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
In recognition of his numerous and selfless contributions to the growth and development of the people and society, Comrade Ememobong has been recognized and awarded by reputable organizations, such as the Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary International, Eti Uwud (Good Example) Ibiono Ibom by the Traditional Rulers Council, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area; Iberedem Ndito Ufok Nwed Ibiono Ibom by the Solidarity Mathematics Project (SOMATHPS); Humanitarian Service Award bt the Rotary Club of Uyo Metropolis District 9142 Nigeria; Excellent Community Service Award by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council.
Othes are, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)Man of the Year, 2019; Distinguished Service Award by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigerian (PSN), Akwa Ibom State Branch; Award of Honour by the Ibibio Students’ Union; and Mental Health Ambassadors Award.
A Christian of the Church of Christ faith, Comrade Ini Ememobong, is happily married to Barr Sandra-emejuiwe Ini Ememobong, who he fondly calls Chi and the union is blessed with lovely children. As a divine God's project, the Information Boss, is still enjoying the love of his retired Civil Servant mother, Rosemary and the wise counselling of his father, Mkpisong Ememobong Essien.
Hon. Commissioner, we celebrate you today, as always. May God bless your new age.
Happy birthday our one-in-a-million Boss
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