By Kabiru Haruna (AD Press, FME)
Years after my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) experience in Akwa Ibom State, fate once again led me back to the land of promise. I had served in Onna Local Government Area, a vibrant community rich in culture, warmth, and unforgettable culinary delights. It was there that I first fell in love with Akwa Ibom – so much so that I fondly dubbed it “The Land of Corpers.” The people were generous, the environment welcoming, and the meals — especially Editan and Afang soup — were unforgettable.
Recently, I had the rare privilege of meeting one of Akwa Ibom’s most distinguished sons, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, the Honourable Commissioner for Education. He is not just a government official, but also a renowned professor of military history, a scholar whose intellectual depth is matched only by his humility and charisma.
Upon our encounter, I greeted him in Ibibio using the phrases I had learned during my service year — “Amesiere,” “Abadie,” “Nkuk yiba,” and “Ememe.” To my delight, he smiled and responded, “You tried.” Those words, simple yet warm, instantly bridged the gap of years and geography.
What struck me most was Professor Umoh’s youthful energy, gentle wisdom, and approachable personality. Despite his stature and responsibilities, he welcomed me into conversation with sincerity and openness. He is both a man of letters and a man of the people — a rare combination in today’s world.
His versatility and ability to connect with people across social and cultural lines are a testament to his leadership. He embodies the true spirit of Akwa Ibom: generous, enlightened, and progressive.
Meeting Professor Umoh reminded me of why I once crowned Akwa Ibom as the Land of Corpers. It’s a place where the future is not just imagined but actively shaped by visionary individuals like him.
As Commissioner for Education, he is poised to leave an indelible mark on the state’s academic landscape. With his background in military history and a mind sharpened by scholarship, Professor Umoh brings strategic insight and disciplined leadership to the crucial task of transforming education in Akwa Ibom.
In a world yearning for sincere and service-driven leadership, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh stands as a beacon of hope — a scholar, a statesman, and a symbol of Akwa Ibom’s enduring promise.