Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor, Moses Ekpo was bestowed with The Sun Lifetime Achievement Award for the 2020 at the Expo Convention Centre of the prestigious Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos on Saturday, October 16.
In the letter of nomination to the Deputy Governor signed by the Managing Director, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, the Sun Newpapers traced the career trajectory of Mr. Ekpo and described him as “a role model for the youths of contemporary generation”.
It noted “You started as a journalist, rose through the ranks to the pinnacle of journalism, went into public service where you distinguished yourself, showing dynamism, industry and serving without blemish.”
In this year’s event on the theme: Celebrating Excellence, 24 individuals: three State Governors, two Deputy Governors, top-notch politicians, captains of industries and a prominent military top brass who have all distinguished themselves in various areas of careers, will be conferred with different categories of the Awards.
In celebration of Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor, some high profile goodwill messages have been received from the Akwa Ibom State government, Committee of friends, the college of Commissioners, members of the National Assembly, the State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Office of the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, among others.
Meanwhile, encomiums and goodwill messages have continued to pour on Ekpo for bagging the award.
A press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Ekikere Umoh and made available to our correspondent in Uyo on Saturday reports receipt of some high profile goodwill messages from the State government, Committee of friends, the College of Commissioners, members of the National Assembly, the State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the Office of the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, among others.
Akwa Ibom Government has described the 2020 edition of the Sun Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed on the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo as well deserved.
Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Secretary to the State Government, in a statement in Uyo on Friday described Ekpo as a wise counselor and an excellent contributor to the growth and development of the state.
According to him, Ekpo is a social mobiliser, community leader and politician of impeccable loyalty.
”His inputs to the growth and development of the state have distinguished him.
”He is an icon of hope for our generation, and this award is a testimony of his commitment to development,” Ekuwem said.
In her message, Senator Akon Eyakenyi of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District described Mr. Ekpo as “a quintessence of national service and a die-hard believer in the workability of Project Nigeria,” she said.
“You have given your entire active and conscious adult life to the service of our country and served dutifully but diligently as a top rate media professional. You even at some point paid a heavy price in the course of your patriotic service to the Nigerian State,” the Senator added.
She described the Deputy Governor as “a worthy example of devotion and dedication to the service of one’s fatherland and we are proud you come from Akwa Ibom State”.
In his goodwill message, the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan described the Award as “a culmination of an overdue acknowledgement of your immense contribution to the development of our dear State in particular and nation-building in general”. He expressed the optimism that “this Award will further propel you to sacrifice more for the progress of Akwa Ibom State.”
The former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and member, House of Representatives, Hon. Onofiok Luke said the conferment of the Award was “an affirmation of your status as the doyen of public service,” adding that “in you, Akwa Ibom people have found a ceaseless source of knowledge, inspiration and experience.”
“From your days of little beginnings as a firebrand journalist with the Daily Service, the West African Pilot and Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service, to becoming the pioneer Editor of the then Nigerian Chronicle, the story of your progress and achievements would easily pass for a bestseller,” Luke noted.
Another member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aniekan Umanah in his message of goodwill said “your recognition by the Sun Newspapers is not surprising to us as a people because you have been a shining light whose professional and leadership prowess in Journalism, Public, Diplomatic, Community service and Governance have distinguished you as a committed Nigerian of unrivalled character and unparalleled achievements.
He described Mr. Ekpo as “an epitome of public service, a great stabilizer in the purposeful administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel in Akwa Ibom State,” adding that the Sun Award was an honour well-deserved.
The Permanent Secretary in his office, Mr. Nkopuruk Ekaiko in a message for the management and staff noted that “as close watchers of your unique leadership, we have come to the full appreciation that no single life dedicated to service will ever go unrewarded; and the odyssey of your life of impact speaks volumes in this respect.”
“From humble beginnings through an exciting journalism career, traversing both the diplomatic and political firmaments with great panache, you have clearly distinguished yourself as one with exemplary public service credentials,” the office stated.
The Sun’s Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a nominee who is above 70 years and “has made tremendous impact over the years in the socio-economic and political development of the country.”
