Former Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State turned 60 on Saturday, 11 July, at the Redemed Christian Church of God's monthly Holy Ghost Service in Lagos, where he was surprised by friends who learned to plan better to honour him after years of his avoiding birthday celebrations.
The former governor, a corporate technocrat, chartered accountant, and former Zenith Bank executive, contested and won the Akwa Ibom governorship election in 2015 under the PDP and secured re-election in 2019. His administration is credited with driving Akwa Ibom's economic reforms and industrialisation.
Governor Umo Eno also sent birthday wishes to his predecessor, who has remained in the PDP despite Governor Eno's defection to the APC last year. Mr Emmanuel has maintained a long-lasting relationship with several members of his former administration and political associates, who have continued to identify with him despite changes in political affiliations.
Former Commissioner Ememobong, who served under Mr Emmanuel, praised him as a 'disciplined leader, mentor and statesman whose influence continues to resonate beyond his eight-year tenure.' He described how close associates successfully surprised the former governor with an early birthday celebration after years of his avoiding such events.
Mr Ememobong said that the former governor has a tradition of leaving town before his birthdays to escape celebrations and that the surprise plan succeeded when organisers took advantage of Mr Emmanuel's regular attendance at the monthly Holy Ghost Service of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Lagos before surprising him at his residence the following morning.
Other dignitaries, including former media aide Aniekeme Finbarr, a former Zenith Bank executive, and several Akwa Ibom residents, took to Facebook to post birthday messages and prayers for the former governor's continued good health, long life and greater accomplishments.
Mr Finbarr described the former governor as 'a father, mentor, leader, and exceptional boss to so many.' He added that the former governor's influence continues to inspire countless people across generations, celebrating his life defined by service, excellence, integrity, compassion and visionary leadership.
Many Akwa Ibom residents described the former governor's 60th birthday as an opportunity to reflect on his years in public service and wished him God's guidance in the years ahead. His administration is credited with driving Akwa Ibom's economic reforms and industrialisation.
The celebrations came not only as personal celebrations but also as public affirmations of the former governor's enduring relationship with many members of his former administration and political associates, several of whom have continued to identify with him despite changes in political affiliations.