Leadership Retreat: A’Ibom Assemblymen Build Capacity Beyond 2023

The Evangelist
December 29, 2022
By Edet OKPO

In their efforts to drive the Akwa Ibom project beyond 2023, Members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly embarked on a two-day leadership retreat to equip themselves with the right mindset for leadership and take the development mantra and prosperity of the state to an enviable height.

The retreat, which was richly packaged by JC Quality Management Group, took place at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, from Monday, December 26 to Wednesday, December 28, 2022.

Declaring the retreat open, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, thanked the Speaker and Members for accepting to learn and for painstakingly going through the crucible for a better Akwa Ibom State.

The Governor expressed optimism that the retreat will instill in the Members a strong positive, patriotic attitude towards the development of the state and a strong commitment to financial management and sensitivity to loyalty in leadership.

He urged the Members to exude a no-excuse, responsible finishing attitude that will help push the Akwa Ibom brand to a very enviable height.

In his remarks, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, appreciated the Governor and the Akwa Ibom State Government for investing in the Members through capacity building, maintaining that the gains of the retreat, themed “Leading Akwa Ibom State Beyond Hard Times” and aimed at building and sustaining a prosperous Akwa Ibom State, will remain indelible.

The Speaker added that “the importance of the retreat cannot be overemphasized, considering the economic and financial status of our nation. It is my belief that this event will stir positive ripples in our state’s political, social and economic environment. Truly, Akwa Ibom State is positioned for the best beyond 2023.”

He further urged his colleagues to “go through all the modules of the retreat, specifically the module one, which deals on Loyalty and Finance for Non-Finance Professionals. Let’s make the impact of the retreat count and also translate into the all-round growth and development of Akwa Ibom State.”

Some of the sessions at the retreat included Challenges of Leadership in Africa, Trans-generational Leadership Mentality, Leadership Legacies, Loyalty and Leadership, Finance for Non-Finance Professionals and a practical workshop on Leadership.

The retreat, which was wrapped up with movie sessions, had Professor Vincent Anigbogu, Dr Maxwell Ubah, Dr Ike Neliaku and Dr Emeka Okengwu as speakers and the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, as the facilitator.

Honourable Members at the retreat included the Deputy Speaker, Princess Felicia Bassey; the House Leader, Sir Udo Kierian Akpan; the Chief Whip, Otuekong Emmanuel Bassey; the Deputy House Leader, Barr. Aniefiok Dennis Akpan; the Deputy Chief Whip, Otuekong Nse Essien; Elder Aniekan Uko, and Hon. Effiong Bassey.

Others were Hon. David Lawrence, Elder Mark Esset, Hon. Uduak Odudoh, Prince Idongesit Ntekpere, Hon. Asuquo Archibong, Obong Godwin Ekpo, Barr. Otobong Bob, Chief Effiong Johnson, Hon. Victor Ekwere, Dr Charity Ido, Elder Udeme Otong, Hon. Mfon Idung, Hon. Anietie Eka, Hon. Ifok Udoh, Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem, Hon. Esse Umoh and the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Mandu Umoren.