AN OPEN LETTER TO CAPT. INIOBONG EDWARD EKONG (RTD), PhD. HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER FOR TRADE AND INVESTMENT, AKWA IBOM STATE

AN OPEN LETTER TO CAPT. INIOBONG EDWARD EKONG (RTD), PhD. HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER FOR TRADE AND INVESTMENT, AKWA IBOM STATE

Sir,

I write this letter today not as a politician, not as a stranger, and not as a mere observer of events in Akwa Ibom State. I write as a son of Nsit Ubium, as one who has seen your kindness to people and your community.

Sir, there are men who occupy offices, and there are men who occupy hearts. You, Captain, occupy both.

For many years, your name has been synonymous with loyalty, service, humility, and an unshakeable love for your people. And today, I have decided that silence would be an injustice. The world must hear what Nsit Ubium already knows.

A Man Who Gives Without Seeking Applause

Captain, long before political offices and titles came, you had already made a covenant with your people.

Since 2007 till this very day, you have singlehandedly borne the burden of paying the electricity bills of your community. This is not a story told by politicians. This is a testimony told by mothers, by fathers, by elders, and by children who have lived under the light you provided.

While many wealthy men build fences around their blessings, you built bridges with yours. You did not wait for government allocation. You did not wait for applause. You simply saw a need and you met it, year after year, faithfully, quietly, and consistently.

Sir, how many men in this generation can say they have carried their community on their shoulders for almost two decades without complaint? Very few. And you are chief among them.

A Father to Students and a Builder of Dreams

Your 55th birthday will forever remain a reference point in the history of Nsit Ubium.

On that day, you did not throw a lavish party for yourself alone. You chose instead to celebrate with the future. You selected fifty five students from tertiary institutions across Nigeria and gave each of them a grant to support their education.

And that day was not the end of the story, it was only the beginning. Every year from that very day, 55 students from Nsit Ubium are given scholarships from you and till this very day you have continued sponsoring and encouraging them over the years. You did not just give them money and walk away like many men do. You stayed with them. You checked on them. You lifted them when they were weak. You encouraged them when they wanted to give up. You have been a father to them in school, a father to them at home, and a father to them in life.

But beyond the money, it was your words that touched us most. You said, and I quote. “I am not doing it for any political reason. I already have a name. I am not doing this because I want to contest an election tomorrow.”

Sir, those words revealed your heart. You were not investing in votes. You were investing in destinies. Many of those students would have dropped out of school. Many would have lost hope. But because you stretched out your hand, they stayed in school. Today, many of them are graduates, many are working, many are now helping their own families. That is the true meaning of leadership.

And when you turned sixty, the whole of Akwa Ibom State rose to celebrate you. The Governor, the Deputy Governor, traditional rulers, political leaders, and ordinary citizens all gathered to honour you. They called you a man of distinguished patriotic service, of hard work, of loyalty, and of team spirit. It was not flattery. It was the truth finally spoken out loud.

The Man Who Brought Peace to Akwa Ibom

Captain, history will never forget your role in the peace we enjoy today in Akwa Ibom State.

There was a time when fear gripped our land. There was a time when insecurity, violence, and political tension threatened to tear our beautiful state apart. During the administration of His Excellency, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, there was tumult everywhere. People could not sleep peacefully at night. Elections were seen as war.

But the moment you were appointed Chief Security Adviser, the atmosphere changed.

You brought with you the discipline of the Nigerian Army, the wisdom of a father, and the fear of God. You taught us a new philosophy, a philosophy you have lived by till today. “Power comes from God, not guns.”

You told us that there is no need to fight and kill because you prefer Effiong to rule against Okon, because both are sons of Akwa Ibom. You told us that elections are not about weapons. You told us that power is given by God, not taken by violence.

And Akwa Ibom listened. From that moment, peace returned. Elections that people feared would collapse became peaceful. Communities that were divided became united. Till this very day, the peace you planted continues to bear fruit.

Sir, you are not just a former Security Adviser. You are the architect of peace in Akwa Ibom State.

A Developer of Human Beings

Captain, many leaders build roads. Many leaders build houses. Many leaders build markets. But very few leaders build human beings.

You belong to that rare category.

Around you, people grow. Around you, lives change. You do not keep your blessings to yourself. You reach out to people personally, one by one. You lift them. You mentor them. You develop them. You open doors for them that they could never have opened for themselves.

You are the true definition of human capacity development. You do not just give fish. You teach people how to fish. You do not just give money. You give vision, you give confidence, you give direction.

That is why Governor Pastor Umo Eno trusts you with the Ministry of Trade and Investment. That is why the Federal Government found you worthy to sit on the National Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board. Because they know what we have always known. wherever Captain enters, development follows. Wherever Captain enters, people are lifted.

A Man of Loyalty and Integrity

In a world where loyalty is often traded for money and position, you stood firm.

In 2019, when you were offered tempting positions and mouthwatering promises to abandon your principal, you said no. You chose loyalty over comfort. You chose principle over profit. You proved that some men cannot be bought.

That is why three Governors, Governor Akpabio, Governor Udom Emmanuel, and now Governor Umo Eno, have all trusted you. That is why you remain one of the oldest and most respected appointees in the history of Akwa Ibom State. Loyalty is your currency, and integrity is your signature.

My Prayer and Our Plea

Sir, Nsit Ubium is proud of you. Akwa Ibom is proud of you. Nigeria is proud of you. Do more please .for Nsit Ubium people so we sing your name at all time

We pray that God will continue to lift you higher and higher. As you have used your own resources, your own time, your own heart, and your own influence to carry your people, may God carry you. May your days be long. May your strength be renewed. May your name continue to open doors for generations yet unborn.

Captain, your people are looking up to you. They know your heart is large. They know your hands are open. They know you have never forgotten home, and you will never forget home.

Continue to be the father you are. Continue to be the shelter. Continue to be the pride you are.

Thank you for all you have done. Thank you for all you are still doing.

With deepest love, respect, and admiration,

Yours faithfully,

Ossom Ossom
Concerned Citizens