COLUMNIST
EMEM BOB: Fulfilling Destiny in Service!
EMEM BOB: Fulfilling Destiny in Service!
By Koko Udonquak
In a small and sleepy village of Mkpaeto in Oniong West Ward 1, ONNA Local Government Area, a child destined for greatness was born over five decades ago. Today, September 1, offers another opportunity to celebrate the birthday of this child who has grown up to become a gentleman whose midas touch is being felt everywhere he goes. He is Mr. Emem Almond Bob, the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Akwa Ibom State. In 2022, when fate through the instrumentality of former Governor Udom Emmanuel beckoned on him to serve, little did he know that his foray into public service was a call to fulfill destiny.
Few years down the line, this ONNA born financial czar has not just justified the confidence reposed in him by his former boss, but he has leaped higher, delivering on every assignment entrusted in his care by his current boss and leader, Governor Umo Eno. It suffices to say that this Mkpaeto pride has shown capacity, gained trust, and more responsibilities are assigned to him on daily basis.
Honourable Emem Bob isn’t a man of many words, his penchant is action. This action is seen in timely delivery of his mandate as Commissioner in line with the ARISE Agenda. Bob, executes his work exceptionally with a touch of finesse, gusto, and a calm sense of responsibility. From his days in the Ministry of Economic Development, to his current roles in Finance and Special Duties/ Ibom Deep Seaport, he has consistently exuded hands-on brilliance that has stood him out from the crowd.
The timely preparation and submission of the State Capital Budget, production of the 2023–2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), publication of the 2019–2021 Statistical Year Books for Akwa Ibom State and coordination, supervision, and monitoring of the implementation and disbursement of various phases of the AK-CARES program are some his achievements while serving in the Ministry of Economic Development and Planning.
As a mentee, I have been at a vantage position to see and understudy a man whose loyalty and success is tied only to the overall success of his boss, the Governor. Of course, he didn’t mince words when upon assuming duty as Finance Commissioner, he said, “I am here to serve my boss the Governor. My job as the Commissioner for Finance is to ensure that the ARISE Agenda is financed to the later. In achieving this, we must close loopholes, block leakages and make sure we up our internally generated revenue.”
In few months, Bob’s words came alive as the Commissioner for Information, Honourable Aniekan Umanah, announced to Akwa Ibom people after the July 2025 Exco meeting. “The Executive Council, as a follow up to the presentation by the Ministry of Finance, deliberated on the report on Harmonization of the IGR Treasury Single Account (TSA) and approved the formal adoption of the TSA Policy to enhance revenue efficiency, block leakages and promote transparency. The TSA platform, Akwaremit, alongside the State Land management platform, AkwaGIS, are scheduled for official launch soon.”
With the adoption and approval of this framework in the management of resources accrued to the state government, it is heartwarming to note that Emem Bob’s innovative approach in the Ministry of Finance with the full support of his boss the Governor, is bringing about transparent and prudent management of IGR in the state. Also, with the absolute support of his boss, Governor Umo Eno, Honourable Bob has through his ministry supervised the prompt payment of salaries, pensions and backlog of gratuities as well as the monthly representation of the State in FAAC to ensure earnings of Akwa Ibom State come in on time.
In the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, this soft-spoken consummate gentleman, has steadied the ship since being drafted in by the Governor in a supervisory capacity. He has not only ensured that all projects supervised by the ministry go on smoothly, Bob has consistently charged members of staff of the ministry to always give their best and ensure timely delivery of projects in line with the ARISE Agenda. From his first day in the office, he showed a great deal of project management skills and capacity, and has led from the front at all times. Frequent sites inspection to see things first-hand and constant engagements with contractors and engineers, are testaments to his unbridled commitment to tasks delivery.
Back home in ONNA, Emem Bob, the astute professional in politics, is a shining example of an emerging political juggernaut. He is galvanizing massive support for his boss’ and the President’s reelection in 2027. From being the very first public office holder from ONNA to openly profess his movement with the Governor to the progressive family at a time when many were murmuring in low tones, he has gone ahead to mobilize massive support from his base for the APC. At different fora, Bob has consistently prioritized the Governor’s reelection over anything else. He preaches the need for ONNA to queue behind the Governor as he takes the state to the center ably led President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Believing in the Chinese proverb that says, “Give a man a fish and feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime,” he has consistently empowered his people with economic lifelines which are too numerous to mention. Recently, he rolled out another batch of training program in high-demand skills for 50 youths of ONNA local government area. Upon completion, these youths, he has assured, would be empowered with grants and equipments to start their businesses.
Additionally, due to his love and passion for education, Mr Emem Bob in 2024 initiated an Education Trust Fund for indigent students of ONNA in tertiary institutions across the state. In just over a year of existence, this scheme supervised by no other personality than a distinguished Communication Scholar, Professor Charles Obot of the University of Uyo, has provided succour to many students who probably would have lost their studentship due to lack of payment of fees. Bob does not only ensures timely release of funds to cater for these students’, he follows it up by ensuring that they are well kited to study and graduate on time.
Women are not left out of Emen Bob’s humane service. With the support of his dear wife, Iniobong, he frequently hosts ONNA women and provides them with business grants. He also identifies with them by using every available means for empowerment. A case in point is the 2025 ONNA Women’s Day Celebration, an event the Finance Commissioner served as the Chairman on the Occasion.
As I celebrate the remarkable life of a gentleman who is fulfilling his destiny in service, I can only pray to God for more grace on him to continue his rising trajectory of discharging selfless service to his people. I also specially thank the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno for identifying this man of goodwill to serve in his cabinet at this point in history. Your Excellency, history will be kind to you sir!
To you my leader and mentor, I pen this tribute as a mark of loyalty, admiration and love; wishing you a rewarding 2025 birthday celebration, even as I charge you not to be distracted in your service to the people. Your good work will continually speak for you sir. Happy birthday our handsome Honourable Commissioner. Congratulations!
Koko Udonquak, a development Journalist, writes from Afaha Ikot Akpan Nkpe, ONNA LGA.
