In his remarks, the State commissioner for Information and strategy commended the Directorate of marketing and Brand management led by Mr Ime Uwah for not being deterred by the new normal occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic, but seeking out new, creative and innovative ways to do what needed to be done in commemoration of the Dakkada 5th anniversary. The Info boss noted that Covid-19 will soon be conquered, but moments lost because of the pandemic will never be regained. Speaking on the Dakkada 5th anniversary business and leadership awards, Ememobong celebrating exceptional performances will not only spur the awardees to greater heights, but will ultimately serve as a source of motivation to others.

Ememobong thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for initiating the Dakkada ideology, stressing that through the Ideology, a new breed of innovative, creative and hardworking Akwa Ibomites have been born.

In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Marketing and Brand Management, Mr Ime Uwah said the award series was designed to celebrate exceptional Akwa Ibomites who have imbibed the Dakkada Ideology and through it have excelled in their various fields of endeavours and have made their marks on the sands of time. Uwah thanked the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel for the Dakkada Ideology which he termed the “game changer”. He stated that since the espousal of the ideology by Governor Emmanuel, numerous Akwa Ibomites have developed a positive attitude to business and enterprise, resulting in a spike in the number of successful businesses, startups and enterprises owned and run by Akwa Ibomites. Uwah also praised the state Governor for sponsoring the entire award event while also expressing gratitude to the companies and governmental bodies that endowed the different categories of the awards.

Akwa Ibom 2023: Who Takes Over From Udom Emmanuel ?

High point of the event was the announcement of the award winners in their respective categories. Mmanti Umoh took home the top prize in the advocacy category courtesy of the Office of the Wife of the Governor, Akwa Ibom State. Other winners include John Amanam in the creativity and innovation category, sponsored by Hensek, Ekemini “Kemen” Ekerete in the professionalism category sponsored by HTG, Sifonabasi Okon in the Community service category sponsored by the ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs, while Utibe Akwa took home the top prize in entrepreneurship as endowed by Eni Stores.

All five winners took home 500,000 each courtesy of the category sponsors, while two runners up in each of the five categories went home with 50, 000 naira. Hundred other nominees will receive 20,000 naira each from the award organizers.