A’Ibom Gets New SSG

Gov. Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State has appointed Mr Udom Emmanuel as the new Secretary to the State Government.

A statement in Uyo on Wednesday, issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Aniekan Umanah, said Emmanuel would replace Obong Umana Okon Umana in the position.

Emmanuel, who has been executive director of Zenith Bank plc, hails from Onna Local Government Area. He has versed experience in the financial sector, including working as non-executive director, Africa Finance Corporation since 2008 and director, Nigerian Inter-bank Settlement Systems since 2009.

He was also non-executive director, Zenith Bank, UK, Zenith Bank- Gambia; Zenith Bank – Sierra Leone; Zenith Insurance; Zenith Pensions and Custodian; Zenith Securities; Zenith Trustees and Zenith Registrars.

Emmanuel also worked in various blue-chip organisations, such as Price Water House and Diamond Bank Plc, the statement said.

It described the appointee as “a corporate strategist and an experienced private sector player”.

The government commended Umana, who served in that capacity from May 2007 to July 30, for his dedication and contributions to the uncommon transformation of the state.

The governor described Umana as a brother and a friend, who “displayed exceptional competence in the discharge of his duties” in the last six years and wished him success in his future endeavours.