President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan early this year forwarded a list of ministerial nominees to the National Assembly for clearance. Akwa Ibom born Mrs Akon Etim Eyakenyi made it into the list whish will be his last for the final lap of his first term. She emerged as the Akwa Ibom State nominee courtesy of Governor Godswill Akpabio.
Few weeks after, the Nigerian Senate approved the name of Mrs Eyakenyi and ten others - out of the twelve ministerial nominees sent to it by the President, paving the way for the formation of a new cabinet soon.
For those who know MrsEyakenyi, her name reverberates as an industrious, humble and honest woman who has never been found wanting in any position she has been saddled with. In a country that is bedeviled with all manner of rotten politicians perpetuating every form of corruption in high places and parading themselves as our leaders, its heartwarming that a member of the womenfolk can rise up, conduct herself admirably and do things as it should be.
As she clocks 54 on Monday February 2014, it is obligatory to celebrate this great woman who has become so accepted and beloved by many that she has taken the place of the ultimate role model in the lives of many young women in Akwa ibom State. Today, more women are beginning to contemplate trying out the political terrain – all thanks her dexterity, uprightness and disciplined political life.
Eyakenyi who is the current Chairman, State Technical Schools Board in Akwa Ibom State, had her First School Leaving Certificate (F.S.L.C) from Primary School, UkoUkiyom, Oron in 1974 before attending Methodist Teacher’s Training College, Oron for Teachers Grade 11 Certificate (TC 11) from 1974 to 1979.
Her educational pursuit took her to the then University of Cross River State, where she got her Nigerian Certificate in Education (N.C.E) in 1986. In 1990, she got her Bachelor of Education (B. Ed) degree from the University of Calabar before returning to same institution for her Master of Education (M.Ed) and Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) in 2000 and 2014 respectively.
Her work experience has taken her to Yankey Resources Limited, 2005-2013 as Executive Director; Akwa Ibom State Government, 2000-2005 as Commissioner for Industry, Commerce and Tourism; State Secondary Education, Akwa Ibom State, 1999-2000 as Board Member 1; Ministry of Education, AKS, 1994-1999 as Senior Education Officer; Ministry of Education, AKS, 1993-1994 as Education Officer. She has also served in the Akwa Ibom State Secondary Education Board, 1992-1993 as Mistress 1; Akwa Ibom State Secondary Education Board 1986-1991 as Mistress 11 and was the Executive Chapter President of the Better Life Programme, Oron Local Government Council from January – November 1991. She also served as Supervisor for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture in Oron Local Government Council from January – November 1991.
She has served as member of the following Government Committees: Akwa Ibom Industrial and Investment Promotion Council (AKIIPOC), 2000-2005; State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy, 2003-2004; Central Organizing Committee for U.N.D.P Programme; AQkwa Ibom Agricultural Development Strategy (AKSEEDS); Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme Executive Committee (ADPEC).
Her impressive political career which dates back to the eighties has seen her serve in the following portfolios: Administrative Officer (In-charge of Membership Registration and Documentation) National Republican Convention (NRC), Former Oron Local Government Area Chapter (1989-1990); Founding Member, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akwa Ibom State Chapter (1998); Delegate to the PDP Yearly National Conventions; Member, PDP Central Planning Committee for Gubernatorial Election in AKWA Ibom State (which organized the election of Governor Godswill Akpabio) in 2007 and 2011 elections; Member, Helen Esuene Central Working Committee for Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District’s Election in 2011.
Some of the awards she has received in her illustrious career include: Golden Award for being a Distinguished Role Model in Destiny International Mission by Destiny Men’s Fellowship – 2000; Award of Excellence in Leadership and Community Service Development by Akwa Ibom Democratic Voice (ADV)- 2008; Award of Honour for Exemplary Life of Women Living out their Dreams by Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria – 2009; An Excellence Award in Christian Service by Vision College and Seminary – 2010; Award of Excellence in appreciation of my support and contribution towards the growth and development of Beulah International Schools, 2010; Rotary International Gold Service Award for Community Development and Women Empowerment by the Rotary Club of Calabar; Award as State Patron in appreciation of my selfless service rendered to the progress and development of our nation by United Nation Chaplaincy ; Couple of Honour Award on the occasion of the 2nd Anniversary of Women Aflame Magazine. She is also a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International.
Mrs Eyakenyi has ultimately proven that women should never be taken for granted when it comes to handling the mantle of leadership. In a society that is undoubtedly patriarchal in nature, she has succeeded in breaking the jinx that women can’t do it like the men. As she awaits her swearing-in, as minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we are confident that her journey to global attention has just begun. We are happy and rest assured that her performances while in office will remain a veritable point of reference to Akwa Ibom women.
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