Sir Monday Uko: A catalyst in sports development

BY CLETUS UDOH

Indeed, there is no such compendium, no such experience upon which men may rely to explain the most impactful personality enough to march the person of Sir Monday Ebong Uko, the immediate past commissioner for Sports in Akwa Ibom State.

It could be difficult still, to comprehend yet seemingly simple to understand the complexities that is the person and character of this unassuming, soft spoken, transformational leader and quiet achiever, honourable (sir) Monday Uko, whose attainment in the extremes of leadership experiences, has singled him out for excellence and beneficial stewardship.

Born into a humble background of Ikpe Usung Ita village in Obot Akara Local Government Area more than four decades ago, his childhood was enhanced by sound upbringing, tolerance, hardwork and zeal for service.

These virtues and strong desire to serve his people manifested in 1991, when he served as a councillor in Obot Akara Local Government and later the Executive Chairman of the council between 2003 -2007 with credible leadership.

His inspiring leadership, which brought tenacious drive to the grassroots development with uncommon results, made him the best Local Government Chairman of the year as well as the Chairman of ALGON in Akwa Ibom State, thereby making his people proud and appreciative of his political emergence.

Ever since, this humble and pragmatic personality, has always been a shining star in the leadership capacities within his community and beyond. He raised the hope of his people, given them a sense of belonging, stabilized the polity, evolved an encompassing political strategies and empowered countless youths in the society.

From all indications, the re-appointment of Sir Ebong Uko, as the Commissioner for Sports by Governor Udom Emmanuel, was described as the best thing that has happened to the people of Akwa Ibom State, to further stimulate the needed impetus in sports development.
For a man who ran on the steam of the youths under the auspices of Obot Akara Youths Alive and Akwa Ibom Youths, looking after the interest of the young people, is sacrosanct.

Glaringly, the re-appointment of Sir Uko, must have been the Governor Udom’s acknowledgements of his past roles and contributions in expanding the frontiers of sports in the state.

Because of his desire to achieve greatness in sports, the former Akwa Ibom sports chieftain, vowed to use his position positively for the good of the people. He rather rose beyond the opinion of his contemporaries, and did those things he needed to do for the collective benefit and the good of mankind.

In a bid to sustain the encouragement of youth participation in sports and in line with the vision of Governor Udom’s administration, which is to develop sports talents of Akwa Ibom youths by taking sports back to the school, the former sports commissioner, supervised the rehabilitation and construction of Model Sports Centres in Ikot Ekpene and West Itam Secondary School, to increase youth participation in different sports using the facilities at the centres.

Under his watch, Akwa Ibom State witnessed a more organized camping and training of many athletes with facilities to meet national and continental standards. The athletes, mostly students for the first time, learnt basic skills in handball, tennis, basketball and athletics.

During his tenure, Akwa United, after three attempts, participated and won the Super Four TAF Cup in 2015, celebrating the end of the club’s poor outing, in the just concluded 2015 Continental competition.

These multiple skills acquired through the instrumentality of the former       Sports boss, has contributed to the number of bronze medals brought to the state, justifying government huge investments in sports development.

Interestingly, by these efforts, Akwa Ibom will in the next few years boast of qualified athletes capable to rake in medals for the state at international competitions.

Apparently, through a conducive arrangement provided, a number of victories have been recorded by our national team, the Super Eagles at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, the Nest of Champions.

Apart from extending the frontiers of his charity and philanthropy to many, these and applause across borders, are what make Sir Ebong Uko so endearing to the people.

The Obot Akara Youths Alive, Ndito Monty Group, coordinated by Comrade Emmaido Akpan and the entire Akwa Ibom youths, must at this instance be commended not only for their zeal and energy in joining hands to deliver Sir Uko as the Commissioner for Sports, but also for identifying with the goal and aspiration of the immediate past sports commissioner to bring in a new era of concerted sports development to youths and the people of Akwa Ibom State.

Therefore, having kept faith this far with his assigned duties, the expectations of Akwa Ibom people and the youths, in this circumstance are, more responsibilities for this great performer for the overall success of Udom’s administration.  

The people of Akwa Ibom State, have reasons to thank God, along with the youths, for the re-selection of this young and dynamic gentleman, a team player in Udom’s administration with abounding abilities, always determined to deploy his skills, experience and vigor for the service of Akwa Ibom and humanity.

Obviously, the re-appearance of Sir Monday Uko, an epitome of people’s choice and a man of integrity in the State Executive Council this time, will bring about radical socio-economic transformation in the State, culminated in a healthy political climate for the realization of Akwa Ibom project.