By John Ogunsemore
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has congratulated an indigene of the state, Jason Utitofon Jackson on his emergence as Mayor of Islington, United Kingdom.
This is contained in a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekeretr Udoh in Uyo on Saturday.
The governor described Jackson’s election and inauguration as Mayor of the Borough of Islington in the United Kingdom as “historic” and “a great source of pride” to Akwa Ibom.
“Mayor Jackson, an illustrious son of Akwa Ibom State, originally from Ika Local Government Area, becomes the first Nigerian-born politician to occupy the Office of Mayor of Islington since the Borough’s founding in 1900.
“His remarkable journey from his early education at the Holy Family College, Abak, to an illustrious career in public service in the United Kingdom, represents a powerful story of resilience, excellence and integrity which in the main form the critical schematics of the Akwa Ibom distinct identify,” the statement reads in part.
Eno stated, “Councillor Jason Jackson’s emergence as Mayor is a great source of pride to the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State.
“His story is an inspiring reflection of hard work, integrity, and service – values we strongly uphold as a people.
“We are confident that his leadership will continue to promote equity, innovation, and inclusion, while also serving as a source of motivation to young people across Akwa Ibom and the African diaspora to dream, aspire and achieve.
“The Government and people of Akwa Ibom State celebrate this milestone and look forward to deepening ties with global achievers of Akwa Ibom extraction, who continue to make the State proud on the global stage.”
At last anniversary of the state, Governor Eno had celebrated Mayor Ukeme Awakessien-Jeter, another Akwa Ibom -born daughter from Nsit Ibom who broke the glass-ceiling by becoming the first African American to be elected the Mayor of Upper Arlington- an affluent City in the State of Ohio, the United States in over 100 years.
“Akwa Ibom State, indeed is rising and Governor Eno, is determined to encourage, celebrate and inspire our people to continue to break glass ceilings in pursuit of excellence across professions here in our nation and on the global stage.
“Later this year, some of these bright and illustrious sons and daughters of the State will be honoured at a special night to celebrate their achievements and professional accomplishments,” the statement further reads.
“The Chairman of the Planning Committee of this special night of excellence is Mr. Udeme Ufot, MFR, easily one of Nigeria’s brand and advertising gurus, who also runs the SO&U Group,” the governor said.