British Statesman and leader during world war II, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill once said: "What is the use of living, if it is not to strive for noble causes and make this muddled world a better place for those who live in it even after we are gone?" Today marks the birthday of a public individual whose altruism dovetails with the above quote, and whose humane disposition has brought succour to so many families in Akwa Ibom State. She is no other than, Her Excellency Deaconess (Mrs.) Martha Udom Emmanuel, stunning mix of beauty and brains, quintessential mother, social crusader and wife of the governor of Akwa Ibom State.
Born on February 10, 1970 to the family of Prince and Prof. (Mrs.) Bernard Samson Udo Idiong of Ata Obio Akpa in Oruk Anam LGA, (she is a grand-daughter to late Samson Udodiong, a one-time paramount ruler of Oruk Anam LGA), Deaconess Emmanuel had her basic education at Jubilee Primary school Aka Offot, Uyo and attended the renowned Cornelly Cornelia College, (C.C.C.) Afaha Oku, Uyo.
The wife of the Akwa Ibom State governor holds a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Uyo. She also holds a diploma in Aquaculture from school of Oceanography and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Lagos State University. Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel is a business executive, a biochemist, and aqua-culturist with capacity to manage large commercial and mechanized fish farms, a job she has done for many years. With her foray into the public space in the last few years, this rounded-out worldview and strong pedigree have become necessary and fitting complement for her husband’s career in government.
Since taking over the helms of affairs as the First lady of the state, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel has demonstrated an unmitigated flair for touching the lives of the less fortunate in the society.
Just as the saying goes “behind every successful man is a good woman,” Mrs. Emmanuel is indeed playing her supportive role in in her husband’s drive to move the state to the next level. Right from childhood, her light of love has shone on paths of darkness for many who came across her way. But that light it would seem, has been most sparkling in her office as the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State where the beauty on her heart is unveiled and she is continuously using a thirsty sponge to mop sorrow-drenched lives. Mrs. Emmanuel has indeed lived a life that is as purposeful as it is impactful for these years.
As a mother, Mrs. Emmanuel believes that families remain the bedrock of the society, thus her pet project, Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Path-Initiative is steadily championing a state with successful families and responsible youth. Her commitment to adding value to the lives of youths across the state was recently reiterated during a one-day seminar on the theme: 'Understanding the 21st Century Responsible Akwa Ibom Youth' organized as part of activities that marked the one year anniversary of FEYReP. She noted during the event that as a mother of the state, it was her responsibility to put the Akwa Ibom youth back on track to meet the demands and responsibility of the 21st century, stating that when the youths are well informed and exposed, the future is bright for all.
Her work has impacted multiple birth children, indigent families, street children, the homeless, victims of domestic violence and several other vulnerable groups. She has in the past 20 months provided lifelines to more than 5,000 families; more than 3,000 of them through special medical interventions and about 2,000 through economic skills, equipment and business start-up grants. Another area of work where she has given meaning to lives is the shelter project, through which homeless families are given roofs over their heads. So far, 12 houses have been built and delivered to needy families across the state.
While her modest nature abhors anything that would be seen as “blowing her own trumpet”, it goes without saying that the manifold impact of her social interventions have woven a reputation that will always precede her. It is no surprise that her friend, who doubles as the coordinator of her pet project, FEYReP, Mrs. Ime Inyang, refers to the first lady as a “mother with a golden heart”. Those who are familiar with her works have rightly dubbed her ‘Eka Unwana Akwa Ibom State’ (Akwa Ibom’s Mother of Light).
With all these said, I cannot help but feel that things are certainly getting better and would get much better in the years ahead. As I celebrate this woman of excellence, I pray that God’s bountiful blessings continue to envelop her as she continues to salvage many from shackles of poverty and social disadvantage in our dear State. Happy Birthday and many happy returns to our great mother!
Koko Udonquak writes from the Press Unit, office of the wife of Governor.
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