ALUKO: That Essien Udim may work for all
A peep into the rising and intimidating profile of the new Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Council reveals his passion, commitment and readiness to serve the interest of the grassroots people.
Redemption Mission
On 7th December, 2020, a new chapter will open in Essien Udim Local Government Area with the swearing in of the new executives of the council. Of particular interest will be the swearing in of the man behind the new dawn. His name: Anthony Luke Udoh, nicknamed ALUKO by friends and admirers.
His campaign slogan christened ‘Redemption 2020’ exemplifies his passion to cause a rebirth in the troubled local government. ALUKO’s is redemption mission includes lifting the Essien Udim out of social unrest, youth restiveness and criminality. Many believe “he has come to redeem the Youths of Essien Udim from UnemploymentI”. The key question is: Is ALUKO equal to the task? Who is the man behind Essien Udim redemption mission?
A peep into his antecedence, pedigree and background reveals that Essien Udim people, especially the youths, are in for better service delivery.
The Man ALUKO:
Born on 3rd March, 1971, Anthony Luke Udoh hails from Ikot Uko Etor, Okon Clan. ALUKO has developed himself into a dependable personality, with functional teamwork spirit, able to maximize output through available resources for the good of the grassroots people, with little or no supervision and this makes him a perfect fit for the Essien Udim top job.
ALUKO’s qualifications/educational fact-sheet:
From all indications, ALUKOd is a lover of education. In fact, his vision is to become a university lecturer.
-Ph. D (International Relations) – In View- University of Uyo, Uyo
-M.Sc (International Relations) – 2019- University of Uyo, Uyo
-B. Sc (Political Science & Public Admin.) – 2015-University of Uyo, Uyo
-GCE (Ordinary Level) – 1990- Federal School of Arts & Science, Aba, Abia State
-WASSCE (Ordinary Level) – 2005- Comprehensive Secondary School, Ukpom, Ikono.
-WASSCE (Ordinary Level) – 1987- Queen of Apostles Seminary, Abak.
-First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) – 1982-St. Joseph Catholic School Okon, Essien Udim.
Political Career:
ALUKO’s political career and experience is an indication that he has been duly groomed for the top job. His political career predated 1998 when he became Secretary General, National Association of Essien Udim Students (Worldwide) between 1998 and 1999. In 2003, ALUKO was appointed Personal Assistant to the Transition Committee Chairman, Essien Udim Local Government Council, a position he held till 2004 when he emerged Special Adviser on Security to Essien Udim Local Government Council.
Between 2008 and 2015 ALUKO was the Supervisor for Works, Transport, Housing and Urban Renewal in Essien Udim Local Government Council after serving as the Personal Assistant to the Chief of Staff to Akwa Ibom State Governor. He used the position to ensure infrastructural development in the council, supervising the construction of Godswill Akpabio Unity Hall and Ekaette Uloma Akpabio Council Secretariat.
He has been member, Transition Committee, Essien Udim Local Government Council (In-charge of Education, Youths and Sports)-2011 – 2012; Secretary, Essien Udim Local Government Council, Akwa Ibom State, June, 2015 – December, 2015, where he was elevated to the Personal Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel between 2015 and 2019.
Socio-political attainments:
A closer look at ALUKO’s socio-political attainments explain why is passion is for the grassroots and the youth. He has been youth and grassroots mobiliser and strategist all his life.
It all started in 2005 when ALUKO emerged the Chapter Chairman, Essien Udim Youth Caucus, position he held till 2015 when he was elevated to the office of the Deputy State Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Youth Caucus from 2016 till date.
During these times ALUKO was also holding other strategic and coordinating offices including PDP – Essien Udim Chapter between 2007 and 2015; Chapter Coordinator, G – 31 for 1, 2006 – 2015, Essien Udim Chapter; Chapter Coordinator, Akwa Ibom Peoples Forum (AKPF), 2006 – 2015, Essien Udim Chapter; Youth Leader, Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliance (ACA) Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District from 2014 –till date.
Passion for the People:
ALUKO has used these positions to help people from all walks of life, especially Essien Udim youths to secure jobs, sponsoring students in schools and empowering a host of other people even outside Essien Udim. His desire is to give all in Essien Udim a sense of belonging by ensuring the grassroots administration works in their favour.
It is easy to explain why he remains the people’s choice even after the local government election. As the new local government administration kicks off in earnest on Monday, 7th December, 2020, the euphoria that greets the emergence of Athony Luke Udoh will continue to linger in the minds of the people as he sets out to make Essien Udim work for all. Many would say ALUKO is the chairman of all people, tested and trusted.
