ENGR AKANIMO EDET: A COLOSSUS IS 61
When William Shakespeare pontificated many years ago that some people are born great, others achieve greatness, while others have greatness thrust upon them, the sage had the likes of Engr. Akanimo Ernest Effiong Edet at heart. His birth is an indication that he is a naturally born great folk. This is not to say there were no vicissitudes at the period of his birth and boyhood which worked to no avail to deny humanity this rare gift.
The story of the man, Rt. Honourable Engr. Akanimo Ernest Edet, no doubt is one described as from grass to grace by dint of hardwork, focused, perseverance, humility, honesty, integrity and above all, God’s Grace.
Akanimo, is a man of strong will and vibrant speech, of imposing purpose and simple sentiments. His character and politics have continued to please the people. He is genial, witty, unassuming and endowed with a charm that atones for his errors. Simple and unpretentious in appearance and attire, he has steadily established a reputation for political sanctity and love for our country, Nigeria and its people.
He once worked at Shell Petroleum Development Company to make ends meet hence, he has a knack for hardwork and loathes layabouts.
Thus April 18, is very historic and symbolic in the affairs of Etim Ekpo LGA and of course in his community Ekpuk Nto Ineme and Akwa Ibom State which he was the progenitor. It is such because a great son was born on that very beautiful blessed day.
A look at the development of Engr. Akanimo Edet’s character through growth, responsibility and circumstances as well as his positive impact on humanity and society, is revealing: his love to serve humanity made him quit a “lucrative” job with one of the American oil giants Shell Petroleum Development Company to accept an offer to serve as chairman, Etim Ekpo LGA in 1997 (when Etim Ekpo and Ika was one LG) for the sake of the people. By the grace of God, that decision paid off as Akanimo utilised this very well by providing succour to many people across Akwa Ibom State. Also, during his tenure, the Ika LGA was created out of Etim Ekpo and he superintended over the asset sharing between Etim Ekpo and Ika local government areas.
Akanimo has proved beyond reasonable doubt that indeed he is an asset to the people of Etim Ekpo LGA, Annang nation and Akwa Ibom State. Akanimo is very prudent and yet generous to a fault. His leadership style is worth of emulation as it has indeed become a reference by all and sundry. It is on record that he splitted the Etim Ekpo LGA into the present 10 political wards which is contiguous, accessible, compared to what was on ground.
A humble man whose humility and steadfastness has taken him to the height he has attained today. He is a man that represents and personifies a generational change from illicit wealth acquisition to prudent management of scarce resources.
Akanimo, the former lawmaker, who represented Etim Ekpo and Ika local government areas in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in 2007, was a Board Member, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is a man that believes so much in adding value to the people. Little wonder he strives so much to render assistance to everyone that comes his way.
Engr. Akanimo is a family man and Christian, who fears God and believes in keeping relationship rather than monetary gains. A bridge between the young, the old and represents one of the brightest future of Akwa Ibom politics. Engr Akanimo Ernest Effiong Edet was admitted to the prestigious University of Science and Technoogy, Port Harcourt in 1983 where be bagged the Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering in 1988. He is a registered member of Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN).
Pastor Akanimo Edet, today, we stand on a solid rock as longstanding living testimony to your past, your present and the legendary future, like a famous architect, that you are, constructing for Akwa Ibom State and humanity.
As we toast to Pastor Akanimo Edet’s continued good health and well-being, we pray that Almighty God will continue to fulfil all He has destined for him.
Happy Birthday ‘Commander.’
