Comrade Ini Ememobong Essien is the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Information and Strategy. He hails from Use Ndon, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.
Until his appointment as commissioner into the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council, Comrade Essien was the Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, a position he held from May 2016.
Barrister Essien holds double Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Uyo, (Linguistics, 2005) and (Law LL.B, 2013). He also holds a Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies from the same university (2019). The Comrade Commissioner, who has his Doctorate Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies in view from the University of Uyo, finished from the Nigerian Law School as a Barrister of Law in 2014.
He has a number of international academic certificates in his kitty, including Certificate in Decision Making Strategies for Leaders, from the London Business School (2019); Certificate in Advanced Communication Strategy, International School of Communication, Dubai UAE, (2019); MIT Master-class: Technology Strategy and Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2019); Certificate in Emotional Intelligence in Leadership, Harvard University Extension School (2019); Certificate in Managing Yourself and Leading Others, Harvard University (2019); Certificate in Essential Leadership, London Business School (2019); Certificate in Fundamentals of Public Relations, London School of Public Relations (2019).
As a man with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, he also holds a Certificate in Negotiation (Programme in Negotiation) Harvard University (2013); and Certificate in Environmental Sustainability from Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Russia (2010).
He has attended conferences, seminars and workshops, including the Conference on Media, Public Affairs and Reputation Management –A Democracy: Strategies, Techniques and Perspectives (2016); Workshop on the Processes for African Peer Review Mechanism (Second Peer Review of Nigeria, 2015); Future Leaders Seminar –Nigeria Leadership Initiative (2013); and World Youth Forum, Seligeir, Russia (2010).
Over the years, Comrade Essien has been involved in strategic assignments. He was Secretary, PDP State Congress Coordinating Committee, Akwa Ibom State, 2020; Member, PDP Presidential Campaign Organization, 2014; Member, PDP State Campaign Council, Akwa Ibom State, 2014; Member, Task Force on Akwa Ibom State University Accreditation (2013); Member, National Working Group NEPAD/African Peer Review Mechanism (2008); Member, Akwa Ibom State Anniversary Planning Committee (2013-2014); and Member, Democracy Day Celebration Planning Committee (2014-2015).
Before his assignment as Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Comrade Essien had served as a Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, Akwa Ibom State (June 2015 – May 2016); Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Matters, Akwa Ibom State (July 2013 – May 2015); Managing Partner, Justice Chambers, Uyo (from 2014); Technical Assistant on Millennium Development Goals, The Presidency, Abuja (Nov. 2012 – Dec. 2013).
The Commissioner is a Fellow, Institute of Chartered Media and Arbitrators; Fellow, Institute of Public Diplomacy Management; Member, Nigerian Bar Association; Member, Association of Professional Protocol Practitioner in Nigeria; and Associate, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
For his numerous and selfless contributions to the growth and development of people and society, Comrade Essien has been recognized and awarded by reputable organizations. The Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary International was awarded Eti Uwud (Good Example) Ibiono Ibom by the Traditional Rulers Council, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area; Iberedem Ndito Ufok Nwed Ibiono Ibom by the Solidarity Mathematics Project (SOMATHPS); Humanitarian Service Award bt the Rotary Club of Uyo Metropolis District 9142 Nigeria; Excellent Community Service Award by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council. Othes are, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)Man of the Year, 2019; Distinguished Service Award by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigerian (PSN), Akwa Ibom State Branch; Award of Honour by the Ibibio Students’ Union; and Mental Health Ambassadors Award.
Comrade Essien, a gentleman, linguist, lawyer, public relations expert, peace advocate, conflict analyst, community development enthusiast and political strategist is happily married with children.
