Onofiok Luke: Redefining Governance at 43
He is no less a child of providence. Attaining 43 years of age today, March 16, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Akpan Luke, Member Representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency is certainly the man of the moment for so many obvious reasons. With his unique disposition to life, the lawmaker has come a long way navigating with peacefulness, humility, caring, compassion, vision, hard-work and the fear of God. He has carved a niche for himself as an outstanding leader whose approach to handling issues remains unbeatable and enduring.
Luke, born in Nsit Ubium, Akwa Ibom State, rose from a humble background in that rural community. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2019 from one of the foremost constituencies in the country. While he was the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, he won the confidence of all segments of the people whose lives he has touched positively.
Close associates and family members would say he is never desperate for anything in life. While he acknowledges God’s Amazing Grace over his life since childhood, Luke never took it for granted that this divine grace may abound.
To this great man of faith and goodwill, compassionate in uplifting the downtrodden and resolute in entrenching peace and good governance in the state and country at large, the anniversary is, as always, people-centered and a boost to continue to serve with the fear of God and render selfless service to the country, state and humanity.
It is on record that Onofiok Luke’s penchant for the wellbeing of the people, especially the needy and downtrodden in the society, has been unequalled and a great source of strength.
In ensuring peace and good governance in spite of the nation’s security and economic challenges, he has continued to make sacrifices and work round the clock to sustain the society’s enviable peaceful atmosphere and enhance the delivery of service to the people at every level.
As an unassuming leader, Onofiok Luke is at peace with everybody; he relates and interacts with both the high and the low; he listens, tolerates, accommodates and cares; and most importantly, fears and serves God, faithfully. He never minds paying the price for peace to reign. The House of Representative member is one who delights in the joy of his people and shares in their grief as well.
Onofiok Luke also delights in addressing grey issues that are paramount to the wellbeing of the people, especially the lowly and long neglected who had hitherto been denied the dividends of democracy.
It is on record that Barr. Onofiok Luke has profusely invested in human capacity development. Luke is the first and only known public official in Nigeria to run an internship programme on legislative practices for young Nigerians. He founded The Onofiok Luke Legislative Internship Programme (TOLLIP)[8] in 2013. The programme was designed to train and mentor young Nigerians on the rudiments of law-making in line with international best practises. Interns are also coached to become economically self-reliant, social volunteers, peace advocates and conflict managers. He places the interns on monthly stipends.
The born lawmaker have all the opportunities to make wealth like other politicians but he chose to serve, speak and represent his people. He is one of the few politicians without skyscrapers in his name. His desire is to improve the well being of his people, that’s what he stands for.
As we celebrate with the people’s voice, I appreciate God‘s abundant blessings upon him and his family’s life, reflect and pray fervently for continued peace and good governance, and encourage him to hold on tightly to his sound vision to the people of Etinan/ Nsit Ibom/ Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency and to take it to the next level. Happy Birthday, My Boss. It’s truly God’s Amazing Grace.
John Ernest writes from Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
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