Know About Deputy Governor Akwa Ibom State Government

 

Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi

Distinguished Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, PhD, currently serves as the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State. A native of Mbokpu Eyo Akan in Urue-Offong/Oruko Local Government Area by birth and Oron Local Government Area by marriage, she is married to Elder Etim Eyakenyi and is blessed with five children and ten grandchildren.

Educational Background

Senator Akon Eyakenyi attended Government Primary School, Uko Uyukim, Oron, and Methodist Teacher’s Training College, Oron. She furthered her education at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Uyo, and the University of Calabar, Calabar, obtaining her First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) in 1974, Teacher’s Grade II Certificate (TCII) in 1979, Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) in 1986, Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) in 1990, Master of Education (M.Ed) in 2000, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in 2014.

Professional Career

Senator Eyakenyi began her career as an auxiliary teacher and progressed to roles such as Mistress II and I, Education Officer, and Senior Education Officer. She worked with the Cross River State Ministry of Education, Akwa Ibom State Secondary Education Board, and the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Education before retiring voluntarily from civil service.

Political Journey

Her political journey commenced in 1991 with her appointment as Supervisor for Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture, and Executive Chapter President of the Better Life Programme in Oron Local Government Area. Subsequent positions include:

• Board Member 1, Akwa Ibom State Secondary Education Board (1999)
• Commissioner for Industry, Commerce, and Tourism (2000–2005)
• Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Technical Schools Board (2013–2014)
• Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development (2014–2015)
• Chairman, Governing Council, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic (2016–2018)
• Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District (June 2019–May 2023)

She is the first female to be democratically elected as Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

Accomplishments and Recognitions

Senator Eyakenyi has held several part-time appointments both locally and internationally. She is widely traveled, having attended numerous local and international conferences, and has organized and coordinated various programs, workshops, and conferences. Her contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and honors, including the Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) from Rotary International. She is a dedicated advocate for children’s and women’s welfare, democracy, and the rule of law, and is known for her philanthropic efforts and community service.

Personal Attributes and Interests

Senator Akon Eyakenyi is a mobilizer, mentor, role model, philanthropist, and community servant. Known for her humility, loyalty, and diligence, she is a peacemaker and a pace setter. She is highly regarded for her dedication to community development and her accommodating nature. As a devoted Christian, her hobbies include reading, community development, and traveling.

Today, Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi proudly stands as the first female to be democratically elected as Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

Skills

• Leadership and Communication: Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to train, instruct, and coach while effectively solving problems in government and organizational settings.
• Task Management and Motivation: Proficient in handling a variety of tasks, liaising with, and motivating others to achieve common goals.
• Continuous Professional Development: Committed to ongoing professional development to ensure up-to-date knowledge and skills.
• Analytical and Presentation Skills: Strong analytical capabilities, with excellent presentation and report writing skills.
• Dynamic and Proactive Personality: Team-oriented and flexible, with the ability to plan, achieve targets, and meet deadlines.
• Autonomous Work and Team Leadership: Ability to work independently and direct teams daily, with expertise in budget planning and prioritizing spending.

Academic Research Works Undertaken

1. Correlates of Professional Development among Teachers in Akwa Ibom State
2. Gender & Social Class Differences in Attitudes towards Teaching among Science Students in Akwa Ibom State
3. A Comparative Study of Moral Values Held by Students in Co-Education and Single-Sex Schools in Oron Local Government Area
4. Advent and Activities of the Methodist Church in Oron Local Government

Merit Awards

• Paul Harris Fellow (Major Donor): Rotary Foundation of Rotary International
• Fellowship Award: For selfless services to Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua
• Advocate of Peace: Nigerian Peace Corps
• Ibom Pride Award of Excellence: Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (AKISAN), USA – 2019 and 2016
• Fellow Certified Facilities Manager (FCFM): Institute of Global Facilities Management, Nigeria
• Role Model to the Female Child: 6th Niger Delta Achievers Merit Award (Ndama)