By Tony Anichebe || Akparawa Ephraim Akparawa Inyang-Eyen, the Honorable Commissioner for Works Akwa Ibom state last weekend added another feather to his already rich cap, this time from the stable of the Daily Independent Newspapers who bestowed the prestigious 2017commissioner of the year south-south Nigeria to him.
This is not just a well-deserved honor but one that will soon open the floodgate for several high profile national and international awards/ recognition for a man who has shown unparalleled commitment, dedication and utmost zeal to ensure positive results in all his undertakings with excellent performance as Works Commissioner in Akwa Ibom state.
Akparawa Ephraim Akparawa Inyang-Eyen is a man with the mien of a warrior and the heart of a dove. At a very close observation after many months, the writer met a man who works his heart out for the benefit of the generality of Akwa Ibom people and will step on toes to clear any obstacle militating against public interest. In the same vein, you observe a man who feels another’s pain and ever ready to give a shoulder for one to lean on, in his/her days of challenges and adversities. However, he is deeply principled and uses the same yardstick for all mankind irrespective of ones standing in the society. This singular principle has brought him friends and foes in equal proportion. In the cause of discharging his duties, what Akparawa Ephraim will not give to a man because he is an ordinary citizen, will not equally get to even the most privileged in the present Government.
Over the years on the saddle as the Commissioner for Works in the state, he has brought transparency in the process of contract awards, execution, and delivery in the state. He has ensured accountability and integrity in the minute details on issues of payment of compensation to genuine property owners on the right of way in the several ongoing road projects across the state. The state in the process had been saved billions of naira.
Severally, he has jettisoned the super comfort of his tastefully furnished office and spend several hours, sometimes a whole day trekking under the scorching sun and torrential rain to ensure that for every kobo spent on a contractor, the people enjoy the value equivalent on quality project. Most times in the amidst of touring these projects sites, his heart flowing with milk of human kindness flows to people whose fortunes get instantly improved. He has great admiration for honest people and easily takes them alone as friends. He abhors laziness and incompetence in all ramifications. He has a knack for positive results and never takes excuses from subordinates for failure to deliver on assigned duties.
Akparawa Ephraim Inyang- eyen has the interest and the success of Governor Udom Emmanuel at heart like a true Christian will carry the words of God. He loves the Governor, he works for the governor and he believes in Governor Emmanuel. When he speaks, he brings to fore the thoughts of the Governor, and he has perfectly interpreted his visions in infrastructural development(roads) in the state to the admiration of the people. Ephraim Inyang-eyen is a very blunt person, he calls a spade by his name unlike an average politician, he never makes vain promises, his words are his bond. He abhors crafty and dishonest people and hardly gives them any space in his life. Unfortunately, to those who knew him from a distance, he is brash and arrogant but beyond that façade is a Great Man after God’s heart. A caring father, a pastor of the Most High GOD and a man severally described as GOD’S hand in the affairs of Men. When the NUJ bestowed the Award of the Grand Patron south south zone on him, great applause trailed that decision and today, the union is better off with him on the coveted seat. His breeze is already blowing across the zone.