Ever since I got the shocking news, it’s been a struggle trying to accept with certainty the fact that my trusted friend is gone.
I first met Dr. Emmanuel Umoh in Houston during the 1st IPC (Ibom People’s Congress) summit in April 2004 when he approached me to introduce himself and inform me of his interest to run for the office of the national president of Akwa Ibom Association of Nigeria (USA) Inc. Considering that I have never heard of or seen him before, I was curious to know who he was. I asked him a few questions and as we walked towards his hotel room , he began to explain why he was running the office and tell me about himself. Though not completely sold on his candidacy, I continued to probe further and challenge him on his knowledge of the constitution and the association.
In August of that year in Washington DC, Emmanuel did win and become the national president while I got elected to the board of Trustees. Surprisingly, Emmanuel reached out to me and after we exchanged pleasantries he informed me that he wouldn’t have been successful if I did not drill and challenge him in Houston about his suitability. He acknowledged that my line of questioning made him go back and study the constitution and become better prepared. Emmanuel extended open invitation to me to work with his administration. I promised him my support and my first request to him was the recovery of the association’s website which had become dormant. He got this done with sense of urgency.
After I brought him up to speed regarding the activities and programs of the association, I could sense the passion and genuine interest in transforming and moving the association to the next level in him.
Emmanuel appointed me to lead the strategic committee and we began working successfully and very closely on multiple projects including but not limited to the multi- year plan, the volunteer corps initiative, 2006 national convention, sourcing corporate and agencies funding, collaboration with ANAC ( All Nigerian American Congress) and planning of Ibom People Congress summit in Akwa Ibom in September 2006 and the set up of AGI structure to mention just a few.
Over the years we developed mutual respect, trust and friendship frequently consulting with each other on variety subject matter.
Emmanuel was a devout family man, very intelligent, kind, compassionate, dedicated, visionary, inspirational and selfless leader who cared deeply about the community.
He had a good sense of humor and very contagious smile with a charming personality. Accomplished yet simple!
May the good Lord show you mercy and may you rest peacefully in the bosom of God Almighty.
Your legacy and memory will always be remembered.
Goodbye my friend.