RACE TO HILLTOP MANSION: MICHAEL OKPO ONOFIOK

PROFILE OF MICHAEL OKPO ONOFIOK

Born on 27th August, 1966 to the prestigious Onofiok’s family of Eyo Uwe Village of Udung Uko Local Government Area, this seasoned nautical scientist and computers/information system Technologist, a real chip off the old block (his father was the first National Organizing Secretary of NCNC and later the Action Group while the mother Edak Onofiok was the women leader for Oron Federal Constituency Of NPN and the frontrunner for the creation of the present Udung Uko Local Government Area) has stepped out to lead Akwa Ibom State into an era of unprecedented transformation when the maritime sector, agriculture and industrialization shall take the front burner in the policy thrust of the state government.

Trained in the then Nautical College of Nigeria (now Maritime Academy) Oron, Michael proceeded to the United Kingdom and Egypt to get himself fully grounded in his chosen field in the Maritime sector which later took him to almost all the continents of the world where he witnessed economic and social growth pattern fashioned along the line of peculiar endowment of the different societies. This is why he believes that poor society is a society that is poorly managed.

In the course of his sojourn as marine navigator/Nautical scientist, Michael worked with the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL) as the cadet officer (1990 – 1995), Meid Farms Terminal, Coxwain (1998) and Comsor Shipping England (1998 – 1999).

On coming back to Nigeria, Michael who also holds Higher Diploma Certificate in Computer and Information Technology, a Degree in Management Information System (MIS) and certificate in Computer Engineering from the Westminster College of Computing and Engineering London, majoring in Micro Computer Assembly and repairs saw himself being beckoned upon by familiar trait: Politics.

Michael enrolled in the following institutions:

Methodist Primary School, Manse, Oron, 1972-1978 and obtained his first School leaving Certificate, St Vincent Secondary School, Oron, 1979-1984 and Community Secondary School, Oron, 1986, for his West African Examination Council, Maritime Academy, Oron, 1987-1990, as Marine Navigator, HND from Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, 1999-2002,Computer/Information Technology, BTEC from Lowestoft College of Higher Education, England, 1996-1997, Westminster college of Computing/Engineering, Piccadilly, England, 1997-1998, Specializing in Micro Computer Assembly and Repairs, Southampton Sea Training College, England (Mandatory course on Sea Safety), National Sea Training College, Gravesend, Kent. England (Mandatory course on Sea Safety) and American Liberty University, Virginia, 2012-2013, B.Sc in Management Information System.

A grassroots mobilizer per excellence with special bias for developmental programmes, innovation and transformation. Michael won an election in 2004 – 2007 to represent Udung Uko Ward 11 as a counselor, the only one on the platform of Alliance for Democracy (AD), a feat in a predominantly PDP Local Government Area.

Since then, this happily married father of four has not looked back from pressing toward the mark of higher calling politically. He has been the state chairman of AD, 2006-2007, state sampaign manager to PDP Governorship aspirants 2010, campaign coordinator to A C N Governorship candidate 2011, PPA Governorship candidate AKS in 2007. Labour part House of Assembly candidate and presently this card carrying/financial member of the PDP is the state coordinator of Goodluck/Sambo Supporters’ Club.

He is married to Mrs Uduakabasi Okpo Onofiok (Nee Uduakabasi Asuquo Nseobot) of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.

As the good people of Akwa Abasi Ibom state await Friday May 29th, 2015 which is the terminal date for the apostle of ‘uncommon transformation’ Chief (Dr) Godswill Obot Akpabio to hand over the mantle of leadership as the Governor of our dear state. This tested Mariner and ICT wizard, information management expert and a security/safety instructor on the use of explosives and small arms, with in-depth knowledge in small/medium scale and cottage industry development, with strong bias for time and precision, whose ambition is driven by an overwhelming strong inspiration has stepped out to say like the biblical Isaiah ‘here am i, send me’ (Isaiah 6:8).

Michael Onofiok is presently the chairman of a business group involving in Construction/Civil works, Maritime and Marine Services, Importation/Distribution of goods and commodities.