Hon. Uko Friday Umoh

Born in the serene enclave of Ikot Akpabio in Etinan Local Government Area, Hon. Uko Friday Umoh embarked on a journey of purpose and excellence. His formative years began at Cardinal Ekanem Seminary College in Uyo, culminating in a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Regional Planning from the prestigious University of Uyo. A lifelong seeker of knowledge, he has enriched his intellectual arsenal through numerous seminars, workshops, and symposia, shaping him into a man of diverse expertise and unyielding resolve.

A paragon of Ingenuity and a maestro of mobilization, Hon. Uko Umoh earned the trust of the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, who appointed him as Special Assistant on Local Media in 2015. In this pivotal role, he became a vital bridge between the government and the Fourth Estate of the Realm, a position he held with distinction until May 29, 2023.

Within the first hundred days of Governor Emmanuel’s administration, Mr. Umoh published Milestones Magazine, a laudable chronicle of the government’s achievements that garnered widespread acclaim, including commendation from the governor himself. His valedictory edition, Udom’s Legacies, offered a fitting tribute to the administration’s impactful tenure.

Breaking new ground, Hon. Uko Umoh remains the first and only Governor’s Aide on Local Media in Akwa Ibom State to organize media parleys, fostering mutual understanding between journalists and government officials. His visionary initiatives provided journalists with essential working tools and created platforms for meaningful dialogue. In 2018, he sponsored eye treatments and donated eyeglasses to journalists, extended Christmas packages to newspaper vendors, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, donated contactless sanitizing equipment to the NUJ State Council, prioritizing the safety of its members.

A trailblazer in entrepreneurship, Hon. Uko Umoh founded UK-Interbiz Resources Company and The Pulse Group of Newspapers. Through The Pulse, he has mentored numerous individuals, enabling the establishment of over fifteen newspapers across the state, cementing his legacy as the FATHER OF LOCAL MEDIA in Akwa Ibom.

As a grassroots politician, he embodies democratic ideals, channeling the dividends of governance to his people. His community projects are numerous; include the renovation of the town hall and secondary school in Ikot Akpabio. A man of the people, he is both a voice for the oppressed and a builder of bridges.

Hon. Uko Umoh also served as Transition Committee Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area, where his tenure amplified development efforts, channeling government effort to development and empowerment of the people. His leadership in the League of Newspaper Publishers in Akwa Ibom State further underscores his influence in the media landscape.

Among his numerous accolades are Torch Bearer in Print Journalism (2014), Ufan Ndito Ufok Nwed Ibibio by the Ibibio Students Union of the University of Nigeria, and Ambassador of Light by The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Uyo Field (2016).

A devout Christian, Hon. Uko Umoh is happily married to Ms. Emily Umoh, and together they are blessed with children. In his quiet moments, he finds solace in reading, writing, and traveling.