“When you look at people who are successful, you will find that they aren’t the people who are motivated, but have consistency in their motivation,”
-Arsene Wenger.
To set the tone for this discuss, I approached the online Etymology Dictionary to seek the definition of the word ‘consistency’ from its original context. The meaning went thus, “firmness of matter” derived from Medieval Latin (1590s); ‘consistentia’ literally, “a standing together,” or directly from Latin ‘consistentem’ (norminative consistens); present participle of consistere. That is “to stand firm, take a standing position, stop or halt”.
But from 1650s, the word was defined as a “state of being in agreement or harmony” (with something) and from 1716 as meaning “steady adherence to principles, patterns of action, etc.” Amazingly, from 1787, it was interpreted further to mean “harmonious connection, as of the parts of a system”.
The people of Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo) Senatorial District have in the last five years witnessed what could be best described as the Annual End-Of-Year Empowerment Party. The 2020 edition took a whole new dimension from the previous years as a result of the second wave of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic which have claimed so many lives, left so many trapped and many more at high risk of contracting the deadly virus either due to their negligence of the safety guidelines as set by WHO, NCDC and Government Task Force or by the carelessness of others.
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Although the usual glamorous atmosphere filled with large crowds singing and dancing with joy went missing this time around but the tears of joy, the smiling faces and the dance steps of the beneficiaries of the gifts items and their friends, well-wishers and loved ones was indeed deafening. The gospel of hope and reward, once again enveloped the district. The voices lifted up in prayers must have been heard from Heaven for indeed many were blessed and many more received their blessings same time for manifestation on a later date.
As said by Khalid Imran, “When people see commitments are met with consistency, they tend to develop trust. Trust is the key to persuasion.” The Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator (Obong) Bassey Albert’s commitment to the development of his constituents is simply second to none in the history of Akwa Ibom North East (UYO) Senatorial District and Akwa Ibom State at large.
As rightly espoused Khalid Imran, Senator Albert’s developmental strides have endeared him to his people and many others. One can therefore tie the people’s oriented Senator’s commitment to repositioning the senatorial district to the trust and confidence reposed on him by the people.
Few months into the outgone year (2020) came the outbreak of coronavirus which saw the Leader of the Akwa Ibom Caucus in the National Assembly, Senator OBA donate over 1000 BPEs to Medical Personnel and members of the public to help in the fight against the dreaded disease and the disbursements of cash, food items and relief materials to cushion the effects of the lockdown, occasioned by the outbreak.
Also in 2020, about 381 students benefitted from Senator OBA’s Scholarship Scheme, 1040 youths and women plus 520 physically challenged persons were trained on entrepreneurial skills and provided with start-up capital to enable them engage in businesses, and about 150 persons were empowered with automobiles comprising 20 cars, 20 Tricycle and over 105 Motorcycles.
What a way of giving back to the people. What a way of strengthening the bond of brotherhood and celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the reason for the season. What a way to demonstrate capacity and the willpower to put the people first irrespective of the challenges facing us as a people. What a way of demonstrating stewardship!
Yet, in all these, a few persons have in their own way, blinded by the truth, refused to accord him the well-deserved accolades but have grouped themselves together so as to paint his kind gesture in a bad light. It is indeed, very unfortunate.
An American author, Brandon Sanderson in an epic fantasy novel wrote, “It is not perfection that we seek, for perfection is impossible. It is instead consistency.”
Distinguished Senator (Obong) Bassey Albert (OBA) has demonstrated consistency and dedication to purpose in his entire endeavour. He is a focused and goal oriented representative. It is therefore certain that in 2021, God willing, he will do that which he does best; deliver on the mandate freely given to him by the people.
It is common knowledge that like in the past, his performances have continued to earn him recognitions and awards from individuals, groups, institutions, organizations and government’s parastatals as well as national and International bodies for being a consistent record breaking performer.
-Umoh Ekanem, is a public affairs analyst and writes from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
