By Sunday Bassey
Uyo – Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has condoled with the family of the late former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Ufot Ekatte, over the passing away of the elder statesman.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ekaete, who died at the age of 80, was appointed SGF in May 1999 by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He served in that position for eight years after which he was appointed as the pioneer Minister of Niger Delta Affairs by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
Ekaette, one-time Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom, also served as Principal Secretary to a former military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon between 1968 and1975, and rose to the position of permanent secretary.
The governor’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ekerete Udoh, and made available to newsmen in Uyo.
Emmanuel acknowledged the contributions of the late Ekaette to the development of the state in particular and Nigeria in general.
“He was a thoroughbred public servant who was transparent, honest and a stickler for excellence.
“The government and people of Akwa Ibom are grateful for his contributions to the development of our state, where he once served as the deputy governor.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. He will be greatly missed,” the governor said.
NAN reports that Ekaette was born in 1939 in Ikot Edor, Onna Local Government area of Akwa Ibom.
He attended King’s College, Lagos, graduating in 1960, and then went to the University College, Ibadan where he earned a B. Sc. (Hons.) in Economics in 1964.
Ekaette, who joined the federal civil service on July 28, 1964, served in the Federal Ministries of Industries (1975), Information (1977–1979), Education (1979) and National Planning (1979–1983).
He was Secretary, Public Service Department and Head of Service (1984) and director, External Finance at the Federal Ministry of Finance (1985–86).
Ekaette was appointed Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industries in January 1986, after which he moved to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in 1988.
He was Director-General, Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (June 1988 – March 1989), Director-General, Federal Ministry of Social Development, Youth and Sports (1989) and Director-General (Planning), Federal Ministry of Budget and Planning (1990).
In 1990, he was appointed deputy governor of Akwa Ibom under Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga.
In 1996, he became a non-executive director of First Bank of Nigeria, a post he held until May 1999 when he was appointed SGF.
(NAN)