– Emmanuel Nicholas
Governor Umo Eno leads an administration that is transparent and straightforward, avoiding empty rhetoric aimed at gaining public praise without any real intention of delivering. Instead, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State is committed to not only fulfilling his promises but exceeding them.
What sets a leader apart is their strong character, which reveals both their virtues and shortcomings. When a leader demonstrates exceptional or uncommon progress in their role, it indicates that they are not self-serving; rather, they prioritize the welfare of the people over their own comfort.
Promising the masses or your followers a better life, only to deliver a bitter reality, invites tyranny and violent upheaval. The people of Nigeria are currently suffering because the promise of a brighter future has resulted in widespread hardship and pain.
In contrast, one state in Nigeria is fortunate to have an honest leader—Governor Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State—who is genuinely passionate about the welfare of the everyday citizen.
He is a leader who keeps his promises and consistently delivers the benefits of democracy to his constituents.
In this article, I will focus on the ten commitments Pastor Umo Eno has made to pensioners, elders, and civil servants in Akwa Ibom State, all of which he has fulfilled beyond expectations.
In his inaugural address as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno pledged to prioritize workers’ welfare and ensure that pensioners receive their overdue gratuities.
He has exceeded everyone’s expectations by fulfilling his promises, and in the history of Akwa Ibom State, no leader has implemented entitlement payments as quickly as he has.
GRATUITIES PAYMENTS
In just one year and three months, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State has disbursed 28 billion Naira in gratuities to primary school teachers, local government employees, next of kin, and retirees from the state civil service—an accomplishment unmatched by previous leaders.
During his one-year anniversary speech, Pastor Umo Eno pledged to settle all outstanding gratuities before the end of his first term.And According to Elder Effiong Essien, the Head of Service, the remaining amount owed will is very insignificant
REVIEW OF PENSION AMOUNT
The Government of Akwa Ibom State announced in April 2024 that it would review the pensions of retirees who retired before 2003 and were receiving payments based on the old scale.
Starting in July, retirees who left before 2003 will now receive double their previous pension amounts.
My mother, Mrs. Agness Okokon, used to receive thirty-five thousand naira as her pension. She retired at Level 16 as a Head Mistress of a Grade 1 primary school.
However, from July 2024, Governor Umo Eno’s administration has increased her pension to seventy-six thousand naira, filling my beloved mother with immense joy..
PAYMENTS OF LEAVE GRANT
The Organized labour groups have consistently urged successive governments to provide leave grants to employees in Akwa Ibom State.
During this promising period, civil servants have been fortunate to have a responsive and compassionate leader, who is dedicated to enhancing their welfare.
In the past one year and three months, Governor Umo Eno has allocated 2.4 billion Naira for the payment of leave grants to state workers.
The fulfillment of this commitment has not only endeared the leader of Akwa Ibom State to the workers but has also motivated them to be more proactive in their responsibilities.
It is often said that a well-motivated workforce is a more effective team, willing to go above and beyond without feeling overwhelmed.
That the story of Akwa Ibom State workers.
PAYMENT OF WARDROBE ALLOWANCE TO TEACHERS IN PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS.
Governor Umo Bassey Eno’s administration assured labour organizations during the May Day celebration that it would provide wardrobe allowances to teachers in all public schools.
As a leader who values his commitments, on June 27, 2024, the Akwa Ibom State Government disbursed the wardrobe allowance.
A total of 1.1 billion Naira was allocated for a one-time payment of wardrobe allowances to 20,345 teachers across public primary schools, technical colleges, and secondary schools, which was subsequently distributed to the eligible teachers.
PAYMENT OF BONUS
Governor Umo Eno is committed to enhancing a happy and motivated workforce, announced a 1 billion naira bonus for the Akwa Ibom State Civil Servants
He made this commitment during the Public Service Week event and in June 2024, each worker received an additional twenty thousand naira alongside their salary, benefiting a total of fifty-two thousand public service employees.
LEAVE GRANT TO PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS
In his efforts to enhance the value of public schools and provide high-quality education, Governor Umo Bassey Eno is dedicated to ensuring that teachers in public primary schools are effectively motivated.
To support this goal, he has allocated 104 million for the initial payment of leave grants to primary teachers. This marks the first tranche of payments.
Primary school teachers and pensioners have significantly benefited from various welfare programmes initiated by Governor Umo Eno for their well-being.
HOUSING FOR CIVIL SERVANTS
Governor Umo Bassey Eno has committed to enhancing the quality of life for public service workers in Akwa Ibom State.
To uphold this commitment, he has finalized the Grace Housing Estate, which was initiated by his predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for civil servants.
Governor Eno officially handed over 150 fully completed homes at Grace Estate, located on Ring Road III off Idoro Road within Uyo Capital City, to state public servants.
During the commissioning event, the Governor announced plans to initiate phase two of the housing estate for the state’s workers.
PAYMENT OF PROMOTION ALLOWANCE
The current administration of Akwa Ibom State has prioritized the welfare of public servants, demonstrating this commitment through the fulfillment of promises made to State civil servants.
So far, 1.3 billion Naira has been allocated for the payment of outstanding promotional allowances to the state workforce.
Governor Umo Eno is determined to ensure that all entitlements owed to public service workers are settled. Therefore, the payment of promotion allowances is yet another step towards fulfilling this promise..
PAYMENT OF 13 MONTH SALARY
In December 2023, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State pledged to provide an additional one month salary to all state workers.
Upholding a standard of good governance in Nigeria, Governor Umo Eno fulfilled this commitment by issuing an extra month’s salary during the December 2023 payroll.
PAYMENT OF LEAVE GRANTS TO STATE CIVIL SERVANTS
The Akwa Ibom State Government has not only provided leave grants to teachers in public schools but also allocated over 4.2 billion Naira for leave grants for civil service employees.
There was a backlog of leave grant payments that had accumulated over fifteen years, but Governor Umo Eno has addressed this issue by settling the backlog up to the year 2014, in addition to paying the current leave grants.
Governor Umo Eno is committed to ensuring that all entitlements for the state workforce are fulfilled, by prioritizing their well-being.
PAYMENT OF PENSION ARREARS
Governor Umo Eno’s administration has significantly prioritized the welfare of pensioners. In addition to ensuring regular pension payments, he has also implemented upward reviews of their pensions, paid out gratuities, and settled pension arrears.
Recently, 2.3 billion Naira has been allocated to cover pension arrears for retirees.
This financial support will assist elderly men and women in managing their medical expenses and ensuring they have adequate food.
MY FOOT NOTE
Pastor Umo Eno has emerged as a commendable governor of Akwa Ibom State, demonstrating a strong commitment to the welfare of both workers and retirees.
His administration prioritizes best labour practices and adequate retirement benefits, fostering economic stability within the State .
He is advocating for living wages, safe working conditions, and accessible healthcare, this is why he insisted on health insurance for the State workers.and enssure workers adequately support their families.
Ultimately, Governor Eno’s proactive approach to worker and retiree welfare not only improves individual lives but also fortifies the state’s economy and social fabric.
