For quietly expanding on the infrastructure and ensuring an -all-round development programme for the people of his State, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, has been celebrated as “Governor of the Year.”
At a colourful and glamorous event held at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Governor Eno, was honoured by ThisDay Newspaper and Arise News Television.
Presenting the award, former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku commended the Akwa Ibom State Governor for his visible transformation programmes and projects in the State.
“I must tell you a story that several months ago, Governor Eno hosted me in Uyo. He was such a splendid host and showed so much care for me and the lecturer who gave the Emeka Anyaoku lecture for that year.
“I could see for myself, the transformation that he is bringing to Akwa Ibom.
“I have the greatest pleasure to present this award to you, Governor Eno, congratulations, said Anyaoku.
The governors of Delta State, Kaduna State, and Lagos State, were also celebrated and honoured by the Newspaper for their various impacts on the development of their respective States.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of the ThisDay Media Group and Arise News Channel, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, CON, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State is blazing the trail quietly across the board, supported by a very quiet former governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, CON, who is encouraging his successor to shine.”
He said that Governor Eno is building infrastructure and using the resources of the State meticulously “to transform Akwa Ibom State across the board.”
“We have four governors, and we have the privilege of celebrating them.
“They have made their marks as they compete to deliver dividends of democracy to their people.
“We found it difficult to celebrate one, so we are celebrating all four of them as our Governors of the Year,” he said, citing their commitment to peace, infrastructural expansion, and prudence in financial management.
“Let us congratulate these Governors for advancing democracy one thing at a time.
Speaking at the event, Governor Umo Eno dedicated the awards to his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, PhD, and all former governors of the state, whose foundational efforts have paved the way for his success in office.
“Most importantly today, I dedicate this award to my political father, the man who saw me, and believed in me when no one else gave me a chance, Deacon Udom Emmanuel.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I congratulate the management of This Day Newspaper and Arise News TV.
“Incidentally we share the same acronym, ARISE, which is the acronym for our economic blueprint in Akwa Ibom State.”
Governor Eno mounted the rostrum flanked by his immediate predecessor, Udom Emmanuel,CON, the coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Noble Lady (Mrs.) Helen Obareki and spouse, some serving and former National Assembly members, and other notable stakeholders, including Senator Aniekan Bassey, Senator Effiong Bob, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien, Chief Assam Assam, SAN, Chief Paul Usoro, SAN, the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah who led a cross-section of immediate past commissioners and other government officials to that event.
Several other categories of awards were presented at the event, which also featured performances by American music legend, Diana Ross and Nigerian Flavour Nabania.
Governor Eno, had two weeks ago been announced as Governor of the Year, 2024, by the management of another leading news media organization, the Leadership Newspaper.
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