By Ekemini James
Birthdays are often marked by fanfare, cakes, champagne, and an endless parade of accolades. But for Governor Umo Eno, the celebration of life takes another turn.
At 61, the Governor did not throw a party, instead, he sent out a different kind of invitation; one not to a banquet hall, but to the forgotten corners of society. To the orphanages, to the vulnerable and to the unseen.
And his aides understood the assignment. On Thursday, at Salvation Army Children/Orphanage Home in Aka Ubium, Nsit Ubium L.G.A, a different kind of birthday was celebrated. The College led by Dr. Essien Ndueso, honoured the Governor in the very language he speaks fluently; compassion.
The College went with gifts. Bags of food, essentials, and a message to the children, which read, “You are not forgotten.”
Remember, in the Governor’s words, “the best birthday gift you may give me would be a visit to orphanages and homes of the vulnerable with food items or any other items that may make their lives more meaningful.”
Across the State, the spirit of charity took wings. Members of the State Executive Council, led by their Dean, Rt. Hon. Frank Archibong, celebrated with the children of the Special Children’s Centre in Uyo and later joined traditional rulers in yet another celebration.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, brought hope to the Technology Incubation Centre where she donated seeds and fertilizers to vegetable farmers, nurturing both land and livelihood.
Also, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, launched a scholarship project for indigent final-year students in tertiary institutions.
The Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Anthony Luke, visited “God is able” Bone Clinic, an orthopedic rehabilitation home, in Ibiono Ibom, where he brought relief to those in need.
Also, the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, quietly graced the Mfonabasi Orphanage Home in Abak, where he offered items.
Similarly, Dr. Ubuo Effiong Ubuo, Commissioner for Water Resources, filled petrol tanks for motorcyclists, a gesture so simple, yet potent in meaning.
The First Lady designate, Lady Helen Obareki, was not left out. With aides and staff of her office, she brought cheers to the Mother Charles Walker Children’s Home in Uyo, wrapping the visit with warmth and genuine affection.
A team led by the Governor’s Chief Photographer, Idara Adiakpan, journeyed to Q.I.C Leprosy Hospital in Ekpene Ibom, where forgotten ailments met remembered kindness.
Even in their personal capacities, aides to the Governor followed suit. Emma Akpabio took the gospel of compassion to Ikot Akpan Eda, where matriarchs were served bread and tea, gifted wrappers, and reminded of their value.
In another gesture, the Governor’s Special Assistant on Religious Matters, Pastor Ini-Ima Umoh, celebrated by showing kindness to the Government Children’s Home, 30B Chubb Road, Ikot Ekpene.
Dr. Godwin Ntukude, Political Adviser to the Governor, quietly paid hospital bills at the Community Health Centre in Mbiaya Uruan, lifting burdens too heavy to carry alone.
Also, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah through his Foundation celebrated Governor Umo Eno’s Birthday with underprivileged children, at Cafe April Celebrations in Uyo.
The event featured a full-course dinner and the distribution of gift boxes filled with clothes, shoes, food items, and other essentials. Beyond the celebration, the Foundation pledged long-term support, including getting the children off the streets, enrolling them in school, and providing necessary medical care.
Governor Eno’s leadership is not one to pontificate from podiums; it chooses instead to walk the dusty roads to the margins. He once ordered his commissioners to return home and let their communities feel the warmth of governance.
On his birthday, that principle echoed across the state through gestures too many to name.
The governor had advised against media razzmatazz, but still, photos flooded timelines. From the political class, to the market woman, youths and even students, the chorus was the same: “Happy Birthday, the friend of the forgotten.”
So many groups, politicians, and individuals did one thing or the other too numerous to mention here. From Local Government Chairmen, student associations to church bodies, Traders and so on, the ripples of Governor Eno’s example spread far and wide.
Notably, Female Youths across various L.G.As mobilized themselves to visit widows and orphans, donating food items, clothing, and basic supplies.
At 61, Governor Eno reminds us that leadership is not about the title you bear, but the lives you touch and sometimes, the most powerful celebrations are those that leave behind no confetti, but comfort.
