You and Your Governor
On Friday, July 11, 2025, history was made, when Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the leader of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in South South region and Akwa Ibom State, formerly handed over the leadership of the Party and all the APC structure in Akwa Ibom State, to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, P.hD., confirming the Governor as the new leader of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Akwa Ibom State following his peaceful movement from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressive Congress, APC. Other activities carried out by the Governor in the week under review are as follows:-
✅Gov. Eno worshipped at All Nations Ministries Int’l, Eket, Sunday, July 06, 2025
✅Gov. Eno paid condolence visit to Prophet Mbuk over wife’s demise, Sunday, July 06, 2025
✅Gov. Eno presided over the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council Meeting, Monday, July 07, 2025
✅Gov. Eno paid an unscheduled inspection visit to Arise Shopping City, Ibom Convention Center and Ibom International Hotel, Monday, July 07, 2025
✅Gov. Eno launched the Arise Brand Showroom at No. 65, Wellington Bassey Way, Tuesday, July 08, 2025
✅Gov. Eno received report from Permanent Secretary, Human Capital Development and Mrs. Rukaiya El-Rufai from office of the Vice President, Tuesday, July 08, 2025
✅Gov. Eno attended International Pastor’s conference at Insight Bible Church, Uyo, Wednesday, July 09, 2025
✅Gov. Eno handed over Arise Compassionate Home to Madam Theresa Joseph from Oku Abak, Abak LGA, Wednesday, July 09, 2025
✅Gov. Eno handed over Arise Compassionate Home to another beneficiary at Ikpe Mbak Eyop, Obot Akara LGA, Wednesday, July 09, 2025
✅ Governor received report from the Agriculture and Food Security Committee, Wednesday, July 09, 2025
✅Gov. Eno honoured as Africa’s Governor of the year in London, United Kingdom, Wednesday, July 09, 2025
✅Gov. Eno visited Arise Resort on site inspection, Thursday, July 10, 2025
✅Gov. Eno received report on Ibom Specialist Hospital, Thursday, July 10, 2025
✅Gov. Eno received the Air Officer Commanding (APC), Mobility Command, Yenagoa, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke, and team on courtesy visit, Thursday, July 10, 2025
✅Gov. Eno honoured with 2025 Outstanding Public Servant Award by the Queens of Niger Delta, Thursday, July 10, 2025
✅Gov. Eno released 1.19 Billion Naira for overhaul of Airport facilities, Friday, July 11, 2025
✅Gov. Eno celebrated HE, Mr. Udom Emmanuel on his 59th Birthday, Friday, July 11, 2025
✅Gov. Eno received the structure of the All Progressive Congress, APC, handed over to him by Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, Friday, July 11, 2025.
♦️MATTERS ARISING
A friend of mine told me that he would never count his chicks before the eggs are hatched. Unfortunately, we live in a world were people sees the Elephant tusk before the Elephant approaches. While Governor Umo Eno was still consulting with the relevant Stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party, on his planned movement to the All Progressive Congress, APC, there was this insinuation that should the Governor decamped to All Progressive Congress, he would loose his leadership position in the Party. This subject matter was top-notch in every small group gathering throughout the State, in an attempt to creating a situation of panic where there is none. Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, being a man of great conviction did not listen to the side talk and speculations from Party faithfuls, as he was very much determine to move to a Party, where according to the Governor, he would be able to support His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to return to the office during the 2027 election. One thing about Governor Umo Eno, is that , he has never hide his admiration for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio. For instance, the moment Senator Godswill Akpabio emerges as the Senate President of the 10th National Assembly, Governor Eno led a delegation of top Government functionaries to Abuja to congratulate the Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, and to identify with him as an illustrious son of Akwa Ibom State, who himself was a former uncommon Governor of Akwa Ibom State between 2007 to 2015.
However, on Friday, July 11, 2025, history was made in Akwa Ibom State, as there was a peaceful transfer of Power and the full Structure of the All Progressive Congress, to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, by Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON. Senator Godswill Akpabio did not only handover the structure of the APC to the Governor, he also urged the Party structure to give the same level of cooperation and respect that they gave him to the new leader of the Party, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Obong Godswill Akpabio, also seek for a united Akwa Ibom, while urging the party faithfuls to shun any act that will bring disunity to the Party, stating that we are all one, whether from Ibibio or Annang extraction, provided we are from Akwa Ibom State, pleading that politics should not divide us as a people.
♦️ON HANDING OVER OF THE PARTY STRUCTURE TO THE GOVERNOR
Nigeria’s Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, handed over the leadership and political structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at the State level, to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
Senator Akpabio performed the handing over at the first meeting of APC Stakeholders in the State, following the recent movement of the Governor to the party, which took place at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Uyo.
Addressing the gathering, Pastor Eno urged the Party’s leadership, from the Wards level upwards, to accept the movement and merger with open arms, in order for everyone to be beneficiaries of the movement.
“This is a merger and as the Senate President has said, we must, therefore, approach it with love, unity, and understanding. There has to be some sacrifices from both ends.
“Let the leadership and members bring down the rhetorics so that we all can come together in droves and build a truly united All Progressives Congress in our State.
“We have heard stories where some ward leaders have brought out lists of requirements for people that want to join the party as if it is a marriage ceremony. Honestly, that should not be. We should be happy that Akwa Ibom is getting united, and we are all better for it,” he said.
Pastor Eno assured the stakeholders, especially Senator Godswill Akpabio, of his readiness to work together with the Party’s hierarchy, and support the ideology and interest of the Party for the overall good of the people of the State.
“I just want to tell our people and the party that I am here to work with you. I am here to contribute to the growth of the Party. We will work with you, and give you that honour that you so rightly deserve”.
Handing over the mantle of leadership and political structure of the party at the state level to Governor Eno, Senator Akpabio, who described him as a great unifier, a man of foresight and vision, said the Governor’s leadership has brought peace and unity to Akwa Ibom and repositioned it for future growth.
The Senate President described Governor Eno’s movement into APC as a merger, and not an acquisition and urged all members to join hands to work for the progress and overall interest of the State.
He called on the Governor to integrate the State stressing that his position as the Senate President is not to lord over the Governor but to protect the interest of the State to ensure its progress, so as to leave behind a legacy of love, peace and unity for unborn generations.
He announced the modification of the party’s slogan to encourage integration, love, unity and progress.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Party, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, commended the Governor for his exceptional leadership style that has transformed the State to a united and peaceful haven.
Obong Ntukekpo assured the Governor of the willingness and support of the Party’s leadership, urging members to submit to his leadership, guidance and direction, for the expected growth and progress of the State.
The State APC Woman leader, Obonganwan Obonodo Uko, Youth Leader, Dr. Clement Awakessien, representatives of Chapter Chairmen, Mr. Utitofon Jeremiah, and representatives of ward chairmen, Mr. Edidiong Dama, appreciated the Governor for his inclusive leadership disposition and especially for reaching out to them even when he was yet to join the APC.
They acknowledged that a good number of their members benefited from the Governor’s empowerment initiatives, and pledged their readiness to support the Governo to attain his lofty ideals for the party and the State as contained in the ARISE Agenda.
The event was graced by members of the State Executive Council, and the political class.
♦️ON THE RELEASE OF 1.19 BILLION NAIRA FOR OVERHAULING OF AIRPORT FACILITIES
In a decisive move to enhance aviation infrastructure and enable night flight operations at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno approved and released the sum of ₦1.194 billion for the comprehensive overhaul of key airport facilities. The Governor has given the airport management an eight-week deadline for full implementation, warning that failure to meet the target will attract sanctions.
A release by the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, stated that this latest payment, an addition to previously released funds , covers the replacement of navigational aids, upgrade of airfield lighting, electricity payments, and service charges to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). This intervention aligns with the Governor’s broader commitment to developing world-class aviation infrastructure and positioning Akwa Ibom as a hub for tourism and investment.
Rt. Hon. Umanah noted that the Governor’s approval followed a request from the airport management seeking upgrades to the airfield lighting and navigational systems. The improvements are expected to significantly enhance the airport’s operational capacity, particularly by enabling safe aircraft take-off and landing during night hours.
Governor Eno, who continues to prioritize infrastructure development under the ARISE Agenda, has directed the airport management and contractors to adhere strictly to the timeline and ensure quality execution in line with international standards.
Beyond the lighting upgrade, the Governor expressed optimism that several other ongoing projects within the airport ecosystem would soon be completed and ready for public use. He urged contractors handling key infrastructure components to redouble their efforts. These projects include the new terminal building, access road and car park, VIP shade cover, aircraft apron, taxiway, advanced security and surveillance systems, the Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facility, and the Aviation Village.
To reinforce the Governor’s directive, the Commissioner for Finance and Coordinating Commissioner for the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port, Mr. Emem Bob, led an inspection tour of all ongoing airport projects. He was accompanied by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, and the Managing Director of the Victor Attah International Airport, Mr. Uwem Ekanem.
Governor Umo Eno’s decisive action underscores his unwavering commitment to world-class infrastructure and marks a strategic step toward transforming Akwa Ibom into a premier destination for business, leisure, and air travel in West Africa.
♦️ON THE REPORT FROM AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY COMMITTEE
In a move to reposition Akwa Ibom State for agricultural prosperity in line with the Agricultural Revolution of the ARISE Agenda and revenue diversification, Governor Umo Eno unveiled a bold new Tree Crops Development Programme, signaling a renewed focus on oil palm revitalization, agro-industrial hubs, and food security.
The Governor made the disclosure during a review meeting with the Akwa Ibom State Agriculture and Food Security Committee, held at Government House, Uyo, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
Governor Eno emphasized the urgency of restoring the state’s leadership in oil palm production, expanding tree crop plantations, and adopting high-yielding fresh fruit bunches to power agro-based enterprises.
“We must take deliberate steps to harness our natural endowments and move beyond dependence on crude oil. The time to scale up our agricultural infrastructure, especially in tree crops, is now,” the Governor stated.
The revelation followed a presentation by the Agriculture and Food Security Committee, under the leadership of Prof Okon Ansa, which outlined key strategies to unlock tree crops development and enhancement of agricultural and land resources across the State. A cornerstone of the programme includes the full restoration and expansion of the Dakkada Oil Palm Estate, along with the revival of the Domestic Tree Crop Development Scheme to ramp up yields.
Governor Eno directed the Committee to collaborate with the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP) to develop a business case for implementation. He issued a two-week deadline for the submission of a comprehensive action plan to the government.
“This is not just an agricultural intervention; it is a foundational step in building a sustainable economy. We are laying the groundwork for jobs, exports, and sustainable food systems,” he added.
The Tree Crops Development Programme is part of the Governor’s broader ARISE Agenda to boost productivity, generate employment, and ensure long-term economic sustainability for Akwa Ibom State.
♦️This is where I draw the curtain for this edition of ‘You and Your Governor’, till I bring you more exciting news from the office of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, by next week. Stay tuned.
Pastor Solomon Essiet, ACIA
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
