Pst. Solomon Essiet
There is a popular saying that a golden fish have no hiding place. Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, popularly nicknamed by his beloved wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno as ‘The Golden Boy’ during the Gubernatorial campaigns that led to his successful emergence as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, after securing the highest votes in the March-18th Governorship election, 2023, just like a golden fish, shines so bright at AKISAN convention, USA, organized by Akwa Ibom indigenes based in the United States of America.
Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, thrilled his audience while addressing the 2024 Convention of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria AKISAN, USA on Sunday, 11th August, 2024 at Sheraton Music City Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. The Governor did not hide his love and admiration for those in Diaspora, especially ‘AKISAN’, as an association, as they have supported him without reservations during his rough journey to the Hiltop mansion. Having won about 49 Court cases instituted against him back to back by his Political opponents from the Margistrate Court to the Supreme Court.
While commending the institutionalized unity among Akwa Ibom people across the fifty states of America and their promotion of the rich cultural heritage of their motherland, he thanked the AKISAN under the leadership of Mr. Itoro Akpan Iquot for its interest in the affairs of their home state, especially for their support towards the success of his election as governor.
One thing about the Governor is that he took notice of everything, being that he is a very detailed individual. With the same identifiable humility trademark, one of the Governor’s Unique selling proposition, he was full of gratitude to the key executives and members of AKISAN, USA, as he appreciates them on their express and implied contributions to the success of the organization.
He also felicitated Miss Ukeme Awakessien-Jeter, on her emergence as Mayor of the Upper Arlington City in Ohio, being the first person of colour to be so elected in over a hundred years, describing her as a proud daughter of Nsit Ibom, Akwa Ibom State.
He expressed the sentiments of the government and people of the state in celebrating with them and solicited the cooperation and collaboration of AKISAN to galvanize the people into believing in Akwa Ibom as an exceptional State, governed by an array of exceptional leaders who have left indelible marks in the State. Of course, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno has very good plans for those in Diaspora. During the foundation laying ceremony at the Ewet Luxury Gardens Estate in Ewet Offot, Uyo, on 20th July, 2024, the Governor pinpointed that those in Diaspora were free to buy into the project by securing a luxury apartments in the estate, as most of them have difficulties in building their own houses back in Akwa Ibom State due to uncooperative attitude of some unscrupulous relatives who made it difficult for them; making them to end up in very expensive hotels whenever they visit home.
He assured everyone that his government would further position the State as one of the most peaceful, most enterprising and most growth-driven subnational in Nigeria.
The Governor urged Akwa Ibom indigenes to maintain their honour as good ambassadors of the state by joining hands with the government at home to pursue the actualization of the ARISE Agenda which he said, is sure to grow the State and benefit its people.
“It is always heartening to see the love that you all radiate, the deep affinity and passion you show towards our cultural heritage and the intentional manner you have launched and introduced your children to the strands of this rich cultural tapestry is heart warming.
“I see unity here in full display as our people come together from the forty-eight contiguous states and even from Alaska and Hawaii to celebrate our culture and wear our identity as badges of honour and pride.
“I urge you, as our ambassadors, to join hands with us and let’s grow our state by bringing in your unique gifts and skill sets. Akwa Ibom is your dear state, you must invest in her growth and development,” the Governor stated.
Presenting a scorecard of his administration’s strides so far in the implementation of the ARISE Agenda, Governor Eno enumerated that the State Government in prioritizing agriculture towards food security has designated every first and third Friday as “Farm days,” intensified rural development through the provision of potable water, roads, electricity, healthcare services, and other social safety needs to stem rural-urban migration.
Furthermore, in recognition of security as the foremost function of government, the Governor said upon being sworn in, he created a full-fledged Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, manned by a retired General of the Nigerian Army, Koko Essien, to maintain peace and continue to attract investors and tourists to the state.
Similarly, he said in the education sector, government was building model primary schools in almost all the local government areas, equipped with residential quarters for key staff.
He also used the opportunity to appreciate Akwa Ibom youths for maintaining the peaceful atmosphere of the State throughout the nationwide protest that engulfed the country.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring the security and welfare of every Akwa Ibom person, affirming that there are brighter days ahead for Akwa Ibomites at home and in the diaspora.
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