You and Your Governor
Pst. Solomon Essiet
It was a very exciting week, most especially, as the Governor added another feather to his cap, bagging a Ph.D in Public Administration from the Department of Political Science, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Since the news of the Governor’s recent academic achievement broke out, The Governor has received accolades from friends, associates and all well meaning individuals home and in Diaspora, who sees the Governor’s effort in achieving the highest academic qualification as a dint of hardwork, perseverance and determination by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, now Pastor (Dr.) Umo Bassey Eno. What God cannot do does not exist. Congratulations to the Governor once again for this very significant academic attainment. Some of the Governor’s activities over the last week is as follows:-
✅ Sponsored Give (5) Akwa Ibom Students for International Debate at Singapore, Sunday 13th October, 2024
✅Attends the opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year, Monday 14th October, 2024
✅ Sworn-in new Permanent Secretaries, Monday 14th October, 2024
✅Meets with the 31 Local Government Chairmen, Tuesday 15th October, 2024
✅Bags Ph.D in Public Administration, Wednesday 16th October, 2024
✅ Received Akwa Ibom Gospel Artists, Buchi on Condolence visit, Thursday 17th October, 2024.
♦DEBATE TRIP TO SINGAPORE
Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, has truly done it again! The Akwa Ibom government’s sponsorship of five students to represent Nigeria in an International Debate competition in Singapore is a prove to the unwavering commitment of the golden era administration, in empowering young minds, led by the Director of the Ministry of Education. The news broke out Sunday 13th October, 2024, and was widely celebrated by the people of across the State.
That wasn’t the governor’s first move to promoting education and excellence. Just last month, 39 public secondary students were sent to the United Kingdom for an Educational Exchange Programme, showcasing Gov. Eno’s dedication to providing opportunities for the youth.
Akwa Ibom State is blessed with focused leaders. Previous administration in Akwa Ibom had already begun to make giants strides in education and economic development, earning its reputation as an enterprise state. With initiatives like the Ibom Deep Seaport project, IbomAir, a world class Stadium and a focus on entrepreneurship, the state has become an attractive destination for investors and tourists alike.
It’s exciting to see Governor Umo Eno continuing this legacy, investing in the next generation of leaders and change-makers. The future looks bright for Akwa Ibom State.
Here are more benefits of Governor Eno’s spirited initiative to the students and Akwa Ibom State:
BENEFITS TO THE STUDENTS
1. Global Exposure: Participation in international debates and educational exchange programs broadens students’ perspectives and understanding of global issues.
2. Enhanced Critical Thinking: Debating and exchange programs foster critical thinking, research, and analytical skills.
3. Leadership Development: Representing Nigeria internationally builds confidence, leadership, and public speaking skills.
4. Networking Opportunities: Students connect with peers and experts worldwide, potentially leading to future collaborations and opportunities.
5. Cultural Exchange: Immersion in diverse cultures promotes cultural awareness, tolerance, and understanding.
6. Academic Growth: Access to top-notch educational resources and facilities enhances students’ academic performance.
7. Career Opportunities: International experience and recognition can open doors to scholarships, internships, and job opportunities.
8. Personal Growth: Students develop independence, self-reliance, and adaptability.
BENEFITS TO AKWA IBOM STATE
1. Talent Development: Investing in students’ education and skills development ensures a brighter future for Akwa Ibom.
2. Human Capital Development: Equipping students with global perspectives and skills enhances the state’s human capital.
3. Economic Growth: Educated and skilled youths contribute to Akwa Ibom’s economic development and entrepreneurship.
4. National/International Recognition: Students’ achievements reflect positively on Akwa Ibom State, boosting its national and international reputation.
5. Brain Drain Reduction: Providing opportunities keeps top talent in Akwa Ibom, reducing brain drain.
6. Improved Education System: Gov. Eno’s initiatives encourage improvements in the state’s education system.
7. Community Development: Educated youths can drive community development projects, impacting lives and fostering positive change.
8. Increased Investment: Akwa Ibom’s investment in education attracts investors, businesses, and partnerships.
LONG-TERM BENEFITS
1. Future Leaders: Empowered students become future leaders, driving Akwa Ibom’s growth and development.
2. Knowledge Economy: Developing a knowledge-based economy diversifies Akwa Ibom’s revenue streams.
3. Sustainable Development: Educated youths contribute to sustainable development, addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.
4. Positive Role Models: Students’ achievements inspire others, promoting a culture of excellence.
Gov. Eno’s initiatives, most especially in area of educational advancement, are indeed shaping the future of Akwa Ibom State!
♦OPENING OF LEGAL YEAR 2024/2025
Speaking during an Inter-denominational Thanksgiving service to mark the Official Opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year, held at the Uyo Metropolitan Area Conference Headquarters of Qua Iboe Church, the Governor said prioritising the welfare of judges was an acknowledgement of their contribution to achieving government goals of ridding the State of criminal elements and institutionalizing peace.
“My intention for the Emily Estate was to have a modern Estate for Judges only. But right now, other senior public servants have been given accommodation there, but we will go back to our original plan.
“We have acquired a land and I will invite you to a ground- breaking ceremony of a brand new Estate that we want to put together for only Judges. It will actually, be for serving Judges. For the retired Judges, they already have their homes and we will support them.”
Reflecting on the successes recorded by the Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot and the robust working relationship between the Executive and Judiciary in the last Legal Year, Governor Eno, lauded the Akwa Ibom Judiciary for upholding the annual tradition of stock-taking and for innovations brought to bear to decongest prisons by accelerating trials and reducing the backlog of awaiting trial cases.
“Let me again express our profound appreciation for the robust relationship we have enjoyed with the Judicial Arm of Government, especially considering our avowed determination to rid our State of criminal elements and secure the peace and well-being of our people.
“I am aware of the reforms His Lordship has introduced and how that has helped reduce the backlog of criminal cases awaiting trial. I know a lot more effort would be put into this area, so that those who may have disturbed public peace are swiftly tried, convicted, and incarcerated, while those who may be innocent are set free.”
Also commending the cooperation of the Nigerian Correctional Service in the State, especially the efforts of the retiring Controller of Corrections, ACG Julius Ezugwu, in securing the approval for the relocation and upgrading of the correctional facility in Uyo, the Governor announced the appointment of the retired Assistant Comptroller General as Consultant to oversee the construction of the new facility to specification.
“I am sure you have been told that I have offered you a post as a Consultant to the new Correctional Centre that we are about to build, so that instead of going back home, since you have started the project, you need to finish it.
“That is Akwa Ibom’s way of telling you thank you. I remember the number of times you reached out to me to talk about what you needed. I told you that place will never accommodate you. Of course, it was being ravaged by erosion, and we worked tirelessly to get the federal approval to also relocate the prison. So thank you for the work that you did,” the Governor added.
In her speech, Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Ekaette Obot, described the event as a worthwhile appreciation of God’s grace for surviving the turbulence of the preceding year and the huge support of the Executive through Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
The Chief Judge further expressed optimism that with the positive impact on the various sectors of the State, occasioned by the operation of the ARISE Agenda, the 2024/2025 Legal Year will be the best for the Akwa Ibom Judiciary, while commending visible imprints of the Governor’s respect for the rule of law and penchant for justice.
♦GOV. ENO SWORN-IN NEW PERMANENT SECRETARIES
Eight new Permanent Secretaries were sworn into the Akwa Ibom State Public Service on Monday 14th October, 2024 with a charge to work collaboratively with other appointees of the State Government to deliver the mandates of the ARISE Agenda.
The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who gave the charge while performing their swearing-in at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, stressed that the present administration is time-bound to deliver the dividends of good governance to the people, in line with the ARISE Agenda, hence would only appreciate results, and not excuses.
The newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries are: Dr. (Mrs.) Roseline Anthony Mfon, Okon Effiong Tom, Bassey James Ekanem Esq., Mrs. Rosemary Aniekan Ubia, Mrs. Rita Saturday Akpan-Essien, Mr. Aniekan Ubong Akpan, Mrs. Eno Ime Akpan, and Doris Tom Ikpuho.
Congratulating the new senior civil servants, the Governor said the appointees, drawn from the pool of previously interviewed thirty-two, have acquitted themselves well and deserving of the confidence of the Government and people of the State, having emerged through a rigorous process where their capacity, judgement and accurate understanding of the aspirations of the ARISE Agenda were tested.
He therefore urged them to be conscious of the high expectations on them, being brought aboard in a season when the present administration has to match its deliverables with timing.
“Last week, I unveiled my Executive Assistant/ Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr. Aniefiok Udo Johnson, a thorough-bred technocrat who has worked for years within the United Nations system, and understands processes and timelines for deliverables. He will soon unveil the template of engagement, and I urge all of you to work closely with his office as we begin to measure our deliverables.
“We don’t have the benefit of time on our side. Every available moment must be used to work for the betterment of our people because that is what they sent us here to do. You are to work collaboratively with the Honourable Commissioners that will be in charge or are in charge of your Ministries.
“We are a Government of results and not of excuses. So, excuses and weak links shall not be tolerated. Given the pedigree which led to your appointment, I know you will deliver on your new assignments as outlined in the ARISE Agenda,” the Governor stated.
Speaking with Government House correspondents, some of the new appointees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged to give in their best to the service of the State.
♦MEETING WITH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMEN
Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo emerged as the Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the State.
This was disclosed at the first formal meeting of the chairmen with the Governor since their inauguration on Monday October 7, 2024, held at the EXCO chambers, Government House, Uyo.
To work with Dr Udo in the new ALGON leadership are the Chairmen of Ikot Ekpene and Eket Local Government councils, Mr. Aniefiok Nkom and Akaninyene Tommy who emerged as Vice Chairman and Secretary respectively.
Addressing the Chairmen, the Governor congratulated them on their successful emergence both at the party primaries and LG elections.
He urged the local government helmsmen to build bridges of unity and development, and not walls of hatred and unnecessary partisanship.
Governor Eno reiterated that as the Chief Security Officers of their respective local government areas, they are expected to live within their respective areas, to feel the pulse and pains of their constituents, and also design modalities of improving the welfare of the people at the grassroots.
He maintained that local government areas have been given full autonomy, and accompanying rights and responsibilities, but advised on the need to be conscious of some shared responsibilities, and the need for collaboration to develop the rural areas.
In their separate remarks, the Chairmen of Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim and Nsit Ibom appreciated the Governor for his support and fatherly disposition, which according to them, will remain a model for them at the grassroots.
They assured the Governor of their commitment to their respective campaign promises, and willingness to serve effectively in grassroots governance.
♦GOV. ENO BAGS Ph.D IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Governor Umo Eno’s recent achievement of a Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of Uyo on Tuesday, 15th October 2024, is a remarkable feat that has vindicated him amidst past controversies surrounding his educational credentials. The governor’s determination to pursue higher education while in office demonstrates his commitment to personal growth and development.
During the campaigns, Governor Eno faced intense scrutiny over allegations of certificate forgery instituted against him. The Governor won all the Court cases back to back from High Court to Supreme Court. However, his latest achievement sheds new light on his academic prowess, showcasing that he is not only a skilled politician but also an accomplished scholar.
THE VALUE OF Ph.D.
In today’s knowledge-driven economy, a Ph.D. is a valuable asset that distinguishes individuals as experts in their field. A Doctorate in Business Administration, for instance, represents the highest level of qualification in management, equipping holders with deep expertise and analytical skills to drive business decisions. Similarly, Governor Eno’s Ph.D. in Public Administration enhances his capacity to govern effectively, leveraging academic knowledge to inform policy decisions.
IMPLICATIONS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
This achievement is expected to boost the Governor’s credibility and reinforce public trust. As a holder of a Ph.D., he joins an exclusive group of Nigerian governors who have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence. His expertise in Public Administration will undoubtedly benefit Akwa Ibom State, driving growth and development through informed decision-making.
Congratulations to Pastor Governor Umo Eno on this remarkable achievement. His story serves as an inspiration to leaders and individuals pursuing higher education, demonstrating that with perseverance and dedication, one can overcome adversity and achieve greatness.
His Ph.D thesis, “Government and Private Sector Development: A study of small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Akwa Ibom State”, is a testament to his commitment in changing the narratives in the area of Entrepreneurial Development in Akwa Ibom State, of which he has paid very high premium to, since his assumption of office on 29th May, 2023.
With this victory, The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, is vindicated forever, the University of Uyo is absolved, and the massive supporters of Governor Umo Eno has been set free. We are the winners.
Nothing gladdens my heart, as the Governor dedicated his highest Educational achievements to his Late wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, who was a pillar of support to him while alive. She indeed deserves the honour. May her soul rest in peace.
Pst. Solomon Essiet (ACIA)
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
