You and Your Governor
“I will not be distracted from pursuing the Arise Agenda”. Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D
The week under review was filled with various activities to mark the 2nd Anniversary of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Some of the activities carried out by the Governor over the week are as follows:-
✅Gov. Eno hosted several worshippers in 2nd Anniversary Thanksgiving, at International Worship Centre, Sunday, May 25, 2025
✅Gov. Eno represented at the Induction Retreat of National Assembly Service Commission, Monday, May 26, 2025
✅Gov. Eno inaugurated the multi-sectoral coordinating structure committee, Monday, May 26, 2025
✅Gov. Eno presided over the State Executive Council Meeting, Monday, May 26, 2025
✅Gov. Eno commissioned the 14.8km Ikot Ubo Road, Tuesday, May 27, 2025
✅Gov. Eno Commissioned new model healthcare center in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Tuesday, May 27, 2025
✅Gov. Eno joined the management of Central Bank of Nigeria at their Board Retreat, Tuesday, May 27, 2025
✅Gov. Eno made a brief stop-over at Ibom plaza, Tuesday, May 27, 2025
✅Gov. Eno Commissioned a Model Primary School at Idung Offiong, Eket Local Government Area, Wednesday, May 28, 2025
✅Gov. Eno Commissioned the prototype of Chairmen’s lodge at Eket Local Government Area, Wednesday, May 28, 2025
✅Gov. Eno received the members of National Assembly Service Commission on courtesy visit, Wednesday, May 28, 2025
✅Gov. Eno hosted the State in a Banquet to celebrate his 2nd Anniversary at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Thursday, May 29, 2025
✅Gov. Eno felicitated Obong Nsima Ekere on his birthday, Thursday, May 29, 2025
✅Gov. Eno attended the Media Parley to mark his 2nd Year Anniversary, briefed Journalists, Thursday, May 29, 2025
✅Gov. Eno flagged-off the construction of Judiciary Quarters, Friday, May 30, 2025
✅Gov. Eno joined Obong Nsima Ekere on his 60th birthday Dinner at Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort, Uyo, Saturday, May 31, 2025.
With over 50 transformational projects lined up for construction in Akwa Ibom State, in addition to several roads and the next 200 units of Arise Compassionate Homes set for construction in the concluding 2years of Pastor Umo Eno’s first term in office, not to mention the projects to be carried out in all the Local Government Areas, the Governor does not need to be distracted. Like he said, his family is intact, it is time for us to mind our own businesses and let the Governor focus on delivering the dividends of democracy, embedded in the Arise Agenda for the good of all Akwa Ibomites.
Indeed Governor Umo Eno has performed extremely well in his first two years in office. Looking at the number of projects executed concurrently throughout the State, without borrowing a dime from any financial institution, the Governor deserves commendations from all of us and not a “Pull him down syndrome”. The job ahead of the Governor is enormous and he is poise to deliver it within a reasonable time frame and particularly as he is concluding his first term in office in the next two years.
♦️ON THE 2ND ANNIVERSARY THANKSGIVING
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, called on indigenes of the state to join hands with him to maintain a peaceful, united Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at an interdenominational thanksgiving service to mark his second anniversary as Governor at the International Christian Worship Centre, Uyo, the Governor said of all the achievements of his administration within the last two years, the sustainance of peace and unity amongst individuals and groups in the state were the most important, and have been the foundation for his government’s success
He appreciated all the past governors of the State for their respective impactful contributions to the growth and development of the state.
Governor Eno who has, since assumption of office, abhorred every form of disrespect for elders, recalled with gratitude, the role of Obong Victor Attah in the Onshore- offshore dichotomy struggle which led to the availability of more resources to the state; and the infrastructural transformation of Senator Godswill Akpabio and Deacon Udom Emmanuel, and called for continuous support and respect for all leaders across the State.
“Today, for me, the greatest achievement of my administration in two years is the unity and peace that we have achieved as a government. No development or progress would have happened in this State if there was no unity and peace among our people. It would have been a big distraction for us,” he said.
According to the Governor, “We don’t have ‘Abuja front’ or ‘Lagos front or ‘Home front’ but that unity of purpose which is a product of God’s grace on our side through our prayers, love and togetherness. It is that peace that is our greatest achievement in the last two years. We are Akwa Ibom United”
He disclosed that peace has allowed him to concentrate, to have dreams of projects, and dreams of moving the State forward and thanked God and the people for their understanding, support, and love.
Governor Eno who started his thanksgiving message with a song composed from Psalm 124, “If it had not been the Lord on our side,” appealed to all Akwa Ibomites to, in the spirit of the anniversary, forgive all past leaders in anyway they may have erred and all who must have done one wrong or the other, and let peace continue to reign in the state.
“I have received quality counsel, not just from the PDP, but also from the APC, IPAC, and leaders of our State, making all of us significant stakeholders in our State. I am most grateful and proud of you all for this positive development in our land.
“This is the joy that we share. This is the gift that Akwa Ibom is giving to Nigeria that we can stay in peace if we truly want to stay in peace; that, we can all shift grounds and accommodate one another.” he said.
Expressing rare humility and gratitude, he noted that political parties are vehicles or platforms to contest election, but not to be used for disunity, hatred, and disrespect to the detriment of the progress of the State and its people.
The Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his foresight and bold policies which has ensured that States now have more funds to carry out audacious and impactful projects.
He urged the congregation to support President Tinubu and the Senate President to succeed, even beyond 2027.
In his remarks, President of the 10th Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio represented by Senator Ekong Sampson congratulated the Governor on a successful second anniversary with remarkable achievements, and assured that members of the National Assembly will continue to support and collaborate with the Governor to project the interest of the State.
Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Udeme Otong, appreciated the Governor for being the needed bridge of unity and peace in the State; and also for impacting lives, especially that of the less privileged in the rural areas.
Also, the Minister for Petroleum (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo described Governor Eno as a man of peace and great unifier, charging Akwa Ibom people to emulate Eno’s leadership style by developing a culture of peace. love, unity and humility to sustain the current atmosphere in the State.
The State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Elder Aniekan Akpan, alongside the State Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), and IPAC, thanked God for the gift of Governor Umo Eno who came to unite all political parties for the good and peaceful development of the State, and declared the consensus endorsement of the Governor for a second term by all the political parties in the State.
On his part, State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Chris Nyong congratulated the Governor and his team for a successful second anniversary, stating that for two years, the State has been in safe hands and that the church was happy with his representation in the political arena.
Earlier, Rev. (Dr.) Sylvania Ukafia of the Insight Bible Church, Uyo, in his homily on the theme “Great is Thy faithfulness,” culled from the Bible book of Lamentation 3:23,” noted that God’s faithfulness is ever constant for His children, as he is the Alpha and the Omega who owns and controls everything in life.
He, therefore, admonished Christians to keep on believing and trusting in God who is ever faithful and merciful to help them out of life challenges .
The event which featured sessions of praise, worship, hymns, choir ministrations, and special prayers, was graced by members of the State Executive Council, clergies, political class, ordinary citizens and guests from in and outside Nigeria.
♦️ON 14.8KM IKOT UBO -ODOT ROAD COMMISSIONING
Governor Umo Eno reaffirmed his determination to link all parts of Akwa Ibom State to the capital, just as he is taking decisions that will effectively link the State to Abuja.
The Governor who assured of maximum service to the entire people of the State, maintained that irrespective of the location of the political pendulum, “we remain who we are, and we will continue to pursue the ARISE Agenda in the interest of a United Akwa Ibom.
“It is in that unity that we find progress and that is what we will continue to do.”
Governor Eno narrated his ordeal on the reconstructed road while he resided in Eket, and maintained that it used to be difficult for him to get to the airport.
“He said his administration relied on a contractor with a good track record because of the importance of the road.
“We had to reconstruct this road, there were places you had to go in as if you are going into the valley of the shadow of death.
“We thank God for this road and we thank Setraco. When we are looking for reliable contractors, we will not forget you.”
“We thank Setraco for the good work they have done and for finishing the job within the one year timeline they were given”
The Governor acknowledged few spurs off the road that have been brought to his notice and promised to give attention to those new concerns.
He used the occasion to assure of his cordial relationship with the media, maintaining that the recent uproar over the reposting of some correspondents at Government House, was merely a routine occurrence in any establishment.
“I do not have any problem with the media. It is within the purview of the Chief Press Secretary to request for change of correspondents within the Government House.
“If you have served in a post for up to 10 years, and the Chief Press Secretary decides to request for a replacement, that is not a fight, it is within the prerogative of his office.
“The Governor does not have to know. This afternoon, Channels is here and they are beaming us live. Does it look like we have problem with them?”
The Governor said he will continue to work with all media houses, and announced that he will soon flag off the commencement of construction of an ultra- modern House for the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation in Uyo.
“My job is a very serious one, ensuring there is development, my job is to make sure there is welfare, my job is to make sure there is security. My job does not include checking which correspondent is being transferred from one location to another.
In a landmark event that reinforces his administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal under the ARISE Agenda, Governor Umo Eno on Monday commissioned the newly-rehabilitated 14.28-kilometre Ikot Ubo-Odot Road, a critical link between Nsit Ubium and Nsit Atai Local Government Areas.
Speaking earlier on behalf of both LGAs, the Chairman of Nsit Ubium, Mr. Alfred Charles described the Governor as “the pride of Nsit Ubium and the son of the land of fulfillment.”
“This is the shortest route to the airport and had been due for rehabilitation for decades. We thank the Governor for fulfilling this long-standing need, and we pledge the unwavering support of our people until the very end of his tenure,” he declared.
Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, provided technical insights into the project.
He explained that what has been delivered is not merely a resurfacing but a full-scale rehabilitation.
“This road had totally collapsed. We replaced both the base course and sub-base, introduced two culverts and 7.1 kilometers of drainage to manage runoff water.
It features a two-layer design—binder and wearing courses—guaranteeing durability for up to 30 years.
It was one of the first projects awarded in February 2024, with mobilization commencing in May 2024,” Prof Ibanga stated.
He commended Setraco Nigeria Ltd., the project contractor, for delivering the road to specification and praised the Governor for the foresight that birthed the initiative.
The event drew goodwill messages from a cross-section of political and community leaders. Chairmen of both the APC and PDP in Nsit Atai and Nsit Ubium, including Richard Thompson, lauded the administration for transforming access and mobility across the region.
Members representing Nsit Ubium and Nsit Atai in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Barr. Otobong Bob and Prince Attah, described the Governor as “the captain of Team Akwa United,” emphasizing the project’s far-reaching economic implications, even extending benefits to the Eket region.
Federal lawmaker for Uyo Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mark Esset, praised the Governor as “the golden governor and man of the moment.”
“What we are witnessing is full-scale construction. Your second term is non-negotiable. We are proud to speak confidently about you in the Green Chambers.”
Elder statesman, Rt. Hon. Nduese Essien, acknowledged initial skepticism when the road was first mentioned, admitting he considered it “political talk.”
However, he expressed surprise and delight at the quality and completion of the project, noting its strategic importance as the most direct route to the airport for his people in Eket and neighbouring local government areas.
Political leader of Uyo, Senator Effiong Bob, and other dignitaries also expressed gratitude for the Governor’s performance, reaffirming their support for his administration.
Commenting on the project, the Area Manager of Setraco, Mr Michel Issa expressed appreciation to the state government for the trust placed in his firm.
“This project is a testament to your inclusive governance and infrastructure vision. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of delivery, and this road is no exception,” he said.
The commissioning ceremony marks another fulfilled promise under the Governor’s ARISE Agenda, underscoring his administration’s focus on people-centered development, connectivity, and economic growth.
♦️ON THE DINNER NIGHT FOR COMMEMORATION OF 2ND YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, said the inherent peace and unity experienced in the State has been his greatest achievement in the last two years of his administration.
Governor Eno was addressing guests during his 2nd year Anniversary State Banquet held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.
Governor Eno attributed the unprecedented peace and unity to God’s grace, love and the cooperation of the people of the State and charged Akwa Ibom people to continue to work in peace, love, unity and respect for one another, saying that political parties should be seen as platforms for election, after which comes governance.
“Whatever we have been able to achieve is because of the grace and faithfulness of God, and it is because of the cooperation of our people.
“For me, the greatest achievement is not in all those things you saw in the documentary, the greatest achievement is the peace that God has brought into this State, that is my greatest achievement.
“Like His Excellency, Otuekong Don Etiebet said, we know how this State used to be. It would be difficult for all of us to gather in this room because of political affiliations.
“Someone would die in a family and you cannot attend the burial openly so that they don’t think you are doing anti-party.
“We were made to think that wisdom resides in one political party. I want you all to understand that wisdom resides in all of us as Akwa Ibom people not political party.
“I thank God today that we can stay in one roof, we can discuss together, we can all contribute to governance, we can reach out to our brother and see political party only as a vehicle for election. And whoever God brings, he becomes the Governor for all, and bring people together.
“Let’s continue to push, we must live for each other, learn to extend hands of fellowship to people. That is the truth, we cannot continue to do winner takes it all. We need to bring people and learn how to work with the people,” he noted.
Speaking further, he expressed appreciation to his Political god father and predecessor, His Excellency Deacon Udom Emmanuel for his vision, pursuit, resilience, and support that brought him to power.
He also appreciated all the past Governors of the State for their respective contributions to the development of the State.
On his part, an elder Statesman, Otuekong Don Etiebet described Governor Eno as a phenomenon, a spiritually-filled and an enigmatic leader, sent by God to serve Akwa Ibom in a critical time such as this.
He appreciated the Governor for his godly leadership role by reuniting the ethnic, social and political fragments of the State which, according to him, has brought an end to the era of political kidnappings and killings.
Otuekong Etiebet noted that as a compassionate leader, Governor Eno has won the heart of Akwa Ibom people given his pragmatic approach to governance in the State.
In their separate remarks, Senator Ekong Sampson, Senator Effiong Bob, former deputy Governor, Obong Nsima Ekere, and State chairmen of the PDP, APC, and Blessing, Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council congratulated the Governor on a successful two years of impact which according to them, has motivated his endorsement for a second term by all the political parties in the State.
High points of the colourful and well attended event were the unveiling and presentation of a book, The Golden Footprint, chronicling his two years of impactful leadership and the presentation of National Health Ambassador Award to Governor Eno by the National President of Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors, Dr Ozundara Tope-Zenith.
The Governor, in his response, highlighted his vision towards creating more medical tourism infrastructures to boost tourism development in the State and expressed his readiness to sign the international hospital agreement for the state-of- the-art international hospital project to be handled by a Turkey-based construction company.
♦️ON THE STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING
The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council meeting which was held on Monday, 26th May, 2025 was presided by the Governor in Council, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD.
The meeting considered various items, such as review of memos and conclusions from previous council meetings as well as directives on expected compliance, which include:
1. The Agricultural sector was reviewed, and the Commissioner for Agriculture, and indeed, the Ministry of Agriculture, was asked to present a detailed report on the full investment value chain and other items such as Cocoa Development and seedlings distribution to farmers in the State.
2. The Ministry of Agriculture was also directed to report the full business plan for inclusive social benefits on the vegetable greenhouses project as the government intends that the greenhouses be put to proper use to ensure it yields expected benefits to the people of Akwa Ibom State.
3. Council directed the Commissioner for Youth Development to present a detailed roadmap detailing how to harness and develop programs that will continue to enhance
