– By Osondu Ahirika
Governor Umo Eno has left nobody in doubt.
His faith has indeed found a resting place.
Abdul Sattar Edhi it was, who famously quipped:
“My religion is humanitarianism, which is the basis of every religion in the world.”
Not different from the Dalai Lama, professing his religion to be very simple – “My Religion is Kindness”, he said.
Yes, he is a Pastor, loving kindness is the strongest point of the Christian faith.
But you will be in great error to take it for granted that this Golden Rule is not observed more in breach by Christians.
If thousands of Christian leaders as much as made humanitarianism their stewardship code, What a beautiful world we would have fashioned to inhabit.
To further consolidate his religion, Governor Umo Eno has created a new Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
Putting a firm structure to his passion. Kindness as an official policy is now gazetted in the ARISE Agenda-driven vision of his administration.
His records in office for 16 months say it all.
On September 10, the youths had their turn during an appreciation rally hosted by Governor Eno.
He fulfilled his pre – #Endbadgovernanceprotest promise made to Akwa Ibom youths including:
– to engage 3000 youths in the Ibom Community Watch.
– To grant 2000 youths from the 31 Local Government Areas empowerment grants under the Arise Entrepreneurial Support Programme.
-500 youths have been drafted to be paid a monthly grant of 50,000 and another
150 youths have been trained in the Agricultural sector.
-we will not forget those undergoing training at the School of Aviation Technology and
the 200 youths are being trained in various skills, with a monthly transport allowance of 20,000 each.
Governor Umo Eno has authorised the increase of Students’ Bursary from #10,000 to #20,000 while students in professional and Post-graduate studies will be getting 30,000.
So far 800 youths and 400 female youths have been trained and empowered through the Ibom-LED programme, and the youth structure across the State walked away with 310 million after the event.
On 4th September, Governor Umo Eno approved an additional N6.43 billion for payment of gratuities and other entitlements for retired workers in the State.
At the last count over twenty-eight billion has been released for this purpose
Reason, the wailing of our senior citizens has since stopped. Their near destitution has been audaciously addressed.
A welfare package for the elderly is in place and more ARISE Compassionate Homes for widows and vulnerable people are springing up.
Even the Ugep community in our sister State, Cross River, has felt the impact of his humanitarian outreach.
The ARISE FOOD Security Programme has handed food vouchers to over 20,000 families.
Let me confess, that I have hardly been able to keep track of Governor Umo Eno’s humanitarian gestures.
But I won’t forget the dressing allowance for primary school teachers, the welfare scheme for medical workers, interest-free loans to entrepreneurs to be accessed through FADAMA Bank and education grants to physically challenged indigent students.
We are living witnesses to the first truly socialist welfarism as a leadership philosophy entrenched by any sub-national Government in Niger.
Like Governor Umo Eno, my religion is humanism. My language is kindness, my worldview is love and peace.
Can we follow this exemplary leadership model?
