Rev Richard Peters
For the people of Akwa Ibom State, September goes beyond its numerical value as the ninth month; it’s a period of jubilation when dreams materialize. This month’s 23rd day is particularly notable, as it commemorates the historic moment when the state’s founding visionaries achieved their collective goals.
Akwa Ibom State’s 37th anniversary celebrates the fulfillment of its founding fathers’ dreams under Governor Pastor Umo Eno’s administration, which has given residents more reasons to rejoice. The state’s prosperity validates its pioneers’ vision.
Akwa Ibom State has had an incredible 37-year journey marked by transformative moments and milestones that could fill a bestselling book. The state has evolved through military and civilian administrations, with each era contributing to its growth and development. Governor Umo Eno is currently writing a remarkable chapter in the state’s history, where all initiatives achieve positive outcomes.
Reflecting on Akwa Ibom State’s 37-year journey, one is compelled to pay tribute to the unwavering dedication, selfless sacrifice, and visionary ingenuity that has transformed a once-sleepy village into a thriving global hub.
Governor Umo Eno is presently scripting a notable chapter in the state’s annals, wherein all endeavors yield favorable results.
Over nearly four decades, the state has evolved into a beacon of excellence in governance, boasting a vibrant economy and an array of development initiatives that have captured the attention of the world.
Akwa Ibom State is celebrating 37 remarkable years of existence, and what a journey it has been! From humble beginnings to becoming a thriving hub, the state has transformed into a masterpiece, much like fine wine. The administration of Governor Umo Eno has been instrumental in this transformation, expertly navigating the state’s growth and development over the past 15 months.
Building on the foundation laid by his predecessors, Governor Umo Eno is driving Akwa Ibom State towards unprecedented progress, addressing weaknesses and bolstering the state’s pillars.
Governor Umo Eno’s compassionate leadership has brought hope and relief to Akwa Ibom State’s vulnerable members, restoring smiles and transforming lives through his commitment to soft infrastructure.
With initiatives such as the Bulk Purchase Agency’s food distribution program, now in its second phase, Governor Eno delivers crucial support to those most in need, aligning with his pledge to prioritize human capital development and support vulnerable populations.
The individuals in the front row of the governor’s compassionate initiative are probably the recipients of Compassionate Homes, constructed for those impoverished and beset by life’s hardships, whose stories evoke profound sorrow.
A game changer is now at the helm as governor of Akwa Ibom State. Governor Umo Eno has altered the narrative of their story. Joy has come in the morning, and it is still early in the governor’s administration.
The hard infrastructure is imposing. Governor Eno’s aggressive rural development has made the impossible possible, yielding infrastructure projects across the state like abundant layers of birds. Hisone-project-per-local-government-area initiative has progressed to its second phase.
Akwa Ibom State is blessed with various commendable initiatives, including the model primary schools and primary healthcare centres that are now emerging statewide.
Similarly, numerous road projects across the state are opening up rural areas and, like veins and arteries, circulating the lifeblood of development and good governance to all parts of the community.
Governor Umo Eno has allocated 35 billion Naira to tackle the decades-long pension and gratuity backlogs, successfully clearing almost 50% and significantly improving retirees’ well-being.
He is renowned for empowerment, boasting an unprecedented record of empowering 100,000 Akwa Ibom State youths across various sectors, making youth development the cornerstone of his inclusive administration.
Governor Umo Eno is keen on agriculture. His vision for food sufficiency and security in Akwa Ibom State has led to the implementation of farmer-friendly agricultural policies and programmes, making agriculture attractive and lucrative for younger generations.
In agriculture, the Ibom Model Farms, inspired by Port Novo’s Songhai farms in Benin Republic, is making waves, thanks to the governor’s hands-on approach, leading a delegation to learn from the project and eliminate hunger.
An innovative and responsive leader, Governor Eno is restructuring and re-positioning ministries to be in line with modern realities. He started with the novelty of creating the ministry of internal security and Waterways with the accompanying Ibom Watch which has contributed greatly to the sustenance of peace and security in the State.
Still in that line of thought, the governor has created two full fledged ministries from the Ministry of youth and sports as well as the Ministry of Humanitarian Services. All of these are the foresighted governor’s effort at aligning Akwa Ibom State with contemporary society and bringing it at par with other modern climes.
Governor Umo Eno’s visionary leadership is transforming the aviation landscape, with notable achievements including the International Terminal Building and parallel taxiway, and the strategic enhancement of Ibom Air’s fleet to broaden its network and reinforce its status as Nigeria’s flagship carrier.
The governor’s 100 million Naira Education Trust Fund is benefiting students with disabilities in State tertiary institutions, alongside their peers, regardless of their state of origin, exemplifying the dividends of good governance.
But that would not be Governor Umo Eno’s only fruit of a statesman and patriot commited to the unity and development of Nigeria. He has appointed an aide from each of the ethnic groups in Nigeria, building trust and brotherliness.
But his charity began at home. He is even more committed to the unity and oneness of Akwa Ibom State, running a bipartisanship administration. He promised Akwa Ibom people that he was going to lead the ministry of reconciliation. Like Nigerians would say, evidently, I hat ministry has moved to the permanent site, Governor Eno has shown that there are neither senior nor junior partners in the Akwa Ibom project, as everyone irrespective of political party or ethnic divide is given the sense of belonging. This cannot be different from the dream of the founding fathers.
Governor Umo Eno’s tenure is writing an indelible chapter in the annals of Akwa Ibom State, a testament to transformative leadership that will remain widely relevant and influential long after its conclusion.
On the 37th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Pastor Umo Eno distinguishes himself as a transformative force, encapsulating the state’s shared aspirations. His forward-thinking leadership builds upon the foundation established by past administrators, fulfilling the commitment made on September 23, 1987, when General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida proclaimed the state’s creation.
Governor Eno’s stewardship has ushered Akwa Ibom into an era of progress, validating its ‘Land of Promise’ moniker. He is indeed a ‘Promise Keeper’ for the people of Akwa Ibom.
