…As Akpabio lauds governor’s development strides, unity initiative
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has honoured past leaders of the State for their contributions to its development trajectory, saying the progress recorded over the years is a product of the collective sacrifices and efforts of successive administrations.
Governor Eno stated this at a special variety night held at the ARISE Palm Resort, Uyo, as part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State.
The Governor described the celebration as a night of gratitude, noting that the State had every reason to celebrate its journey from the military era to the present democratic dispensation.
He expressed appreciation to former Governors Obong Victor Attah and Senator Godswill Akpabio, their spouses, as well as former Military Administrators Group Captain John Ebiye (rtd.) and Colonel Yakubu Bako (rtd.), for their presence and contributions to the State.
Governor Eno said successive administrations had built upon the foundations laid by their predecessors, stressing that every leader had contributed to moving the State forward.
He also commended the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his cooperation, which he said had contributed to sustaining peace and unity in Akwa Ibom.
The Governor used the occasion to reward academic and professional excellence, presenting a leadership excellence award to the Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Professor Otoabasi Akpan, for what he described as his effective interpretation of the administration’s vision for the institution.
Professor Akpan was particularly recognised for securing accreditation for 49 academic programmes and other achievements recorded under his leadership.
Two outstanding Akwa Ibom indigenes also received scholarship awards.
Dr. Joseph Akpan, the best graduating student in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Uyo in the 2024/2025 academic session, received a 160-million-naira full scholarship for postgraduate studies in Surgical and Interventional Science at McGill University, Canada.
Similarly, Uwakmfon Umana Joseph received a 30-million-naira full scholarship to study Software Engineering at Nile University, Abuja.
Governor Eno explained that the scholarship to Uwakmfon fulfilled a commitment made by the immediate past administration, while Dr. Akpan’s scholarship was based on his earlier pledge to support the best graduating medical student from the University of Uyo to pursue postgraduate studies at a foreign university.
Responding, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, commended Governor Eno for his development initiatives and said he had been impressed by the transformation of the former life-threatening gully erosion site into a world-class tourism facility.
Senator Akpabio also acknowledged the contributions of past administrations and praised Governor Eno for bringing stakeholders together across political divides, describing the State as a home for all.
He said the anniversary celebration was deserving and commended the Governor for projects he said were touching the lives of the people, describing him as the “Most Uncommon Transformer.”
Also speaking, former Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, commended Governor Eno for commissioning 39 projects to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the State.
Senator Udoma described the ARISE Agenda as inspirational and identified the unity of stakeholders as one of the most important achievements of the administration, stressing that unity was essential for meaningful development.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, described Akwa Ibom as an emerging reference point for world-class infrastructure, human capital development and tourism.
Uwah said the administration had continued to build on the foundation laid by previous leaders through the commissioning of 39 projects to mark the State’s 39th anniversary.
He commended Governor Eno for his deliberate approach to governance and efforts to improve the lives of the people.
The event featured a variety of musical and entertainment performances and the presentation of a book titled “Umo Eno: Humanizing Politics and Governance.”