•Daily Times Publisher Fidelis Anosike and Governor Umo Eno
… describes ARISE Compassionate homes initiative as most fulfilling
Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno has described his recognition and honour with the Times Heroes Award by Daily Times as a call to greater service, accountability and responsible leadership.
He said the honour reinforces the need for him to remain focused on delivering sustainable development for the people in line with the ARISE Agenda.
Speaking in Government House, Uyo, while receiving a delegation from Daily Times, led by its Publisher and Chairman, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, the governor said though the nomination itself was a significant recognition, his administration is driven by service and appreciates awards which are genuine validation of his efforts.
He highlighted some of his administration’s development efforts, stressing that the ARISE Compassionate Homes initiative remains the most fulfilling and emotionally rewarding project of his administration, given its focus on improving the lives of ordinary people, particularly those in underserved rural areas.
The governor explained that the same passion informed his administration’s decision to begin the construction of Model Primary Schools in rural communities, equipped with solar power, computer facilities and accomodations for key staff, to ensure that children in remote areas enjoy quality education comparable to what their urban counterparts enjoy.
He noted that while it would have been easier and more politically rewarding to build large housing estates in urban centres such as Uyo, his administration deliberately chose to provide decent homes for the less privilege, and most vulnerable residents who would otherwise never have had the opportunity to own decent houses.
The governor said his administration targets 500 compassionate homes, with a resolve to ensuring that each of the State’s 369 wards benefit from at least one, describing the initiative as a practical expression of “Renewed Hope” through meaningful intervention in people’s lives.
He dedicated the award to God, the people of Akwa Ibom State, members of his team and everyone who has contributed to the state’s development, including his predecessors and critical stakeholders.
The State Chief Executive appreciated the team for the honour, and described the award process as transparent and non-transactional because the final decision, according to them, rested with members of the public after an independent nomination exercise.
“The world is watching. Whatever we are doing, we should just give our best. For me, it is a call to greater service, knowing that the world is watching,” he added.
Earlier, Anosike, said Governor Eno’s selection for the award was informed by the remarkable developmental strides recorded across the state.
He noted that after touring 12 states across the country, Akwa Ibom stood out as a model of purposeful, people-centred governance and commended the governor for his clear vision and the impact of the ARISE Compassionate Homes initiative in rural communities.
Anosike, said the Times Heroes Award was conceived as part of activities commemorating the Newspaper’s 100th anniversary and aimed at identifying outstanding Nigerians whose contributions will shape the country’s future.
He said the emergence of Governor Eno was through a transparent process after the Daily Times Assessment Council independently evaluated leadership performance across selected states before throwing the contest open for public votes.
To receive the Daily Times team with the governor were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor Mr Aniefiok Johnson, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Uko Udom, SAN, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Emem Bob, Commissioner for Information Dr. Aniekan Umanah, MD/CEO of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, Pastor Imo-Abasi Jacob, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Anietie Usen, and other government officials.
