•Governor Umo Eno
ANIETIE USEN and NKENEKE EFO, Uyo reporting
Ahead of the swearing in of 27 members of his new cabinet any time from now, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has spelt out some dos and don’ts the new commissioners must abide by or shown the way out.
Speaking at the inauguration of the State Labour and Industrial Committee as well as the State Bureau of Statistics, Thursday, February 13, 2025, Governor Eno said 2025 is a year of consolidation for his Administration and there is no room for laxity.
“This is a year of consolidation, so I’m taking time to announce even for the Commissioners that are coming in that they must downplay fanfare and partying in celebration of their appointments and schedule the celebrations to the conclusion of their tenure.”
Should any cabinet member still want to celebrate his appointment, the Governor said, such celebration should be taken to their villages where villagers will benefit from the dining and wining.
“Let me also say this please. I will appreciate it if you don’t go and do elaborate party because you have been made a Commissioner. It is the end that matters. I rather like you to thank God for the privilege to serve and when you finish serving, we can throw a party for you like we did the last time”.
“And for those of you who are not from Uyo, let me not hear that you did any celebration in Uyo. Go to your village and go to your local government areas and do your celebrations there. Let your village people see you and benefit from you. If you do any party in Uyo, I’ll remove you the next day. Go to your village.Let them enjoy the fact that there is a Commissioner from that community and local government area,” the governor said.
Noting that the 27 Cabinet members are drawn equally, nine each from the three senatorial districts, the Governor emphasised the need for government officials to make their people feel the impact of the government.
“So go back to your local government area. Don’t stay here in your houses in Uyo. The chairman of your local government area will tell me if you came home.We will monitor those that don’t go home. Your commissionership is from your local government and not Uyo,” the Governor said.
Meanwhile, a cross section of Akwa Ibom people have given kudos to the Governor for constitution of a new cabinet.
From Senatorial District to Senatorial District, from elders to young people; from women to men, it has all been cheers and applauses for the governor over the choice of nominees.
The governor, had, on Tuesday, February 10, 2025, sent a list of 27 nominees to the State House of Assembly for confirmation as Commissioners and Special Advisers.
The list which was read on the floor of the Assembly by Speaker Udeme Otong contained the names of Uko Udom, SAN (Etinan), Paul Bassey (Eket), Nsikak Linus Nkan (Ibesikpo /Asutan), Emem Bob (ONNA), Iniobong Ekong (Nsit Ubium), Ikoedem Ekong (Ibeno), Anthony Luke (Essien Udim), Offiong Offor (INI), Iniobong Robson (Esit Eket), Henry Archibong ( Itu), Nsikak Ekong (Ikot Ekpene), Ini Ememobong ( Ibiono Ibom), Eno Ibanga (Mkpat Enin), Frank Archibong ( Eket), Emmanuel Ekem John ( Oruk Anam), Inibehe Silas ( Ika), Ubong Essien ( Nsit Ibom), Aniekan Umanah (Abak), Frank Ekpenyong (Ukanafun), Ubuo Ubuo ( Okobo), Ubong Inyang ( Ikono), Koko Essien ( Uruan), Emem Ibanga ( Nsit Atai), Anieti Udofia ( Uyo), Kufre Udosen (Ikot Abasi), Ekanem Ekerete ( Etim Ekpo) and Alice Ekpenyong (Mbo).
Inside The Hilltop spoke to a cross section of Akwa Ibom people who all expressed gratitude to the Governor for the choices.
To Obong Emmanuel Obot, a former member of the House of Representatives, Governor Eno did well by bringing in men and women with experience to help transform his plans into reality.
He said even though the Governor has the power to nominate anybody, it was cheering to see a lot of experienced former political office holders on his list, saying it was a sign that the Governor appreciates experience, expertise and the politics associated with governance.
To Obong Emmanuel Okon, a business man and Managing Director of Eminence Oil and Gas Ltd, the Governor’s nomination has brought peace to bear in the polity by the balance in giving the same number of nominees to each Senatorial District. He said all the nominees are well educated and experienced persons who are also conversant with the Arise agenda, having all been involved with the Governor’s administration since inception. He specifically thanked the Governor for appointing Princess Emem Ibanga from his area, saying “she is a passionate and dedicated person who takes on any duty assigned her with commitment.”
In some areas like Abak, youths took to the street to rally support for the governor, and to appreciate him for appointing one of their own, Umanah, a former member of the House of Representatives.
Others took to the social media and newspapers to post and publish congratulatory messages to the appointees. In all the posts and publications, there was at least a line devoted to thanking Governor Eno for the choices.
People see the choices as inclusive, as the Governor has picked nine nominees per Senatorial District, striking a political balance with intent to keep the unity and peace in the State.
Amongst the nominees are 18 new hands and nine ‘returnees.’ There are also four women and several young, intelligent professionals.
Governor Eno reassures on Solid Foundation For Akwa Ibom children
ANTHONY UDOH, Uyo reporting
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has reiterated his commitment to laying a solid foundation for the self – actualisation of Akwa Ibom children.
The governor gave the assurance when he received the Speaker of the National Children’s Parliament, Progress Friday Umoh, on a courtesy visit to his office in Government House, Uyo.
He noted that the model primary schools across the State, the planned three model secondary schools with state -of – the – art boarding facilities, and the model primary health centres are aimed at ensuring a healthy life for children and a greater future for Akwa Ibom children.
Governor Eno congratulated Umoh for standing out among the children, and for emerging as the Speaker of the Children’s parliament in the country.
He assured that the State will give her the necessary support to enable her succeed in her position, and urged other children in the State and beyond to emulate Umoh who he described as a shining star.
Addressing the governor, Umoh appreciated him for his impactful commitment to advancing the welfare of children in the State, saying, “we sincerely appreciate your passion in reactivating the Primary Health Centres across the State. This noble idea has further helped in the vaccination of children against killer diseases.”
The Speaker who was led to the Governor’s office by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, mentioned some troubling issues affecting the girl child to include female genital mutilation, underaged pregnancies, and appealed for more awareness campaigns and interventions aimed at eradicating these challenges which, according to her, have militated against the growth of some children in the State.
GIFA to Mark First Anniversary on February 20
EKEMINI JAMES, Uyo reporting
The Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), is set to celebrate its first anniversary on February 20, 2025.
The milestone event coincides with the posthumous birthday of the departed First Lady, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno, and will provide an opportunity for the people of Akwa Ibom State and beyond to pay tributes to her life and legacy.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, hosted a novelty football match on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the Uyo Township Stadium between Wives of All Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (WALGON) and the Legislators Wives Association (LEWA), Akwa Ibom Chapter, which ended in favour of WALGON.
The event drew a large crowd of government officials, political stakeholders, friends, and partners of GIFA, as well as members of the general public. The novelty match was a unique and entertaining way to kick off the anniversary celebrations, promoting unity, teamwork, and friendly competition among the participants.
Since a year ago, GIFA has been unwavering in its commitment to creating a society where families and vulnerable groups thrive.
GIFA’s approach to empowerment is comprehensive and multi-faceted, focusing on various thematic areas that are critical to achieving its vision. These areas include maternal and child healthcare, enhancing literacy and learning, improving environmental health, women empowerment, fighting against diseases, care for the elderly, care for persons living with disabilities, and gender-based violence prevention and response.
The initiative has made significant strides in its first year, and the anniversary celebrations will provide an oppourtunity to reflect on its achievements and look forward to the future.
The main anniversary event on February 20 promises to be a memorable occasion, with various activities and events planned to commemorate the milestone.
Happy Anniversary, GIFA!
Briefly: Highlights of recent activities of Governor Umo Eno
Gov. Eno Worshipped at All Nation Nations Christian Ministries Int’l, Uyo, on Sunday February 9, 2025
✅ The Governor met with the Christian Advisory Council at the Banquet Hall, Tuesday February 11, 2025
✅ Gov. Eno forwarded the names of 27 Commissioners designate to the State House of Assembly for screening, Tuesday February 11, 2025
✅ Gov. Eno visited Sterling Oil Company at Eastern Obolo to negotiate for peace between the Company and host Community, Wednesday February12, 2025
✅ Gov. Eno inaugurated the Akwa Ibom State Labour and Industrial Committee, Thursday February 13, 2025
✅ The Governor inaugurated and sworn in the Bureau of Statistics Board, Thursday, February 13, 2025
✅ Gov. Eno met with Projects Advisory Committee for updates on several projects such as Ibom Hotels, Abuja, AKICORP Building, International Market, Ikot Ekpene, Judges Quarters, General Hospital/Mother and Child Hospital, Medical Village, Industrial Park, Correctional Centre Facility, Model Secondary Schools in each of the Senatorial Districts and Ibom Paints, Thursday February 13, 2025
✅ Assisted an Orphan Master Abraham Akaninyene, installed solar-powered for easy learning, offered to renovate their house, Thursday February 13, 2025
✅ Commissioning of the Patience Umo Eno Antenatal at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Friday February 14, 2025.
