The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, marked his 62nd birthday with children at Divine Children’s Home, Atan Offot, Uyo, exemplifying compassion-driven governance.
The celebration convened inmates from across 25 orphanages statewide, including five government-owned homes, reflecting a broad-based commitment to child welfare and inclusion.
Addressing guests, the Governor declared, “Since God brought us to serve the people of Akwa Ibom State, he inspired me to make my birthday an occasion to make the people show compassion to others.”
He emphasised the moral imperative of service, stating, “Whatever you do to the least of these ones, you are doing it unto me.”
Underscoring his commitment to the vulnerable, he said, “For me, this is renewed hope that these children will know that they are not rejected, they are not desolate, that we are with them.”
In a major highpoint, he directed immediate employment for 22 caregivers, stressing, “This is a directive from the governor of the state. Employ them. Pay them. This is their certificate.”
He also approved training and starter packs for 15 inmates, insisting, “In the next six months, settle them… give them shops, open businesses for them. Take them into the Ibom Leadership Entrepreneur and Development Academy and once they finish, give them starter packs, give them shops, and open businesses for them.”
Also, four graduate inmates from the Divine Children’s Home, Nelson Solomon Effiong, Samuel Bassey Samuel, Grace Etim John, and Idongesit Essien Ekpo, were given immediate employment.
Stressing accountability and action, he directed, “This is a directive from the governor of the state. The words of a king must never be allowed to fall to the ground. If I have people working with me, every word I speak should become reality. Make these things happen in the next one month. Please.”
He maintained that service to the vulnerable defines leadership, noting, “This is not politics. This is about showing compassion to the people. Let it be said that this government cares. For me, this is renewed hope, and we are urging them to arise with renewed hope that their tomorrow is here and tomorrow will be better.”
The Governor charged them, “But never forget where God picked you. Always return to encourage your people here. Never forget how God raised you. The same testimony you share, please encourage these ones.”
He further directed the construction of a reformation centre with a school for juvenile inmates, stating, ‘Let us take them and turn them around. We must ensure that we work with the ministry.’ Our testimony will be when they are leaving; they should leave with their certificates, their lives transformed, and as good persons. Please, we must do that.”
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, described the Governor as “a leader who has shown uncommon love and compassion for the most vulnerable”.
She outlined progress across the homes, noting, “Today, four (4) of them are proudly serving in the National Youth Service Corps… Sixty-two (62) are pursuing higher education.”
She also appealed for staff welfare, saying, “I humbly and earnestly appeal for an upward review of their stipends so that they may be better supported.”
Also, Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, stated, “You have taught us that the true stature of a leader is measured by what he gives away. “You are a sanctuary for the fatherless and a fortress for the weak.”
Speaking to Voice of Nigeria, ALGON State Chairman Dr Uwemedimo Udo described the gesture as exemplary, noting, “For me, this is truly service to humanity. This is the real definition of service to humanity.”
Beneficiaries also shared emotional testimonies. Barrister Bright Bassey said, “This kind of government means hope to me,” while psychiatric nurse Nelson Effiong added, “Honestly, the feeling is indescribable now… dreams are now becoming clear.”
Abigail Okon Edet stated, “What he has done has given the little ones hope that academic education is not a scam,” and Samuel Bassey Samuel said, “The opportunity that I’m having today is the covenant I’m breaking. I’m proud to say this. I’m the first person to be a government worker.”
The highpoint of the celebration was the presentation and distribution of 500 school bags and exercise books to children from the various homes, while five high-flier students received educational tablets to prepare them for higher education.
The celebration featured performances by various children’s groups and visually impaired singer Chris Vic.
The event underscored the administration’s commitment to social welfare, unity, and inclusive governance.