President Adama Barrow of The Gambia and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, have been honoured at the 19th Security Watch Africa Conference and Awards in Banjul for their outstanding contributions to good governance, security and sustainable development across the continent.
Governor Eno received the African Leader in People-Centric Governance Award, while President Barrow was recognised alongside other distinguished African leaders during the conference, which brought together policymakers, security experts and development stakeholders to promote peace, security and sustainable development in Africa.
Speaking at the Sir Dawda Jawara International Conference Centre, Governor Eno commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Represented by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Eno called for stronger regional cooperation to address emerging security threats, stressing that peace, inclusive leadership and people-centred governance remain critical to Africa’s development.
The governor said the true measure of leadership is its ability to improve citizens’ welfare.
“Governance must go beyond political leadership to improving the material conditions of the people. Meaningful development can only thrive where lives and property are protected, and the rule of law is upheld,” he said.
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Governor Eno dedicating the award to the people of Akwa Ibom State, described it as recognition of the collective efforts of government, security agencies and citizens in building a peaceful and prosperous society.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s security challenges, he noted that they were not unique to the country and could be overcome through intelligence sharing, innovation and stronger partnerships among African nations.
Highlighting achievements under the ARISE Agenda, the governor cited investments in agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, aviation, tourism and social welfare.
He said his administration has constructed over 1,346 kilometres of roads and bridges, established the Ibom Model Farm, launched the Tree Crop Revolution, commissioned the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital, enrolled more than 300,000 residents in the State Health Insurance Scheme and begun constructing over 455 solar-powered Compassionate Homes.
Governor Eno also highlighted strategic projects including the ARISE Palm Resort, International Convention Centre, expansion of Ibom Air’s regional operations and the Ibom Deep Seaport initiative.
“From land through our extensive road network, to air through Ibom Air, and to sea through the Ibom Deep Seaport, Akwa Ibom is ready to partner with the world,” he declared.
On security, he said his administration established the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, created the Ibom Community Watch and integrated 2,272 gazetted Village Youth Presidents into the state’s security architecture.
International Coordinator of Security Watch Africa, Patrick Agbambu, said Governor Eno’s people-centred leadership informed the decision to honour him.
The conference brought together African leaders, diplomats, defence chiefs, policymakers and development experts to advance practical solutions for strengthening governance, security and sustainable development across the continent.
