Akwa Ibom State Governor in Southern Nigeria, Umo Eno, has announced plans to establish a Creative Village that would serve as an incubation hub for youth talent across film, music, comedy, fashion, and technology.
Speaking at the “Okon and Friends Live in Concert” organised by renowned Nollywood actor and comedian, Ime Bishop Umoh, popularly known as Okon Lagos, in Uyo, the Governor identified hard work, consistency, and resilience as the cornerstones of lasting success.
He urged Nigerian youths to stand out in their chosen careers through hard work, resilience, consistency, and creativity.
“We will continue to work with our young people and support creativity and innovations that will positively promote and position them to accomplish more in life,” he assured them.
Last night, I joined our very own Ime Bishop Umoh, popularly known as Okon Lagos, for his Okon and Friends Live in Concert, a celebration of talent, creativity, and resilience.
I reminded our young people that success doesn’t come overnight. Hard work, consistency, and focus are… pic.twitter.com/LO24k6lAKh
— Pastor Umo Eno (@_PastorUmoEno) October 6, 2025
“One of the things that is not right with our young people today is that they don’t pursue their paths; they want to run other people’s races. They are not consistent and tenacious in their chosen careers to make a huge difference,” the Governor observed.
Governor Eno lauded the 25-year resilience of Okon Lagos in his craft, describing him as a model of focus and discipline, stressing that excellence, not imitation, drives global relevance.
“You have been steady and focused on this career path; that’s why you are making an impressive impact in Nigeria and beyond,” he stated.
The Governor cautioned against what he termed “career drift” among young people, urging them to cultivate perseverance and clarity of purpose.
“Our youths need to develop that perseverance; they need to know what they want. Today, they start a career; tomorrow, they abandon it to start another one. They want everything and end up having nothing. Be focused and consistent to make a mark,” Governor Eno advised.
Earlier, Okon Lagos expressed appreciation to the Governor for honouring the event, saying:
“It could only take the Governor’s humility to patronise my stupidity.”
The comedian presented a posthumous award to the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Patience Eno, for her encouragement, outstanding support, and belief in his career.
Receiving the award on behalf of her mother, Lady Helen Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, thanked Okon Lagos for his “deep sense of gratitude,” describing him as “the pride of Akwa Ibom State.”
The concert featured rib-cracking comedy and music performances by top entertainers, including MC Pashun, The Senator, Koloman, Funny Bone, Dan D’Humourous, I Go Save, and Mista Xto.
The event drew an impressive presence of dignitaries, including the State Deputy Governor, Senator Dr Akon Eyakenyi; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; captains of industry; and entertainment enthusiasts.
Governor Eno’s charge to youths aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which underscores creative industry development as a key pillar for national economic transformation.
It also underscores commitment to harnessing youth creativity to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s projected one-trillion-dollar economy, ensuring that Akwa Ibom’s talents light up both the national and global stage.