Glory Ohagwu
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, says the state’s greatest strength lies in its unity, peace and shared love for homeland, stressing that political differences must never be allowed to weaken the collective bond of the people.
Speaking at a special banquet to commemorate the 38th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State’s creation, Governor Eno said the celebration was both thanksgiving for past achievements and a prophecy of greater days ahead.
“One thing remains sacrosanct, that whether you’re with us or you’re not with us, the love for Akwa Ibom is what drives you, and we appreciate that. Where there is no peace, where there is no unity, there can never be a blessing. There can never be progress, because everyone will be fighting to sustain himself or herself,” the Governor declared.
The Governor further honoured the state, past leaders, and indigenes, excelling globally, including the Mayor of Islington in the United Kingdom, Jason Jackson, adding that the Arise Agenda was a people-driven roadmap for inclusive development.
He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in repositioning Nigeria and also commended the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, whom he said would have been in attendance but for some late engagement outside the State.
“I won’t leave here tonight without thanking our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Regardless of the hardships that we are going through, we all would agree that we are beginning to have stability, and this President is working hard.
“Standing here as a Governor tonight, I can tell you that whatever little achievement God has helped us to achieve, Akwa Ibom has not borrowed any money. This is because this President is making funding available to State Governors. At least I can say so for myself as a Governor.
“So I continue to pray, and Akwa Ibomites pray, that God will keep him in good health and that God would keep strengthening him so that he will continue to pilot the affairs of the country. Akwa Ibom is united for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are united for Senator Godswill Akpabio, and we are united for Umo Eno and all our would-be candidates,” he said.
He concluded his speech by saying : “As we gather here on behalf of the 7.9 million Akwa Ibomites, we will resolve to continue to do our very best to unite our state, in spite of our political differences. Let politics be played with a human face, and let us know that after politics, we’ll all return as Akwa Ibomites.”
Celebrating Milestones
Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, said the banquet was not a mere ceremony but a symbolic reminder of the state’s journey from promise to fulfilment.
“Today is not just a date on the calendar, but a day when hope became heritage and promise became reality. Akwa Ibom is not just a land of promise, it is a promise kept and a promise still unfolding,” Uwah said.
The SSG paid glowing tributes to past leaders including military administrators and civilian governors who, according to him, “laid the first stones and steered this ship through different seasons.”
Lawmakers Laud Development
Hon. Paul Ekpo, representing Etinan/ Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, described the creation of the state as divine and urged continued cooperation with Governor Eno to sustain unity and attract investments.
“This is not just a state but a state created by God. Akwa Ibom is united front today. Akwa Ibom has agreed that development, prosperity and oneness will bring foreign direct investment. Akwa Ibom is beckoning on all genuine investors to come. Whatever you bring here will prosper,” Ekpo stated.
Also, member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Udo, said the last 38 years had been marked by remarkable development across human capital and infrastructure.
“The state has been blessed with very wonderful leaders, starting from creation up to Pastor Umo Eno. There’s been a lot of human capital development, and we thank God for the state the way it is today, and more that will come through our current leaders,” he affirmed.
Diaspora Pride and Contribution
The President of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (USA), AKISAN, Engineer Mbong Ekiko stressed that the diaspora remained an integral partner in the state’s development through remittances, scholarships and skills training.
“Diaspora has been an integral part of development, with remittances in the billions. But more importantly, we focus on skills acquisition. Our scholarships are merit-based, we support IT and small businesses, and this week alone, we are graduating 18 students in fashion design. That is our way of building the workforce Akwa Ibom needs to sustain growth,” he said.
Commending Governor Eno’s visionary Arise Agenda, as “in alignment with the diaspora’s focus on education, technology and entrepreneurship”, Ekiko further projected the future workforce needs of the Ibom Deep Seaport, stressing the urgency of preparing talent.
“When the deep-sea port project goes live, it will require a highly skilled workforce. That is why we are investing in building talent pipelines now, so Akwa Ibom can provide the expertise needed to support this massive project,” the AKISAN leader added.
Adding another diaspora perspective, Mayor of Islington in the United Kingdom, Jason Jackson, said Akwa Ibom indigenes abroad remain proud ambassadors of their homeland.
“Yes, I am a mayor of Islington, but Akwa Ibom is my root. That’s where my heart is. I just want to say we have to stay united, politics or no politics. Akwa Ibom is a place that the whole world needs to know, because we’re blessed with amazing people,” he said.
The banquet was also attended by Cornel Tunde Ogbeha (RTD), the state’s first military administrator, who congratulated Akwa Ibom people and described the state as “the benchmark for progress and development in Nigeria.”
The banquet attended by past Leaders, political stakeholders and citizens featured cultural performances, choral renditions, Young Professionals and prayers for the State.