By Uwakmfon Jacobson

The re-election bid of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has received a boost following his endorsement for a second term by stakeholders and residents of Ikono Ibom Clan in Uyo Local Government Area.

The endorsement was made on Wednesday at Ikot Ibom Civic Centre during a youth sensitisation and educational empowerment programme organised by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Anieti Udofia, who disbursed ₦10 million to more than 150 students and youths from communities across the clan.

Speaking at the event, Udofia said the initiative was designed to sensitise young people on their responsibilities while easing the financial burden on students struggling to meet their educational needs. He described the programme as an opportunity to give back to his community, encourage support for Governor Eno’s administration and appreciate the Governor for appointing him to serve in the State Executive Council.

The commissioner described his appointment as a significant milestone for Ikono Ibom, noting that, to the best of his knowledge, Governor Eno was the first governor to appoint an indigene of the area into the State Executive Council.

Beyond the empowerment initiative, Udofia highlighted government interventions in the community, including the construction of more than 19 kilometres of roads, renovation of schools and provision of ARISE Compassionate Homes. He added that more than 10 indigenes of the area were serving in government at various levels.

In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, commended Governor Eno for supporting Udofia, noting that the appointment had enabled the commissioner to make a positive impact on his community.

Speaking through his wife, Dr Inemesit Uwah, the SSG praised the commissioner for investing in the education of young people and expressed optimism that Ikono Ibom would benefit from more dividends of democracy under the Eno administration.

Also speaking, the Dean of the College of Commissioners and Special Advisers, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, thanked the Governor and the tourism commissioner for the educational intervention. He commended the administration’s development efforts and urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that active electoral participation was essential to sustaining development and supporting the ARISE Agenda.

Similarly, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, congratulated Udofia on the initiative and praised Governor Eno for ongoing development projects across the state.

The ALGON Chairman pledged support for the completion of the Ikono Ibom Civic Centre, while citing road construction and other infrastructure projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to improving residents’ living conditions.

In a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Umoh, commended Udofia for the initiative and highlighted government investments in schools, healthcare facilities and other infrastructure in Ikono Ibom. He urged the beneficiaries to take their education seriously and utilise the financial assistance judiciously to advance their academic pursuits.

Reinforcing the focus on young people, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerette Ekanem, described the programme as a milestone and a demonstration of the government’s commitment to youth development under the ARISE Agenda.

He cited the establishment of youth development centres in all 31 local government areas, payment of students’ examination fees, an increase in bursary payments from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000, and the upward review of monthly allowances for National Youth Service Corps members from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000 as evidence of the administration’s support for young people.

On the political front, the APC Uyo Senatorial District Chairman, Mr Isua Archibong, called for increased voter registration and participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Giving figures for Wards 8 and 9, he disclosed that Ward 8 had 29 polling units and 14,000 registered voters, while Ward 9 had 16 polling units and 8,000 registered voters. The two wards account for 45 polling units and approximately 22,000 registered voters.

He urged eligible residents who were yet to register to do so and encouraged all qualified voters to obtain their PVCs and participate actively in the electoral process.

The programme attracted government officials, political leaders, community stakeholders, students and youths from across Ikono Ibom Clan. Speakers at the event underscored the importance of educational empowerment, youth development and infrastructure delivery in advancing community progress, while rallying support for Governor Eno’s administration and its ARISE Agenda.

The Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, has commended the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his compassionate intervention in providing a new home for an aged widower in Uruk Uso, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

The Chairman gave the commendation on Saturday, September 12, 2026, during the commissioning and handover of a newly built and fully furnished two-bedroom bungalow donated to Mr. Edet Akpan Mbo in Uruk Uso Village.

The Governor, represented by Dr. Gloria Edet, officially handed over the house to the beneficiary, who had been living in a collapsed mud house.

In addition to the new home, Governor Umo Eno presented Mr. Mbo with a financial support of ₦500,000 to assist him in improving his livelihood.

The Governor also commended the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Affairs, Prince Nsikanabasi UmoEkpo, for faithfully implementing the vision of the ARISE Compassionate Home initiative.

He also acknowledged Chairman Nkom for maintaining peace and promoting development in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

Speaking at the event, Chairman Nkom thanked Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable citizens across the state.

He said the Governor had done much for the people of Ikot Ekpene, assuring that the people would reciprocate the gesture with massive support in 2027.

As a demonstration of his personal support for the beneficiary, Elder Nkom presented Mr. Mbo with a brand-new plasma television and financial assistance. He also made immediate arrangements for the beneficiary to receive medical treatment.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Affairs, Prince Nsikanabasi UmoEkpo, disclosed that the project marked the 10th ARISE Compassionate Home provided in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

He said the initiative reflects Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to inclusive leadership and improving the lives of vulnerable citizens, adding that more beneficiaries have been profiled and construction of their homes would commence soon.

The Village Head of Uruk Uso, Chief Akpan Udo Odung, thanked Governor Umo Eno for the gesture, describing Mr. Mbo as a hardworking son of the community who had served the village faithfully for several years as a town crier.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong, praised Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to humanitarian service and his numerous people-oriented projects across Akwa Ibom State.

Ekong also presented the beneficiary with a fully subscribed digital television package and financial support towards his healthcare.

The Member Representing Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency, Hon. Jerry Otu; General Manager, Bulk Purchase Agency, Rt. Hon. Unyime Etim; and the Vice Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Elder Mrs. Abigail Akpan, also commended the Governor for his efforts in touching lives, particularly in Ikot Ekpene while donating financial support to the beneficiary.

In an emotional response, Mr. Mbo thanked Governor Umo Eno for completely transforming his life through the gesture and prayed that God would bless and preserve him to continue doing good.

The Compassionate Home which is the 460th since Governor Eno’s emergence comes fully furnished with solar powered electricity and borehole and is also legally transferred through a deed of gift, granting Mrs Linus complete ownership rights.

The gesture is part of the ARISE Agenda’s Humanitarian Support pillar, aimed at giving dignity and shelter to widows, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups across Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking during the handover, Governor Eno said he is determined to alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable in our society, a promise he made before emerging as Governor.

Represented by former Commissioner for Agriculture and Women Leader, ARISE with Renewed Hope Initiative , Dr.Glory Edet, the Governor reiterated that he was fulfilling a promise of providing dignity and shelter to the vulnerable in the state.

“We made a covenant with the people that no one will be left behind. Today we are keeping that promise. This home is to give you comfort, security, and a new beginning,” Dr. Edet said.

“This house is not charity. It is your right. Government exists to serve the people, especially those who have no one to speak for them. This is the ARISE Agenda in action,” she added.

She announced that the Home comes a starter pack – a N500,000 gift from the Governor to help the beneficiary start a small business and become self-reliant.

The Village Head, Chief Isidore Ibritam commended the Governor for remembering the forgotten, describing the project as a home built with compassion.

In her speech, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga said Governor Enos administration has continued to prove that governance is about touching lives and is specially committed to the betterment of lives of the vulnerable.

In an emotional-laden speech, the beneficiary, Mrs Linus recounted the times she used to grapple with rainfall and years she spent struggling to survive since her husband’s demise describing Governor Eno’s intervention as timely and heartwarming.

Earlier, the Chairman of Obot Akara Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Dominic Simon, represented by his Vice Chairman, Hon. Mercy Okure, thanked the Governor for the numerous developmental efforts in Obot Akara, describing the construction of Compassionate Homes in every ward in the Local Government as unprecedented.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Information, Rt Hon. Aniekan Umanah, also highlighted some of the Governor’s major interventions in Obot Akara, including two model primary schools and the Nto Ideh–Ikot Amba Bridge urging the people to rally behind Governor Eno for dividends.

Earlier,giving an overview of the project, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Affairs, Prince Nsikan-Abasi Umoekpo said the house was the 460th since inception of Governor Eno’s administration and said the Governor has promised to hit the intended 500 mark before end of his first term.

Governor Umo Eno’s victory was decisive, as he polled an impressive 123 points to finish ahead of two other prominent football-loving governors. Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, scored 99 points to place second, while Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, garnered 78 points to finish third. The 24-point margin over the second-placed governor underscores the strong recognition of Umo Eno’s relationship with football and his administration’s support for the development of sports.

One of the clearest reflections of Akwa Ibom’s growing sporting reputation is the state’s continued hosting of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior national football team, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. Over the years, the magnificent facility has become one of the preferred venues for major international fixtures, providing the national team with a world-class environment while giving Akwa Ibom residents the opportunity to regularly witness top-level football on home soil.

Beyond hosting international football, the Umo Eno administration has continued to place emphasis on grassroots sports development, youth participation and the creation of platforms where emerging talents can be discovered and nurtured. The ongoing preparations for the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, involving athletes and officials from the state’s 31 local government areas, further demonstrate the administration’s commitment to using sports as a tool for youth development, unity, talent discovery and economic opportunities.

Against this backdrop, Governor Umo Eno’s 123-point victory at the Nigeria Pitch Awards can be seen as a recognition of a broader sporting vision one that seeks to position Akwa Ibom not only as a state that produces talented athletes and footballers, but also as a leading destination for major sporting events in Nigeria. With the state’s world-class facilities, growing sporting programmes and continued relationship with the Super Eagles, the award adds another significant chapter to Akwa Ibom’s evolving sports story.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno will from Tuesday, September 1, 2026, commence the commissioning of 39 projects across the State as part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of State Creation.

Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, disclosed this on Monday during a radio interview on Comfort FM, Uyo, where he highlighted the achievements of the Pastor Umo Eno-led administration and the significance of the anniversary celebrations.

Umanah said the 39 projects earmarked for inauguration reflect the administration’s commitment to translating the ARISE Agenda into tangible development across the State, noting that Governor Eno remains focused on completing projects initiated by his administration, as well as inherited projects.

He disclosed that the ARISE Palm Resort would be among the landmark projects to be commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of the State’s anniversary activities.

The Commissioner listed some of the major projects to be commissioned to include the Nsit Atai–Okobo Road, dualisation of the Idoro–Ring Road 3 axis extending to Ikot Ekpene Road, and the Akwa GIS Office, among others.

According to him, more than 95 per cent of the components of the ARISE Agenda and 1.0 Focal areas have been achieved under the first term of the present administration, with significant progress recorded in infrastructure, aviation, healthcare, human capital development, youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.

Umanah also announced that a brand-new Airbus aircraft delivered to Ibom Air, the State-owned airline, will be unveiled on Tuesday at the Victor Attah International Airport, saying the additional aircraft would strengthen the carrier’s fleet and increase its flight capacity. He disclosed that the State Government had committed over N20 billion to various empowerment initiatives, while Governor Eno had approved an additional N31 billion empowerment scheme to be implemented through cooperative groups and other structured platforms.

The Information boss further highlighted the administration’s human capital development and entrepreneurship programmes, including initiatives driven through the Dakkada Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (DASSAC) and the Ibom Leadership and Economic Development (Ibom-LED) programme. According to him, several thousand Akwa Ibom youths had also been engaged directly and indirectly at various project sites across the State, providing opportunities for employment, skills acquisition and economic participation.

“This is a government that is focused on delivering on the ARISE Agenda,” Umanah stated.

The Commissioner disclosed that an inter-denominational thanksgiving service would be held on September 20 at the International Christian Worship Centre, describing it as an opportunity for Akwa Ibom people to return all glory to God for the State’s peace, growth and development. He also announced that a variety night would be held on September 23 at the Banquet Hall of the new ARISE Palm Resort as part of the activities lined up for the anniversary.

The Commissioner therefore called on Akwa Ibom people to identify with the anniversary celebrations and appreciate the collective journey of the State, while looking forward to a new chapter of sustainable development and prosperity.