Uyo: The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, emphasized the importance of unity, peace, and shared love for the homeland as the state’s greatest strength during a special banquet celebrating the 38th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State’s creation. He stressed that political differences should not weaken the collective bond of the people.
According to Voice of Nigeria, Governor Eno highlighted the celebration as both a thanksgiving for past achievements and a prophecy of greater days ahead. He honored past leaders and indigenes excelling globally, including Jason Jackson, Mayor of Islington in the UK, and outlined the Arise Agenda as a roadmap for inclusive development. The Governor also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts in repositioning Nigeria and commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his contributions despite his absence due to other engagements.
Governor Eno expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for providing funding to state governors, which has allowed Akwa Ibom to avoid borrowing. He called for continued prayers for the President’s health and strength and emphasized the state’s unity in supporting national leaders and potential candidates.
Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, remarked that the banquet symbolized the state’s journey from promise to fulfillment. He paid tribute to past leaders for laying the foundation and steering the state through various seasons.
Hon. Paul Ekpo, representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, described the state’s creation as divine and urged cooperation with Governor Eno to sustain unity and attract investments. Hon. Emmanuel Udo of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency noted the significant development in human capital and infrastructure over the past 38 years.
Engineer Mbong Ekiko, President of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (USA), highlighted the diaspora’s role in the state’s development through remittances, scholarships, and skills training. He commended Governor Eno’s Arise Agenda for aligning with the diaspora’s focus on education, technology, and entrepreneurship while projecting future workforce needs for the Ibom Deep Seaport.
Mayor of Islington, Jason Jackson, emphasized the pride of Akwa Ibom indigenes abroad as ambassadors of their homeland, advocating for unity beyond politics.
The banquet, attended by past leaders, political stakeholders, and citizens, featured cultural performances, choral renditions, and prayers for the state, with Cornel Tunde Ogbeha (RTD), the state’s first military administrator, commending Akwa Ibom as a benchmark for progress and development in Nigeria.