Akwa Ibom at 37: Tracking the Transformative Leadership of Governor Umo Eno for his people

 

Tracking the Transformative Leadership of

Governor Umo Eno for his people

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   *By Anietie Edet* 

 _TheSouthernpostng.blogspot.com_ 

reading 3min.

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Every leadership has a starting point, but navigating development to touch every sector of the economy remains a constant challenge. As Akwa Ibom celebrates its 37th anniversary, the story of the state's progress under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno is one that is worth examining.

I have followed the development in Akwa Ibom closely, and I can say with confidence that Governor Eno's tenure has been marked by significant strides in various areas. His administration's focus on compassion, empowerment, and holistic development is evident in the tangible progress made across the state.

Some notable achievements under Governor Eno's leadership include:

1. Compassionate Homes: The administration has built and handed over brand-new homes to the most vulnerable families in Akwa Ibom, providing them with dignified living conditions.

2. Gratuity Payments: The governor has cleared over ₦35 billion in gratuity arrears, fulfilling a crucial promise to the state's hardworking civil servants.

3. Educational Opportunities: 39 rural students are currently on an educational trip to the United Kingdom, with the governor providing bursaries to support their learning experiences.

4. Trader Empowerment: The administration has made available ₦2 billion in grants to support the state's traders and small business owners.

5. Infrastructure Development: The ongoing construction of the Nsit Atai Okobo road is a testament to the government's commitment on improving connectivity and accessibility across the state.

6. Improve the operational efficiency and performance of the state-owned airline to enhance comfort, safety, and establish a reputable brand that will lead the aviation industry in country, showcasing Akwa Ibom State's pride.

7. Earlier yesterday, the news surfaced regarding an amendment to the TRC by Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, sending a clear message of peace to the state's three major ethnic groups.
The amendment, as outlined in Section 47 (3), involves the rotation of the position of President-General among these ethnic groups. Governor Eno's primary objective is to foster peace and ethnic harmony within the state, aiming to solidify its unity. This progressive move aligns with the approaching 37th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State, underscoring Governor Umo Eno's steadfast commitment to realizing the state's founding principles.

Through prioritizing peace and development as unifying principles, Governor Umo Eno is advancing the dreams of those who sought a cohesive and prosperous Akwa Ibom State. Just like one generation plants a tree for the next to nurture, Governor Umo Eno embodies the values of his predecessors and is actively shaping a brighter tomorrow for the state.

Moreover, Governor Eno's focus on security has been a key factor in maintaining Akwa Ibom's status as a peaceful state. The deployment of cutting-edge intelligence-gathering equipment and the collaboration between the government and security agencies have proven effective in combating crime.

The administration's efforts to empower the youth have also been noteworthy. Over 100,000 young people are set to benefit from training, support programs, and grants, with the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Youths to ensure their active involvement in the state's development.

As Akwa ibom go higher, 

exceptional impact of young women are not left out:

In various ways, young women are amplifying their voices and showcasing their abilities. One remarkable individual at the forefront is Mrs. Uduak Edet, a vibrant young academic specializing in mathematics. As the only female lecturer in the Faculty of Physical Science at the Department of Mathematics, University of Uyo, Mrs. Edet stands out for her dedication and expertise. Leveraging her deep understanding of advanced mathematics and technology, she has written innovative mathematical principles and forged connections between existing theories to address real-world problems.

            (Mrs Uduak Edet)

Furthermore, Mrs. Edet is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Pure Mathematics at the prestigious University of Uyo, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and scholarly advancement. Her story exemplifies the indomitable spirit of excellence that is characteristic of many individuals hailing from Akwa Ibom.

Also the state is abuzz with talented young individuals making their mark nationwide. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Akwa Ibom Empowerment and Corset Masterclass hosted by Prudent Gabriel at the Emerald Event Center. The session was enlightening and impactful.

Following that, I made a brief visit to the Uyo Fashion Week 2024 at Ibom Hall, where aspiring young models displayed their skills and creativity. This exemplifies the unique class and style of Akwa Ibom's spirit.

Akwa Ibom State has been blessed in various ways, particularly in the area of boosting business opportunities for entrepreneurs. A specific gesture or initiative has attracted a significant number of people from around the world to the state in the lastmonths.
This includes hosting events such as World Cup qualifiers, national cup tournaments, national conferences, and partnerships with foreign missions and embassies, as well as paramilitary conferences. These events have collectively contributed to a significant boost in the state's tourism sector over the past months, and the trend is expected to continue.

The recreation park under construction in the Dominic Utuk avenue ravine is a prime example of his innovative thinking.Via transforming a natural gully into a public space for leisure and enjoyment, he is not only beautifying the city but also providing a much-needed amenity for the people.

The Governor's commitment to improving education, healthcare, and housing for civil servants further demonstrates his dedication to ensuring a high quality of life for all residents. The distribution of 150 housing units to civil servants is a thoughtful gesture that will ease the financial burdens  faced by many families.

What's most impressive is Governor Eno's holistic approach to urban development. He recognizes that a successful city must cater to the diverse needs of its population - from the educated middle class to the rural migrants. focusing on affordable housing, quality education, public infrastructure, and attractive public spaces, he is laying the foundation for a truly inclusive and sustainable city.

As the people of Akwa Ibom state witness these remarkable transformations, it's clear that they have a leader who is committed to their well-being and the long-term prosperity of the state. Governor Eno's vision and actions are setting a new standard for urban development in Nigeria, and his legacy is sure to inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

As Akwa Ibom celebrates its 37th anniversary, it is clear that Governor Umo Eno's leadership has set the stage for a bright future. From innovative infrastructural projects to targeted social welfare initiatives, his administration's strategic vision and people-centric approach has positioned the state for continued growth and prosperity.

A'IBOM ASSEMBLY PASSES AMENDED TRADITIONAL RULERS LAW

In a bid to promote peace and inclusivity, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed an amendment to the Traditional Rulers Law, making the Office of the President General rotational.

Governor Pastor Umo Eno's administration proposed the amendment to address widespread criticism from Traditional Rulers from Annang and Oro ethnic groups, who argued that the original law did not allow for rotation of power.

The amendment provides that the President General will serve as a ceremonial head, representing the Council nationally and internationally, with the office rotating among the three major ethnic groups in the state. The President General will be appointed by the Governor for a four-year term, renewable for another four years.

A 7-man committee, headed by Paramount Ruler of Eket, Edidem E. C. D. Abia, was constituted by Governor Eno to address the controversy. The committee recommended rotation to promote peace.

Governor Eno is expected to swear in newly recognized Traditional Rulers on Monday, September 23, 2024, at the State Traditional Rulers Chambers, Uyo.

The amendment has been widely welcomed by stakeholders, with many praising the Governor's commitment to peace and inclusivity.

"This is a victory for the people of Akwa Ibom," said a Traditional Ruler from Annang. "We are grateful to Governor Eno for listening to our concerns."

The amended law, now known as the 'Traditional Rulers (3rd Amendment) Law', takes effect from September 20, 2024. The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has directed the Clerk, NsikakAbasi Orok, to communicate the decision to the Governor.

GOV ENO COMMENCES SECOND PHASE OF FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION TO THE VULNERABLE

The second phase of Free Food distribution to the vulnerable, an initiative of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commenced in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area. 

Governor Umo Eno at the height of the economic challenges facing the country assured the vulnerable citizens of his administration s determination to cater for their welfare.

The program, which is anchored by the State Bulk Purchase Agency, saw beneficiaries who had confirmed their names on the social register receive their palliatives in exchange for food vouchers. 

Flagging off the second phase of the parliatve distribution today, the general manager of the State Bulk Purchase Agency, Hon. Uyime Etim explained that the Agency is relying on the world bank endorsed register for the vulnerable to choose the beneficiaries. 

According to him, " The governor's personal assistants in the council wards were directed to issue vouchers to only those in the register and all  they do is to come here, authentic their voucher and return home with the food stuffs.”

Those who had not yet received vouchers were seen queuing up to collect theirs, before proceeding to receive their palliatives.

The event, which took place at the secondary school, Nung Udoe was witnessed by the transition committee chairman and members in the area and other stakeholders.

The chairman of the Agency, Dr Dan Akpan explained that the Food Security Programme is designed to cushion the effects of economic hardship on the most vulnerable members in the society and under the current phase, the agency directly takes the food to the respective local government areas where on different days for the beneficiaries. 

 Also speaking, a former member of the House of Representatives and Media Consultant to the governor Hon Aniekan Umana said the parliatve distribution is timely owing to the prevailing economic situation in the country and commendd the governor for his humane disposition towards the needy.

Umanah highlighted that the foodstuffs were meant for Akwa ibom people devoid of political inclination and strictly for those who are truly vulnerable.

Residents of Ibesikpo Asutan expressed profound gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for his compassionate leadership and commitment to his campaign promises.

"We are thankful for Governor Eno's kindness and concern for the welfare of his people," said Mr Solomon Eyo, Special Assistant to the governor on Multi Media and Web Management" 

Governor Eno is a blessing to our state, his generosity and care for the poor are exemplary. We pray God to continue to guide and bless him”, added Mrs. Grace Akpan, a beneficiary. 

"Governor Eno's food distribution initiative demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the people's welfare," said the commissioner for agriculture and rural development Offiong Offor, who added,  "We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that no one is left behind."

The food distribution exercise is expected to continue across the state on a daily basis, bringing relief to thousands of households.

EFCC Arrests Five Chinese for Alleged Illegal Mining in Uyo

Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, have arrested five suspected illegal Chinese miners at Ndito-Eka-Iba village, in Ibieno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The five alleged illegal miners  were arrested by the “Special Task Force on illegal Mining” at the Commission’s Zonal  office in Uyo, following credible intelligence on the illegal activities of foreign mining companies within Eket and Ibieno Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.  

The arrested Chinese suspects are: Zhon Qinping arrested on September  10, 2024 at Ibieno Local Government Area, while Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou and  Chen Zeng were arrested on August 29, 2024 at the same location.

They were all arrested at an illegal mining site of a mineral suspected to be ilmenite, a titanium- iron oxide mineral.

The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. 

Facebook: EFCC

Visit www.efcc.gov.ng for more stories

The Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom opened its conference today in London, with its leader making false claims about human rights abuses and violations in Nigeria. 

The Nigerian government was wrongly and falsely accused of rights abuse because the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, was stopped from travelling abroad after he snubbed the invitation of a law enforcement agency conducting an ongoing investigation.  

Ajaero, who probably considers himself above the law, was slated to speak at the same conference where the UK TUC leader attacked Nigeria. His actions, however, have serious consequences, as no one is above the law in Nigeria.  

Clearly, under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), no person is above the summons of law enforcement agencies and lawful investigation.   Like the United Kingdom and other civilised nations, Nigeria is a country of law governed by the Constitution. 

We are not aware that there is anyone in the United Kingdom or anywhere in Europe and the United States, trade union leaders inclusive, who will flagrantly ignore the invitation or summons of MI5 or Scotland Yard or treat the FBI with the level of disdain Mr Ajaero has subjected law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. 

In the United States, for example, former President Donald Trump has been the subject of numerous investigations and prosecutions in courts in several states since he left office. Mr. Hunter Biden, son of the President of the United States, has been the subject of a lawful investigation by the FBI. 

We, therefore, reject any notion and allusion to human rights violations in Nigeria. The accusations made by the Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom are, thus, unfounded and based on a misunderstanding of the situation.  

Besides, the Nigerian Government is being led by a pro-democracy activist president who will do everything to protect civil liberties and the rights of all citizens.  

There is no adversarial relationship between the Labour Movement in Nigeria and the government. 

While labour unions and the government may not always agree on policy direction, the government has consistently shown readiness to engage on any issue with labour despite the latter’s political partisanship. 

Contrary to the erroneous impression being created, the invitation extended by the Department of State Services to Mr. Ajaero has nothing to do with his role as the President of NLC.  

As a responsible citizen of Nigeria, Mr Ajaero should honour any invitation from our security agencies and resolve any issues that may arise during the investigation instead of stirring adverse public opinion against the security agencies. 

It is worth reminding Nigerians and the global community that the federal government recognises that the labour movement exists to protect and defend the interests of its members. What is also worth noting is that Labour, in most cases, only advances ideological positions that fly in the face of economic realities. 

Many ideological stances of the labour unions in Nigeria in the past have only stunted the economic growth and development of the country and even compromised the material well-being of the workers and the poor people they protect.  

A case in point was the strong opposition of the NLC and TUC to the sale of Port-Harcourt and Kaduna Refineries to Bluestar Consortium, promoted in 2007 by Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.  

Seventeen years after the labour movement forced the successor government of Umar Yar' Adua to cancel the sale of the two refineries, none of the four government-owned refineries worked. 

In the obverse, Mr. Aliko Dangote, one of the promoters of Bluestar, has built the largest single-train refinery in the world. In a twist of fate, the same Labour Movement that fiercely opposed Dangote from taking over the two refineries in 2007 hailed him on completing his 650,000-bpd refinery in Lagos.  

The administration of President Tinubu will continue to promote the best economic interest of Nigerians despite the current challenges. It will also continue to pursue policies and programmes that will expand national economic output and create prosperity for our citizens.

Breaking:Governor Umo Eno Floats a monthly grant of N50,000 each for 5000 youths across the State

Gov Umo Eno thanks AKS Youth for honouring him, adhering to admonition to boycott protest

...Rolls out scorecard, plans for Akwa Ibom Youth

🎈Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno holds Youth Appreciation Rally, thanks State Youth across all strata for showing followership and discipline and  support  to his administration. 

🎈Highlights various youth support programme to include  training and empowerment of 1200 beneficiaries through IBOM-LED, Educational & Business Support Grants to undergraduates and SME's physically challenged persons.

🎈 Harps on the appointment of Hundreds of Youth into strategic positions such as SSA's, SA's, PA's, Transition Chairmen/Members, Chairmanship & Vice Chairmanship candidates, Councilorship candidates

🎈Doles out N310 million cash  support to youths across structures in the 31 local government areas at N10M  per LGA 

🎈Approves  fresh appointment of 3000 youths into Ibom Community Watch  scheme. 

🎈Announces recruitment and training of 200 youths with monthly transport allowance of N20,000 (Twenty Thousand) each 

🎈Approves increase of Student’s Bursary from N10,000 (Ten Thousand) naira to N20,000 (Twenty Thousand) naira, and an increase from N10,000 to N30,000 generally for professional students in Medicine, Law and Post -graduate Students.

🎈 Floats  a monthly grant of  N50,000 each for 5000 youths across the State

🎈Launches employment portal for youths to aggregate data and prepare for youth employment in State Civil service and other organizations. 

🎈Appreciates security agencies for their cooperation and support in ensuring peace in the State 

🎈Pays tribute to Late AKS CP, Waheed Ayilara, pledges AKSG support to family.

FT in Uyo. Nigeria 3-0 Benin

@molalookman brace, @victorosimhen9 on the scoresheet #soarsupereagles

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said the Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari administrations were far better in terms of governance and economic management than the present government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The disclosure was made in an exclusive interview with Daily Trust on Friday by NLC Spokesperson Benson Upah.

The labour body praised former President Buhari for his accommodating nature and efforts to ensure stability and good living conditions for Nigerians.

Upah condemned the removal of fuel subsidy by the Tinubu government, stating that the president failed to consider the devastating consequences of the policy on ordinary Nigerians.

The NLC spokesman also drew a contrast between the economic indices of the Jonathan administration and the current government. He made mention of the alarming depreciation of the naira, soaring interest rates, and skyrocketing debt in the country.

“I keep telling people who say Buhari was the worst that they are joking,” Upah said. “For us at Labour, we found Buhari very accommodating. He did everything humanly possible to ensure that life was stable and good.”

Upah recalled how Buhari provided financial assistance to states to clear salary and pension arrears and made other interventions to mitigate the effects of economic hardship.

“If you ask those same people now, they will tell you that the Buhari administration was very good. We are talking about less than two years ago. Before Buhari came, it was Jonathan. We said Jonathan had messed up this country, but now look at the indices and compare the exchange rate, the interest rate, the debt.”

Credit Facebook: Daily Times Nigeria