ONE MONTH IN THE SADDLE: Pastor Umo Proves Readiness For Governance... By Bisi Ezekiel

His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno
Executive Governor
Akwa Ibom State

"As we prioritize agribusiness growth in Akwa Ibom State, the Ibom Green House, and other strategic initiatives will play a vital role in transforming our agricultural landscape." Pastor Umo Eno.

After taking Oath of Office on the 29th of May, 2023 as the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno assured the entire people of the state, irrespective of political party or ethnic affiliations that, when he was contesting, he desired power not for himself, but in order to be of service to the people.

True to his promise, he hit the ground running from day one on office and within just one month in the saddle, he has been able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that his aspiration for the most exalted office in the state was not for himself but, purely for service. 

Being part of the last tenure of the immediate past governor, Emmanuel Udom, continuing on programmes and policies of the last administration to the benefit of the state and her people become a seamless task for Governor Umo Eno.

He approached governance with a private sector mindset; 24 hours is barely enough for the workaholic Governor as he spends every single minute of the day in office aside when he is on trips within or outside the state on official assignment.

Within just one month in office, he has been able to strike a foreign direct investment partnership deal with the Turkish Embassy, for the betterment of the state, engaged in the establishment of Akwa Ibom Medical City; a combo of medical and hospitality corridor between the Ibom Multi - Specialist Hospital, Uyo, and the Four Point By Sheraton, Ikot Ekpene which was initiated.

Recall that establishing a medical corridor within that location was one of the campaign promises of Pastor Eno.

This, he said was aimed at maximizing the Ibom Multi-Specilist Hospital and the Four Point by Sheraton Hotel and to create job opportunities for Akwa Ibom people.

Conscious of the ecological and environmental challenges of the state, Gov. Eno kick started a process of resolving some of the problems by engaging key players in the environmental sub-sector where he restated his administration's resolve to partner the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to checkmate these challenges.

While declaring open the Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction Strategies on the Outcome of the 2023 Season Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook, the Governor expressed appreciation for the collaboration between the Nigerian Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET), and Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), in their service delivery, saying that the union has opened a new vista towards averting mistakes that were done in the past in the area of disaster management. 

He further noted that it is a common approach in the State for Ministries and Agencies to work together to achieve the same purpose and bring benefits to the state.

Still within the first one month in office, the Governor who has been keeping tab on his campaign promises, led a strong state delegation to flag off the construction of Ndiya Street, Drainage and Solar Lighting Project in Akpan Andem Market within Uyo metropolis.

Within one month in office, the Governor has initiated his commitment to ensuring food sufficiency and developing the full value chain for major crops in Akwa Ibom State. 

He kick-started this with an  unscheduled inspection of the Ibom Green House Technology facility along Airport Road, Uyo.

The Governor said he was impressed by the level of innovation and technological advancements at the facility.

"As we prioritize agribusiness growth in Akwa Ibom State, the Ibom Green House, and other strategic initiatives will play a vital role in transforming our agricultural landscape," he said. 

Determined not to abandon projects inherited from the past administration in the state, the Governor, alongside his  Deputy, Secretary to the State Government, and esteemed officials,  embarked on a comprehensive tour of Akwa Ibom State's government facilities and projects. 

The tour took them to projects such as  the Ibom E-Library to the Wet And Dry Park.

However, in spite of his busy schedules, the governor took out time to identify and celebrate with his people. He celebrated one of his support staff, former Miss Mary Ekeng Udoma, as well as the publisher of a local newspaper, Global Concord, Mr. Thomas Thomas who walked down the aisle with their partners, Pastor Aniekan George Inyang and Miss Itoro respectively.

These show of solidarity, affection and encouragement to people of the State were extended to the Anglican Bishop of Uyo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Prince Asukwu Edet Antai, and wife, Dame Victoria Antai, who both retired as the Bishop of Uyo Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and President of Women Ministries of the Church respectively.

Similarly, the governor also identified and celebrated with the Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Hon. Ekopimo Polycarp and family at the dedication of their twin children, where he used the opportunity to advise LG chairmen to take charge and ensure peace and security in their respective domains.

By continuously connecting with the people; in line with his promise to bring government closer to the people, he has earned for himself, a sobriquet "the Street Governor." 

Governor Emo has at various times  punctuated his convoy at different points to interact, encourage, and patronize vendors at some strategic points.

These evidently confirmed that Governor Eno is ready and willing to serve the State and not self, and has attracted ovations, which is still reverberating in unimaginable frequency across the State, and even beyond.

By Bisi Ezekiel