Echoes Of Tributes, Ecstatic Celebrations As Akwa Ibom Marks 39 Years Of Statehood

Akwa Ibom State’s landscape is filled with ecstatic joy and celebration as the state marks 39 years today, having been created on September 23, 1987.

Eminent stakeholders from within and outside the state have expressed deep joy over the success story of Akwa Ibom, created alongside Katsina by then President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Babangida, GCFR.

A flurry of goodwill messages on the anniversary expressed gratefulness to the Almighty God for His abiding faithfulness upon the people, appreciation to forebears who advocated for the state’s creation and commendations to Governor Umo Eno, PhD, and other past leaders for their immense contributions towards the development of the state.

The President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, in his personal goodwill message, noted with a sense of pride that Akwa Ibomites have every reason to look back with gratitude and forward with renewed confidence.

“On behalf of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and my family, I warmly felicitate the Government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State on this significant anniversary. It is a celebration of our shared history, collective resilience and enduring aspiration for a more prosperous future,’ Senator Akpabio said.

Read Also: Akwa Ibom: The History Behind The Birth

He commended Governor Umo Eno, PhD, for his emphasis on peace, unity, continuity and grassroots development, stressing that “By his leadership and disposition, he has proved to those who once doubted him that he is indeed an Eno – a gift – to the good people of Akwa Ibom State.

“I urge him to remain steadfast and focused as he leads our state into its next chapter. In the words of the familiar exhortation, “Onwards, soldier; do not stumble,” because the task of building a greater Akwa Ibom demands courage, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to the people,” he added.

Members of the Akwa Ibom 10th National Assembly Caucus felicitated Governor Umo and the people of the state on its 39th anniversary.

“For 39 years, Akwa Ibom has continued to make significant progress, driven by the resilience, enterprise, ingenuity and determination of its people. The journey has been shaped by the vision, sacrifices and contributions of successive administrations, leaders and citizens who have remained committed to the advancement of our state.

“On this milestone, we honour our founding fathers, past leaders and all Akwa Ibomites whose efforts have contributed to the growth and development of the state. We also commend the administration of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, for its continued efforts towards inclusive development, economic growth and the welfare of our people.

“We will continue to collaborate with the State Government and other stakeholders in pursuit of initiatives that will promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life of our people,” they stated.

The Caucus’ goodwill message was jointly signed by the president of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, alongside Senator Ekong Sampson, PhD; Senator Aniekan Bassey; and the representatives of the 10 Federal Constituencies – Rt Hon. Unyime Idem; Rt Hon. Ime Okon; Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo; Hon. Mark Esset; Hon. Okpolupm Etteh; Hon. Uduak Odudoh; Hon. Dr Patrick Umoh; Hon. Martins Esin; Hon. Paul Ekpo and Hon. Clement Jimbo.

His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk, JP, CFR, Oku Ibom Ibibio, and President-General, Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, on behalf of his family and the entire Royal Fathers, felicitated Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, the Government, and the peace-loving people of Akwa Ibom on the 39th anniversary of statehood.

“Today, September 23, 2026, we remember with pride the vision and sacrifices of our founding fathers and leaders who championed the creation of our dear state on September 23, 1987, under the administration of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR.

“The Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers pays special tribute to our forebears of blessed memory and to the only surviving signatory of the historic Memorandum of Demand for the creation of Akwa Ibom State, who remains with us today in our Council,” Oku Ibom Ibibio added.

He also commended “past governors and leaders who have laid brick upon brick for the growth of our state, and particularly applauded His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD. His people-centric governance under the ARISE Agenda is driving remarkable progress in agriculture, infrastructure, health care, education and inclusive development.”

He further urged all Akwa Ibom people to continue in love, unity and brotherhood, adding, “Let us eschew divisive politics and ethnic and religious sentiments, and instead, join hands with the government to build the Akwa Ibom of our collective dream.”

Also, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, through the Speaker, Rt Hon (Elder) Udeme J. Otong, rejoiced with Pastor Umo Eno, the government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State on the occasion of the 39th anniversary of the creation of our dear state.

The Assembly, in a goodwill message signed by Hon. Elder Jerry Anson Otu, Chairman, House Committee on Information, said, “As we celebrate 39 years of our Land of Promise, we acknowledge the remarkable progress recorded under Your Excellency’s leadership and commend your commitment to the peace, unity and sustainable development of the state.

“As the people’s Parliament, the House of Assembly assures Your Excellency of its continued commitment to constructive partnership with the Executive Arm in promoting good governance, sustaining peace and delivering meaningful development to every community and citizen of Akwa Ibom State,” the Assembly stated.

In his goodwill message, Senator Ekong Sampson, PhD, member for Akwa Ibom South and chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, extended warm felicitations to Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, the government, and the people of the state on the anniversary.

Senator Sampson noted that 39 years after the dream of our founding fathers became a reality, Akwa Ibom has every reason to look back with gratitude and forward with renewed confidence.

“We pay tribute to the dreams, sacrifices and foresight of the founding fathers of our state, whose vision was anchored on the aspiration for a united, peaceful and prosperous homeland where our people could pursue their destinies with dignity and hope,” he added.

The secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, in his message described Akwa Ibom at 39 as “A Journey of Gratitude” and joined in celebrating the significant milestone of the state.

“Our journey has been shaped by the indomitable spirit of our people, the contributions of successive administrations and a shared commitment to progress.

“Your Excellency, the commissioning of 39 landmark projects as part of the state’s 39th anniversary and Month of Gratitude offers another reflection of the progress being made under your people-centred and inclusive leadership through the ARISE Agenda. May God grant Your Excellency greater strength, wisdom and grace to continue advancing the development of our dear state in the years ahead,” he added.

In his goodwill message, Hon Patrick Umoh, PhD, BL, KSJI, member representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency, congratulated the government and industrious people of Akwa Ibom State on the occasion of the 39th anniversary of the creation of our dear state.

Dr Umoh said the “anniversary is a significant opportunity to reflect on our journey as a people, celebrate the progress we have made and renew our collective commitment to building a greater Akwa Ibom. In 39 years, our state has recorded remarkable strides across various sectors, driven by the strength, enterprise and unity of our people.”

“I acknowledge the contributions of our leaders, past and present, whose service and commitment have continued to shape the growth and development of Akwa Ibom State. I particularly commend His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, President of the 10th Senate, for his distinguished leadership and steadfast commitment to the interests and development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria. I also commend His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, for his commitment to sustaining the peace, development and people-oriented initiatives that continue to shape our state. His emphasis on unity, inclusive development and the welfare of the people provides a strong foundation for a prosperous future.”

The state chairman of ALGON, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, in his message said, “The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, proudly joins in commemorating a journey marked by unity and remarkable progress.

“This milestone reminds us of the power of collective vision and the enduring spirit of our people. ALGON remains dedicated to supporting policies and programmes that promote development at the grassroots and improve the well-being of our citizens.

Dr Udo congratulated Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, the government and people of Akwa Ibom State and prayed for greater peace, prosperity and development in the years ahead.”

Prince Godwin Ntuk Udeh, PhD, political adviser to the governor, in his goodwill message said the “anniversary provides yet another opportunity to reflect on our journey as a people and to appreciate the efforts of those entrusted with the responsibility of steering the affairs of our state at this important period of our development.”

He noted that the strides recorded under the administration of Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, are not accidental. “They are the fruits of deliberate policies, courageous decisions, prudent resource management and a leadership philosophy firmly anchored on the welfare of the people.

“Your prudent management of public resources has shown that integrity in public office can be translated into tangible development. Every resource saved from waste is an opportunity to provide a road, equip a school, strengthen health care, empower a young person, support a family or improve the quality of life of our people. This is the essence of responsible leadership,” he added.

Also, Rt. Hon. (Evang.) Edidiong Inyang, executive chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, in his goodwill message said the creation of Akwa Ibom State on September 23, 1987, marked a defining moment in the history and collective aspirations of our people.

“Thirty-nine years on, Akwa Ibom has continued to distinguish itself as a state renowned for peace, unity, resilience, enterprise and purposeful development.

“This anniversary provides a significant opportunity to reflect on our journey as a people, celebrate the progress recorded over the years, and renew our collective commitment to building a more prosperous, peaceful, inclusive and sustainable state.

“As a Local Government Area, Ibesikpo Asutan remains firmly committed to supporting the policies and development initiatives of the administration of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, particularly those aimed at strengthening grassroots development, improving the quality of life of our people, empowering communities, and creating sustainable opportunities for present and future generations,” he stated.

In his goodwill message, Prince Anthony Nyong, the executive chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government, congratulated the governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, and the people of our dear state on this remarkable milestone.

Prince Nyong said that in 39 years, Akwa Ibom has continued to make significant progress in peace, unity, infrastructure, human capital development and economic advancement.

He added, “This journey reflects the resilience, enterprise, and collective efforts of our people. As we celebrate this anniversary, I commend Your Excellency for your purposeful leadership and for the people-centred initiatives of your administration which continue to contribute to the development of our dear state.”