Governor Umo Eno returned to his home federal constituency in a triumphant homecoming, not just to present his scorecard but to shower his people with goodies.
The crowd was swept up in a wave of euphoria, basking in the joy of welcoming their illustrious son and celebrating his administration’s achievements.
The event was the grand finale of Governor Eno’s six-month Town Square Meetings and Empowerment Series, a journey that saw him empower 7,688 Akwa Ibomites with over ₦10 billion in grants, equipment, cars, and minibuses.
At the grand finale, 844 individuals walked away with ₦361 million to fuel their dreams of economic emancipation; they became car owners and received industrial machines and other equipment.
Beyond the cash, vehicle, and equipment presentations, the event offered a proper feedback avenue—a NEEDS Assessment Document for the federal constituency was presented to the governor by Senator Effiong Bob on behalf of the leaders, stakeholders, and the entire constituency.
The secretary to the state government, Prince Enobong Uwah, set the tone by likening the event to a bride’s homecoming, saying Akwa Ibom State is well pleased with the ‘bride’ taken from the federal constituency in 2023.
“We came here two years ago in 2023 and asked Etinan Federal Constituency for a bride, and you gave the bride to us. Even in marriages, when your wife gives birth, you bring her to the owners to see. Today, we have brought a compassionate governor, who is your son, for you to see. Today, we have brought a passionate governor; we have brought an all-inclusive governor; we have brought the best governor in Nigeria, who happens to be your son,” he declared.
Related: Gov Eno Empowers 476 Constituents Of Ikono/Ini With N239m Grants
Having brought the governor to his home, the SSG added the caveat: “We have not brought him to come and drop here; we have only brought him for you to see the good things he has done. After a few hours, we will take him back to Uyo to continue his good works for the state.”
The SSG’s kind words were reminiscent of the mood of the enthusiastic crowd that thronged the Nsit Ubium Local Government Council grounds in Ikot Edibon for the event. The warm ambience was a huge statement of intent—an undisguised validation of a leader whose support base at home remains intact.
The cast was impressive: traditional rulers led by His Eminence, Ntenyin Dr Solomon Daniel Etuk, President-General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers and Oku Ibom Ibibio; political titans; captains of industry; religious leaders; women and youth groups; as well as people from virtually all walks of life.
Every word spoken by the respective speakers at the event conveyed satisfaction, encouragement, and support, laced with some demands since, the administration is still in motion. The governor received huge pats on the back but was also told not to relent.
Otuekong Sunny Jackson, speaking on behalf of Etinan Local Government Area; General Paul Isang (Rtd.), speaking on behalf of Nsit Ibom LGA; and Obong Umana Okon Umana, speaking on behalf of Nsit Ubium LGA, hailed the governor for “approaching governance with a human face” and “running an administration anchored on transparency and accountability.”
Otuekong Sunny Jackson took it a notch higher by assuring the governor of the people’s resolve to send him back to the Hilltop Mansion for a second term. The elder statesman recalled how the constituency produced Obong Akpan Isemin of blessed memory as governor and how his tenure was truncated by the military junta. He said the constituency would stand strong to defeat any hindrance to Eno’s reelection in 2027.
Uko Udom, SAN, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, an iconic son of Etinan LGA, spoke on behalf of the commissioners and special advisers.
Parliamentarians then took over. Obong Paul Ekpo, the member representing the federal constituency, was also effusive in praising the Eno administration. He unequivocally urged that the “seven-star governor” be supported beyond 2027. A motion to that effect, which also covered President Bola Tinubu, was moved by Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, and seconded by Hon. Eric Akpan, member representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency.
The APC State chairman, ‘His Ebullience’ Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, was also on hand to add verve to the event. He presented cheques to beneficiaries on behalf of Governor Eno.
The traditional institution added its seal to the event. Speaking majestically from his seat, His Eminence, Ntenyin Dr Etuk, summed it up by telling the governor that “the huge crowd is to validate your love for the people of the state.”
The royal father, who was flanked by his colleagues, was unequivocal in assuring the governor that the traditional institution would continue offering its support and wise counsel as the administration continues.
The iconic son, the man of the moment and treasure of the constituency, Governor Eno, then mounted the rostrum. He promised a dual carriageway from Afaha Offiong to Itreto, sending the crowd into a frenzy. He also promised youth centres across the three local government areas, further appointments and empowerments.
He acknowledged that for his administration to fully fulfil its mandate, more needed to be done. “We will work hard to make sure that within the next two years and beyond, we will fill the gaps and do even more through your support.”
Furthermore, the governor appreciated the constituency for keeping faith in his administration: “Thank you for the support; you’ve proven without a doubt that you are happy to have a governor from this constituency.”
The meeting was, without a doubt, a statement of intent from the federal constituency. Palpable joy filled the air, and the day ended on a high note in Etinan Federal Constituency.
