VOX POP

The momentum is reverberating. The second anniversary celebration of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, as the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State has generated numerous goodwill messages and commentaries across the State and beyond, due to his monumental achievements since assuming office on May 29, 2023.

In this Vox Pop, Crystal Express captures the opinions of citizens within and outside the State.

Pastor Umo Eno: A Man Of Many Excellent Parts

As we prepare to celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, I am moved to describe him as a man of many excellent qualities.

The line-up of activities commemorating this milestone— like the ongoing Federal Constituency Town Square meetings and Empowerment initiatives—reflects not only his heart for the people but also his unyielding commitment to building a better Akwa Ibom.

I deeply share the sentiment that His Excellency is indeed a man of many excellent parts. What we have witnessed under his leadership in the past two years has far exceeded expectations.

Remarkably, during his campaign, he did not make lofty promises; instead, he expressed a deep belief that with God and the support of the people, he would make a meaningful impact once elected.

Today, that belief has translated into reality. We are all witnesses to the transformative impact that has touched every corner of our state within just 24 months. For me, this is a monumental achievement by a leader who came prepared to serve—from human capital development to the ARISE Business Grant, ARISE Health Insurance Scheme, Care for the Elderly programmes, Safety and Security initiatives, Rural Development Associations and Tourism.

His vision, humility and measurable results within these eventful months speak volumes. That is why I call him “a man of many parts.” His unwavering commitment to the people and the progress of our dear state is evident in the effective execution of his ARISE Agenda.

He has effectively communicated his policies, responded to challenges with grace and innovation, and made community engagement a cornerstone of his leadership.

I celebrate a true servant-leader.
I celebrate a man of purpose.
I celebrate a man of many excellent parts.

Hon. Mrs Ofonime Ntiense
Vice Chairman Emeritus
Nsit Ubium Local Government Area

Celebrating Two Years Of Statesmanship In A’Ibom

On May 29, 2023, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, was sworn into office as the fourth governor of Akwa Ibom State in the Fourth Republic and two years after, reports on all fronts of leadership and governance speak goldenly of his administrative acumen, exploits and profits to the extent that he can only be assessed more as a statesman rather than a leader.

Though akin to leadership, statesmanship can be conceived of as a morally excellent leadership at the political level. Such an individual is easily identified with cardinal features of virtue, justice, dignity, generosity, empathy, temperance, magnanimity, impartiality, equity, fairness, honour, self-control and kindness. On a more fundamental note, statesmanship in any clime is identified, especially in times of crises and constraints, when social demands are great and trust in government is low; when government is no longer relied upon by the citizens.

The ascendancy of Governor Umo Eno to the leadership of the state coincided with a serious downturn in the national economy, but like a typical statesman, he rose to the occasion to conquer the ravaging storms.

Already, he had properly prepared himself for the job through the instrumentality of the ARISE Agenda, a beautiful piece of socio-economic blueprint.
In terms of conceptualisation of the doctrine of the ARISE Agenda, it is top-notch, and in terms of implementation, so far it is excellent.

To list the gains of the Umo Eno administration in two years would be an attempt to write an encyclopedia. Already, it is like a telephone directory. Overall, a sensitive part of his development trajectory is encapsulated in the novel and innovative philosophy of the town hall meeting and interactions with the governed across the 10 federal constituencies of the state. This bottom-to-top approach to governance has marked him out as an extraordinary leader.

It is worth noting that this approach is without doubt the best for the developing economy such as ours because it interrogates the environmental determinism of the state in terms of the trinity of poverty, unemployment and inequality and arising out of the need to close the gaps; nay gulf, between the haves and the haves-not, he has displayed almost all the qualities of a statesman as already presented.
It is little wonder, therefore, that everywhere he goes, the chorus of Kied Amanem Ntum Ibaa has turned into a community anthem.

The direct interpretation of the dyad of the rhetorical questions of the Ibibio adage simply conjures the prophetic imaginations of what would happen at full term in 2027, if the mid-term report of 2025 is with Distinction. On the other hand, the question is, if the first term is in full gear like this and spoken of in superlative terms, what would happen at the full cycle of 2031 after two terms of eight years?

When the strategic outcomes of the town hall meetings are triangulated with the other visionary foci of the governor in the critical areas of tourism and the blue economy, which the state is the custodian of their supreme headquarters, in latent forms at the moment, the results will be gargantuan.

Furthermore, when the development of the private sector approach, which is the additional arm of the Umo Eno administration, is garnished with the triangulated arms as envisaged, the state would experience sumptuous growth in its development aspirations.

All in all, I know that with Governor Umo Eno, the people of Akwa Ibom State in unison can always echo: A DANIEL COME TO JUDGMENT. So far, he can be christened Umo Eno the Great, or most appropriately, Umo Eno, The Good Samaritan of the Niger Delta.

Professor Otoabasi Akpan
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics)
Akwa Ibom State University

Gov. Eno Came With A Mission And Vision For The Transformation Of Akwa Ibom

I am highly impressed with Governor Umo Eno’s performance since his assumption of office two years ago. His performance has displayed a clear sign that he came with a mission and vision of transformation.
His focus on project integrity and quality has restored public confidence in the state’s development initiatives, and his policies have stimulated economic activities, drawn investors and fostered a business-friendly environment in the state.

I am particularly happy about his investment in the youth of the state, especially those who have taken sports as a career. The hosting of the just-concluded first Niger Delta Sports Festival, Uyo, speaks well for itself. Thank you, Your Excellency.

A very notable issue of his administration is his peace initiative. His ability to reconcile brothers, restoring peace among them for the growth of the state, remains a big plus for him, and we are all happy.
I am confident that Akwa Ibom State will continue to thrive and set new benchmarks for more progress and prosperity under Governor Umo Eno’s leadership.

While congratulating him, I pray for his good health, strength and continued dedication to the growth of our dear state and Nigeria at large.

Dr. Uko Obot
Sports enthusiast, retired zonal director (South South), National Sports Commission & Lagos co-ordinator, Akwa Ibom Reconciles (Yak Ima Idem Nnyin), Lagos.

Governor Eno Has Given Governance A Human Face

Let me begin by congratulating His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, on the celebration of his second anniversary as the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

He has given governance to have a human face, and his candour about state administration is commendable, touching on the things he can do or has done, the things pending, and the others he shall look into.

I see the Town Square meeting formula as a paradigm shift where inputs are collated for consideration into state budgets. I recommend it to the successive government.

One cannot fail to appreciate the life-touching programmes and projects of the administration, especially payment of gratuity to retirees, but wishes His Excellency to focus more on industrialisation for job creation as a means of putting food permanently on the tables of indigenes and residents rather than handouts.

Let me request His Excellency to properly monitor his subordinates in matters of empowerment and project execution.
Permit me to suggest to His Excellency to work towards having a fixed date in a month for payment of stipends to retirees in the state, considering the age and health status of many in this category.

Finally, I pray for His Excellency for all-round grace as he kick-starts the second half of his first tenure (Hosea 12:13).

Elder Ephraim Etti
Chairman emeritus of the NUJ
Akwa Ibom State

Pastor Umo Eno: Creative Leadership And Economic Model

Creative leadership involves using innovative approaches to address complex problems and changing situations. It is about fostering a culture of innovation and encouraging team members to think creatively. This style of leadership, pioneered by Rama Gheerawo, focuses on empowering others to think boldly, take strategic risks and push conventional boundaries.

Governor Umo Bassey Eno, on assumption of office as the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State on 29th May, 2023, launched a creative policy document code-named ARISE Agenda based on his year of inter-disciplinary research as a Ph.D scholar at the University of Uyo. The agenda which enables the state to change from the command and control “System of Leadership”, with rigid hierarchies without constituents’ contribution and engagement to a creative, collaborative, engaging, purposeful, conscious and healthier, political and economic ecosystem that harnesses the power of human potential, listens to ideas and are innovative and powerful.

The ARISE Agenda, creative in all empirical analyses, adopts a practical and a systematic approach to diagnose leadership and economic problems, helps leaders in all the tiers of government in the state to shift their mindsets which enables them to make changes that will lead the state and our citizens to a better level of thinking, performance and bottom line efficiencies with productivity.

The ARISE Agenda, which has changed the mindsets of the state political actors and major stakeholders, has provided an atmosphere of peace in terms of political redistribution of the state’s economic resources and wealth.
Recently, the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, declared the governor a man of peace, a strategic statement interpreted in political circles as a supreme endorsement for his second term bid.

Apart from his human creative leadership model, Umo Eno, using the instrumentality of the ARISE Agenda, has built many model schools, health centres and ARISE homes for the widows with particular reference to the one built in my community for Mrs Ebito Jeremiah, whose husband died many years ago and today she draws strength and compassion from the creative leadership of the governor as being facilitated by the commissioner for humanitarian affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga.

According to Rt. Hon. Lawrence Udosen, a former deputy state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akwa Ibom State, his integrity and genuine commitment to drive the state to the next level based on his experience as a creative and a core businessman for the past three decades is unassailable. The governor has promoted small and medium-scale businesses in the past two years, providing grants and business support that have increased the state’s revenue base in terms of internally generated revenue.

To attract foreign and international investment to the state, the governor has transformed the Oron Water Front, which was abandoned for many years, into a marine business ecosystem with the launch of the marine infrastructure system to domesticate the blue economy framework of the Federal Government. His creative leadership model has brought an incredible transformation and efficiency in all sectors of the state economy, with the projection index based on the National Bureau of Statistics, that the state will be a global destination for new business innovations and ideas. With his global experience as a servant leader in empowering and supporting the constituents through the innovative town square meeting, Akwa Ibom State will be a destination for global and innovative business ventures in the foreseeable future.

Engr. Akaninyene Etuk
Directorate of Research and Development. Enugu State University
Enugu.

A Man Of Positive Impact & A Blessing To The Ibibio People

Governor Umo Eno’s second year in office anniversary is the celebration of a good servant-leader, a ‘working governor’, a man of positive impact and a blessing to Akwa Ibom people and people all over the world.

He has ensured continuity of good governance through project execution and capacity building. He has been true to his words as well as delivering on his campaign promises. Summarily, he has proven to be a worthy and exemplary leader.

I became so encouraged, even though I am not yet a beneficiary of his empowerment. But it pleases me to see and hear of his empowering women and youths to become great entrepreneurs, self-reliant and employers of labour. I thank God for his visionary leadership.

I also want to appeal that such empowerment should be extended to indigenes of Akwa Ibom State who are in Lagos, in particular, through the state liaison office, to different senatorial districts for better coordination.

I congratulate, celebrate and wish His Excellency well as he continues in office.

Lady Itoro Akpan
An Entrepreneur, Lagos

A Dedicated Leader With A Human Face To Governance

Governor Umo Eno’s two years in office have clearly shown a sign of a serious-minded and dedicated servant-leader who came prepared to serve his people and give a human face to governance.

Sincerely, I rate his two years in office very high, as he has done very well in many sectors of the state’s economy.

From human empowerment, infrastructure, education, agriculture, health and inclusive administration, I give it to him. As such, he deserves to be commended.

His style of governance has united everyone, irrespective of political parties, which has brought back total peace in the state. This, as well, has made every Akwa Ibomite feel that they are part of his administration irrespective of where they come from and the political party they belong to; and that again, has promoted peace, progress and unity in the state.
As we celebrate this milestone of the governor’s two years in office, I want to remind him that there is still much work left to be done. There should be more empowerment of the indigenes at home and in the diaspora.

He should embrace the spirit of monitoring all his projects to ensure quality after completion, encourage the security agencies to continue to do their work effectively, including the local vigilantes, for the security of lives and property.
May God bless and continue to uphold him, his family and cabinet members in service to the people and state.

Congratulations, Your Excellency.

Prince Ekerette Udofah
An Entrepreneur & Public Affairs Analyst, Lagos

Leading With Integrity, Competence And Compassion

I am well pleased with my governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, a co-worker in God’s vineyard, for all he has done within two years of his administration in the state.

First, he is leading with integrity, competence, compassion, experience, courage and a well-defined vision as encapsulated by the revolutionary ARISE Agenda. He is a man who means well for the people of Akwa Ibom and is humble.

From all indications, the reputation of his excellent performances is already speaking for him.

We are lucky to have him as our governor, and we must continue to support him to succeed the more.

Most importantly, as well, I commend him for substituting partisan politics for all-inclusive, people-driven governance in the state.

It is my earnest prayer that the good Lord continues to bless, keep and strengthen him in service to humanity.

He should remain focused and continue to work for the interests and benefits of all in the state.

I salute him on his second year in office anniversary. Congratulations Sir!

Dr. Daniel Asian
Health Provider & Cleric.

All Segments Of The Society Are Engaged Without Discrimination

Today, Thursday, May 29, 2025, as His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, marks his two years in office, my mid-term assessments, comments, and suggestions are in the following areas:

Leadership Style
In this area, our dear governor is doing very well by engaging all segments of society, irrespective of religious, political leaning or party affiliation. This could be seen in his relationship with our dear Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio GCON. This collaboration has helped in attracting federal appointments and infrastructure to the state.

Infrastructure Development
The governor is moving on very well in the area of infrastructure by initiating new projects and directing attention to completing the uncompleted projects of his predecessors, for instance, the Airport Road and the Ring Road etc. However, I urge the government to adopt and sustain more inclusive strategies in addressing the myriad infrastructure deficits in the state to give every local government area a sense of belonging.

Tourism Development
I urge the government to speed up engagement with experts to create and accelerate an enabling environment to make our dear state the desired destination hub in tourism.

Pastor (Barr.) Solomon Abai
Principal Partner, Sobai Solicitors, Abuja.