You’re An Inspiration To Our Youths – Gov. Eno Tells A’Ibom-born UK Mayor
... Reiterates Commitment To Celebrating Outstanding Indigenes
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has described the Mayor of Islington in the United Kingdom, Jason Utitofon Jackson, as a distinguished Ambassador of the State whose accomplishment is a beacon of inspiration to the youths and people of the State.
The Governor remarked when he received Mayor Jackson and his family, who were on a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Lodge, Uyo.
Mayor Jackson, a native of Ika Local Government Area, and his family are in the state to take part in the 38th anniversary celebration of the state’s creation.
Governor Eno noted that the State, under his leadership, would continue to reach out to and celebrate its indigenes who are doing outstandingly well in their various careers and professions.
He acknowledged Mayor Jackson’s achievement as something new and spectacular, especially within the region, and it must be encouraged and celebrated.
The Governor commended Mayor Jackson for coming home to identify with his roots, stressing that the government and people of the state were proud of him and his accomplishments.
“I want you to know that you are now our ambassador whom our young people would love to emulate, as your feat has greatly given limitless hope to our young ones that if they are focused and passionate on what they do, there are limitless opportunities for them in life. That is clearly the message from all of these,” he said.
He appreciated the Mayor for his dedication and commitment to getting his dreams fulfilled, urging him to continue to fly the flag of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria higher in his chosen field of human impact.
“The fact that you contested and got elected to this exalted position in the United Kingdom was not because someone had helped you, but it was because of the exceptional work that you had done as well as the confidence that the people have in you,” he noted.
The Governor enjoined Mayor Jackson to partner with the State Government to get children from the rural areas of the State exposed to an educational tour of the United Kingdom with a view to igniting their inspiration and ambition for their greater exploits and living.
He recollected that the State had its first exchange programme last year with children selected from the rural communities, stressing that the State would want to have a second edition of the same programme.
Earlier, Mayor Jackson, in his remarks, eulogised Governor Eno and past leaders of the state for transforming the state with impressive infrastructure and standards.
Mayor Jackson admitted how proud he was to have come from Akwa Ibom State, reiterating that he would continue to make the State proud and be heard for good in his chosen career.
He commended Governor Eno for his visionary and impactful leadership, stressing that his sense of superior performance in the state is heartwarming.
“It is such an honour to be home; it is amazing to see the great things happening here. I have done my research, and I found that you are doing this with everything within you, and our state is in good hands.
“I might be the Mayor of Islington, but that doesn’t take away my roots. I was here in the State when the announcement of the State’s creation was made. This is indeed a promised land, and it has taken good leadership for it to get to where it is today. I will let the world know that I was born in a very beautiful state,” he said.
With the Mayor were his wife, Tatiana Jackson, children, father, Mr Monday Jackson Akpan, Ibrahim Bashir- Councillor, President of Mboho Akwa Ibom State in the UK – Dr Okon Edeke, and others.
On hand to receive the delegation with the Governor were the Deputy Governor, Senator Dr Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson, and other members of the State Executive Council.
