Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State is set to be honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize (LAAP) in Governance and Public Service by the Millennium Excellence Foundation (MEF) of Ghana.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, 6 May 2025, by the Foundation’s Director of Communications, Insah Iddrisu, confirmed that the award will be presented at a high-level ceremony scheduled for Saturday, 10 May, at the historic Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. The event will be hosted by His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene and Life Patron of the MEF.

The LAAP, one of the continent’s most respected accolades, is awarded biennially to African leaders and institutions whose work exemplifies excellence in leadership, governance, and sustainable development. Governor Eno is being recognised for what the Foundation describes as “transformative and inclusive governance” with notable achievements in rural development, agriculture, tourism, and social welfare, all of which have contributed to improving livelihoods in Akwa Ibom.

In his commendation, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II described the Akwa Ibom governor’s leadership as a model for sub-national governance across Africa. “Governor Eno’s commitment to uplifting lives through innovative governance has made him a model of sub-national leadership in Africa. His inclusive political approach and dedication to excellence endeared him to our Continental Selection Board,” he said.

The 2025 awards ceremony will also honour other distinguished African leaders including Ghana’s former President John Dramani Mahama, Carlos Vila Nova of São Tomé and Príncipe, Angola’s Pedro Santos, Kone Dossongui of Côte d’Ivoire, and Koffi Djondo of Togo. The event will draw dignitaries from across the continent and beyond, with Nigeria represented by Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Governor Eno’s inclusion in the distinguished list of laureates follows in the footsteps of other notable Nigerians who have received Millennium Excellence awards in the past, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, industrialist Aliko Dangote, philanthropist Tony Elumelu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka.

Founded in 1998 by Ambassador Nana Agyeman Prempeh (Ashim Morton), the Millennium Excellence Foundation aims to recognise and promote African excellence in leadership, peacebuilding, education, and sustainable development. Its inaugural ceremony was held in the year 2000.
Governor Eno’s selection affirms Akwa Ibom’s growing influence on the continental stage and underscores his administration’s far-reaching contributions to public service and inclusive development.