Umo Eno dedicates Governor of the Year award to past leaders

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has dedicated the ‘Governor of the Year Award’ bestowed on him by ThisDay Newspapers and Arise TV to his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; all past governors of the state and, specifically, to his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel.

Speaking to the Government House Press Corps and a cross-section of Akwa Ibom people who trooped out to receive him on arrival from the event at the Victor Attah International Airport, the Governor, who was deeply touched by the overwhelming show of solidarity from stakeholders and the people of the State across party lines, said these three categories of people largely made the award possible.

He said Senator Eyakenyi has been very supportive while also maintaining peace—a virtue that has enabled him to remain focused on developmental issues.

Governor Eno also dedicated the award to his predecessors, beginning from Obong Victor Attah to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Udom Emmanuel, saying they all contributed immensely to building the foundation upon which he is laying more blocks of development, earning him the accolades he is receiving across the nation.

The Governor, who recalled with appreciation the invaluable contributions of his predecessor, Mr. Emmanuel, to his emergence as governor, specifically dedicated the award to him, saying that without his resolute support, he wouldn’t have become Governor and be celebrated as Governor of the Year.

The Governor appreciated the people of the State for their support and for coming out en masse to receive him, saying he has been nominated for other awards, which, he noted, will also be dedicated to the people of the State.

Recall that Governor Eno had dedicated the Leadership Newspaper award as Governor of the Year, 2024, to his wife, Patience Eno, who sadly passed away last year, and to the immediate past State Executive Council (EXCO) members.

Governor Eno appreciated the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of ThisDay and Arise News, Nduka Obaigbena, and the entire management team for identifying and recognizing the modest efforts of his administration towards delivering the dividends of democracy to the people and for their independent assessment.

The Governor said the award was a source of inspiration to him and assured that the government, under his leadership, will redouble its efforts towards the development of the State.

“I thank all of those institutions that have recognized what we are doing. Particularly on this occasion, I want to thank ThisDay and Arise TV for their independent assessment. But I also understand that to whom much is given, much is expected.

“I promise you that we will continue to put in our effort—double and redouble our efforts—towards the development of our State. We will not stop until we accomplish all of the things that God has put in our hearts through the ARISE Agenda,” he added.