Eastern Obolo Chairman Emulates Gov Umo Eno’s Compassion, Unveils ₦31.5m Youth, Women Empowerment Scheme

 

Taking a cue from Governor Umo Eno’s compassionate leadership style and people-focused approach to governance, the Executive Chairman of Eastern Obolo Local Government, Rt. Hon. Samuel Nteogwuija, has kicked off a ₦31.5 million empowerment programme.

The scheme, tagged Unifier First Batch Skills Acquisition and Business Grant Scheme, was launched on Monday, June 23, and has so far benefited 60 youths and 10 women drawn from the ten wards in the oil-rich council area.

Addressing a cheering crowd of beneficiaries, Nteogwuija said the initiative was in direct response to the inclusive governance model being championed by Governor Umo Eno, adding that he is simply following the Governor’s example of touching lives through deliberate empowerment.

The Council boss said; “I consider myself a proud beneficiary of Governor Umo Eno’s transformational leadership. What we are witnessing today is not just an event, it is the fruit of the political freedom and encouragement His Excellency has extended to council leaders."

Nteogwuija recalled that shortly after assuming office seven months ago, he made a personal commitment to veer off from the usual path of token interventions and palliative handouts.

According to him, the manpower gap in Eastern Obolo, especially in technical and specialised skills, necessitated a long-term empowerment solution.

“Today, that promise is taking form. We are offering real training in practical fields such as truck and forklift operation, crane and bulldozer handling, catering, security and more. These are skills that create job opportunities beyond our shores,” he stated.

He stressed that the empowerment project was funded through careful planning and internal discipline, not from any external donations or government bailout. According to the Chairman, every kobo used for the ₦31.55 million programme was realised through prudent management of council resources.

“This is not a one-off show. It is not politics. We have put our money where our heart is. No external funding, no donations, just careful savings and the will to do right by our people,” he added.

In addition to the technical skills programme for the youth, ten women entrepreneurs will also receive direct business grants to support and scale their small-scale enterprises.

Our reporter noted that the initiative drew massive commendation from community leaders, traditional rulers, clergy and other stakeholders, who hailed it as a bold and selfless move to reposition Eastern Obolo through capacity building and inclusive growth.

Many speakers at the flag-off event noted that the Chairman’s commitment reflects a growing wave of development-focused leadership at the local level, fuelled by the Governor’s ARISE Agenda which empowers local government chairmen to lead with vision and empathy.

The empowerment drive is expected to run in batches, with more beneficiaries lined up for future editions.

Elated Eastern Obolo people who spoke to our reporter said the ripple effects of the programme could trigger a shift in the council’s economic fortunes, reducing dependency and creating a pipeline of skilled labour ready to take on opportunities across and beyond Akwa Ibom.

ENTIRE MKPAT ENIN IS APC FOR ENLIGHTENED STATE INTEREST - Attah

 

... Joins party with supporters

In a politically significant development for Akwa Ibom State, renowned maritime consultant and grassroots politician, Akparawa Johnson Attah, on Friday led a good number of his supporters in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a move he described as being in the enlightened interest of the state.

Attah, who hails from Ukpum Minya Ward 4, an urban and politically strategic ward in Mkpat Enin, made the declaration at Ekong Sampson Hall, Mkpat Enin Council Secretariat, where the APC State Chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, alongside the Chapter Chairman, Hon. Utitofon Jeremiah, formally received the decampees.

Addressing journalists and bloggers after the ceremony, which also had in attendance all the political bigwigs of the area, both serving and former political office holders, Attah declared: "Entire Mkpat Enin is APC for enlightened state interest."

According to him, the recent shift in the political alignment of Mkpat Enin is not driven by personal ambition or sentiment, but by the collective understanding that Governor Umo Bassey Eno’s defection to the APC is a critical strategic move to reposition Akwa Ibom within the national political grid.

He told newsmen that; “We are not here for politics as usual, not at all. We are here because we recognise a leadership that is calm, focused, Christ-centric, and result-oriented. Our leader, Governor Umo Eno has shown capacity and courage in leading this state. The only right thing to do is to follow him to the centre where true progress and prosperity lie.”

Attah, who boasts over 25 years of experience in Nigeria’s shipping and logistics industry, and widely regarded for his policy advocacy around the Ibom Deep Seaport, said his decision to join the APC alongside the entire Mkpat Enin people was informed by a genuine desire to see the area and Akwa Ibom benefit from deeper federal participation.

“My action and that of my kinsmen are about inclusion. It's about access. And we believe that Akwa Ibom under Governor Umo Eno has chosen the right path by connecting to the federal political engine,” he added.

The high-level defection, witnessed by APC chieftains, youth leaders, women groups, and stakeholders from across the entire wards of Mkpat Enin, was marked by jubilation and chants of solidarity as party flags and symbols were handed over to the new entrants.

Attah urged other well-meaning sons and daughters of the state to put the interest of Akwa Ibom first and close ranks around the Governor, who he described as “the stabilising factor” in the state's current political climate.

Etinan Ready to Protect Ibom Paint Industry – Uko Umoh

 

...Vows to Deal Ruthlessly with Saboteurs of Government Assets

The Executive Chairman of Etinan Local Government, Hon. (Obong) Uko Umoh, has declared the readiness of the Council to provide robust security around the revitalised Ibom Paint Industry and vowed that anyone caught sabotaging government assets within the locality would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the official commissioning of the refurbished paint manufacturing plant in Etinan on Wednesday, the council boss lauded Governor Umo Eno for what he described as a historic and people-driven intervention in the once-abandoned facility.

“This factory had been lying waste for years, a shadow of its original promise. But today, thanks to the vision and political will of Governor Umo Eno, it has come back to life. This is a bold step towards industrial revival in line with the ARISE Agenda, and we are not taking it for granted,” Hon. Umoh stated.

He said the gesture marked a new chapter not just for Etinan but for the entire state, stressing that the economic impact of the company would reverberate across communities, especially in job creation, youth engagement, and local enterprise development.

The Chairman assured that the local government would throw its weight behind the sustainability of the project by ensuring the safety of the factory’s installations and environment.

“We have taken it upon ourselves to protect this investment. I want to make it clear, anyone caught attempting to vandalise or sabotage any government property here or elsewhere in Etinan will be dealt with decisively and in line with the law. We are not going to tolerate any act that seeks to derail what the government has built,” he warned.

Hon. Umoh also commended the Governor for the choice of Mr. Ime Uwah as Sole Administrator of the company, describing him as a thoroughbred professional with a track record of results.

“This is a critical appointment and the Governor got it right. Ime Uwah is tested and trusted. We are confident that with him in charge, the Governor’s vision for Ibom Paint will be realised in full,” he added.

Meanwhile, the inauguration drew an array of leaders who accompanied the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno. They included, the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, SSG, Prince Enobong Uwah, Head of Service, Elder Effiong Essien, Commissioners, Members of the National and State Assemblies among others.

Excitement in Etinan as Gov. Eno Inaugurates Revitalised Ibom Paint Industry Wednesday

 

There is growing excitement in Etinan Local Government Area ahead of the scheduled visit of Governor Umo Eno on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, for the inauguration of the revitalised Ibom Paint Industry.

The event, which is slated to hold by Noon, is expected to draw top government officials, stakeholders, and residents, as the Governor continues his drive to revive moribund industries across the state.

A statement issued by the Executive Chairman of Etinan Local Government, Hon. (Obong) Uko Umoh, a copy of it was sent to our medium, called on the people of the area to turn out en masse to welcome the Governor and show appreciation for the project, which he described as a major boost for local industry and economic development.

“We shall be receiving our beloved Governor and benefactor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D to Etinan. His mission is to commission the revitalised Ibom Paint Industry. By all sense of appreciation, we owe our Governor a rousing welcome,” the statement read in part.

The local government chairman urged residents to be seated by 11am ahead of the Governor’s arrival, expressing confidence that the people of Etinan would show the same hospitality and support for which they are known.

The Ibom Paint Industry, which had been dormant for several years, is one of the key assets revived under Governor Eno’s administration, in line with the industrial pillar of the ARISE Agenda.

According to the elated Council Boss, the revival of the factory will create employment opportunities, stimulate local production, and boost the economy of the area and the state at large.

2 Years, One United Akwa Ibom, Otobong Bob Salutes Gov Eno’s Leadership

Deputy Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Otobong Bob, has hailed Governor Umo Eno’s leadership as a symbol of unity, peace, and people-driven progress.

In a statement marking the Governor’s second anniversary in office, the Nsit Ubium lawmaker said, “You have led not just a government, but a family bound in peace and united in purpose.”

He applauded Governor Eno’s calm, God-fearing, and inclusive approach, which he said has brought massive development across the 31 LGAs.

Supporting the Governor’s move to align with the centre, Otobong Bob said, “You’ve shown leadership with heart and direction. Where you lead, we will follow.”

He reaffirmed the loyalty of his constituents and declared support for the Governor’s mandate.

2nd Anniversary: Eteidung Asikpo Congratulates Gov Eno

 

The Village Head of Ekpri Nsukara Offot Village, Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo has applauded Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD for his monumental achievements within two years in office as Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State. 

In his goodwill message to Governor Eno titled "Salute to a Performer", Eteidung Asikpo said the success story of his administration remains quite incomparable as he has demonstrated a serious commitment to development by turning Akwa Ibom State into a construction site with multiple life-touching projects on education, health, hospitality and tourism, agriculture and roads infrastructure, with some already completed and others, ongoing. 

The Royal father said that Ekpri Nsukara Offot Village is therefore so delighted with the record-breaking impacts that Pastor Eno's "administration has recorded within the twenty-four months in the governance saddle - a clear vindication of your laudable dreams and objectives for our beloved State as encapsulated in your ARISE AGENDA."

Eteidung Asikpo said the governor's empowerment programmes across the 31 Local Government Areas of the State have given credence to the fact that he is a servant leader - who cares deeply for the people by releasing over N4 billion as grants to farmers, traders and entrepreneurs while also boosting cooperatives and SMEs with equipment and funding.

According to him, Governor Eno has, without doubt, ensured fresh air for local government councils, civil servants, local government workers, teachers and retirees through prompt payment of salaries, allowances, pensions and gratuities. 

He said that Ekpri Nsukara Offot Village is therefore pleased that his leadership has enthroned an era of peace, tranquillity, unity, progress, political tolerance and oneness among our people as well as ensured the security of lives and property more than ever in our beloved Akwa Ibom State. 

According to him, a vindication of his sound performance in office accounts for the numerous awards and accolades bestowed on him by reputable organisations within and outside Nigeria either as Governor of the Year, 2024 or Excellence Award in Leadership and Service.

Eteidung Asikpo restated the community's unalloyed loyalty to the government and his administration and pledged our cooperation to all his future political aspirations.

He said, "On behalf of my family, the Village Council and the entire people of Ekpri Nsukara Offot Village in Uyo Local Government Area, I, Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo, felicitate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, on the occasion of his two years in office. 

"Your Excellency, the success story of your administration is quite incomparable. As a demonstration of your commitment to development, you have turned Akwa Ibom State into a construction site with multiple life-touching projects on education, health, hospitality and tourism, agriculture and

roads infrastructure, some already completed and others, ongoing. 

"Your empowerment programmes across the 31 Local Government Areas of the State have given credence to the fact that you are a servant leader - who deeply cares for the people. It is noteworthy that over N4 billion have been given out as grants to farmers, traders and entrepreneurs while also boosting cooperatives and SMEs with equipment and funding.

Otobong Bob to Gov Eno: You’ve Earned Our Trust, Our Support Remains Unshaken

 

Rt Hon Bob with his colleague from Nsit Atai

Deputy Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and representative of Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Otobong Bob, has reaffirmed his total support for Governor Umo Eno, describing him as a leader who has earned the trust and loyalty of the people through performance, humility, and unity-driven governance.

The lawmaker gave the endorsement during the inauguration of the newly completed 14.8km Ikot Ubo–Odot Road, a major inter-LGA link constructed by Setraco Nigeria Ltd, which connects Nsit Ubium and Nsit Atai with other neighbouring local government areas including Eket, ONNA, Mkpat Enin and Ikot Abasi.

Aerial view of the new road 

Addressing a jubilant crowd gathered for the commissioning, Bob praised Governor Eno for demonstrating what he described as “practical leadership,” noting that the road was delivered within just 12 months, a record time for such a major project.

He explained that the Ikot Ubo–Odot corridor will not only open up rural communities but will significantly boost trade, agriculture, and local productivity in both Nsit Ubium and Nsit Atai, and by extension, neighbouring areas.

The lawmaker also used the opportunity to highlight other ongoing projects in Nsit Ubium under the Umo Eno administration, including the Songhai Model Farm and other agro-industrial initiatives. He said the new road will provide faster access to these projects and enhance their economic value, particularly in terms of moving goods to markets.

“As a community, we say thank you. As a local government, we say thank you. As a federal constituency, we say thank you. And as a state, we say thank you,” Bob declared.

Then came the clincher:

“Your Excellency, as you lead, we will continue to follow. And on your mandate, we will continue to stand.”

The event, which drew applause from political leaders across party lines, was part of activities lined up to celebrate Governor Eno’s second anniversary in office, themed “Celebrating Two Years of Spectacular Performance.”

Other speakers at the event equally praised the Governor for promoting peace, inclusiveness, and steady infrastructural development across all senatorial districts of the state.

Governor Umo Eno, in his remarks, said the project aligns with his ARISE Agenda blueprint, which prioritizes rural development and economic expansion through road connectivity.

“The construction of this road is a testament to the fact that we are linking every part of the state to the centre, to Uyo, to Abuja, through road construction and otherwise. We keep linking Akwa Ibom to the centre,” the Governor said.

The commissioning at Ikot Ubo–Odot is the latest in a series of completed projects rolled out across the state to commemorate the administration’s second year in office.