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.

Akpabio Takes Development Drive Across Akwa Ibom Communities

 

•••Inaugurates more Classrooms, ICT Centres, Roads, Markets 

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Saturday intensified his constituency briefing tour across Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District with the inauguration of gargantuan infrastructural projects cutting across education, health, ICT, markets, and road networks.

Our reporters observed that, the second day of the engagement saw the Senate President storming Etim Ekpo, Ika, Ukanafun and Oruk Anam Local Government Areas, where he inaugurated completed projects executed under his constituency intervention.

In Etim Ekpo, the former Akwa Ibom Governor inaugurated a one-storey building comprising 12 classrooms and a fully equipped ICT centre at Ikono Annang Comprehensive Secondary School, Nkwot. The sprawling facility adds to other major interventions in the area, including a new school block at Community Secondary School, Uruk Ata 2; an ICT Centre at Community Secondary School, Ikot Esop; a 500-metre road project at Inyang Ekpo; and an ultra-modern market at Otoro Obong Mboho Annang.

Also delivered in the area are a primary health centre at Ikot Akpa Nkuk, a classroom block at Abat Town, another ICT centre at Ikono Annang Comprehensive School, and a new police station at Utu Etim Ekpo.

Still in the spirit of grassroots impact, the Senate President moved to Ika Local Government Area, where he inaugurated the newly constructed Mkpohoeto Ultra-Modern Market at Ikot Udom. Other interventions in Ika included the construction of an ICT centre at St. Augustine, Urua Inyang, a classroom block in the same school, and a one-kilometre road stretching through Ikot Eseden, Ikot Udom, and Ito communities.

In Ukanafun, Senator Akpabio cut the tape on an ICT centre in Ikot Akpan Afaha. Other projects in the area include a modern market at Urua Ekun, 500-metre roads at Idung Nneke, Anwa Uyo and Urua Obo Okoyo: all part of efforts to open up the rural economy and improve access within communities.

Rounding off the day’s event, the Nation's number 3 citizen was received by cheering crowds in Oruk Anam, where he inaugurated a one-storey, 12-classroom building at the Secondary School, Ikot Afanga. The Local Government Area also benefitted from the construction of an ultramodern market at Urua Anwa, classroom blocks at Southern Annang Comprehensive School, Ikot Okoro, a fully equipped block of classrooms with borehole water at Community Secondary School, Mbiakot, as well as an ICT Centre and transformer installation at Community Secondary School, Ekparakwa.

Many of the constituents who interacted with our reporters said what they witnessed goes beyond the usual constituency projects. For them, it is a clear continuation of Akpabio’s deep-rooted style of grassroots development, a legacy that began during his early years in public office and is now playing out strongly in his current position as Senate President.

They used the occasion to pledge their total support for President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno, assuring that they would deliver 100 percent votes for the trio in the 2027 general elections to enable them sustain their people-centred leadership.

Goddaffi Hails Gov Umo Eno's Ghana, Egypt Awards, Scores Him 100% in 2 Years

A renowned tech entrepreneur and grassroots mobiliser, Akparawa Godwin Enang, popularly known as Goddafi, has commended Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State over his recent recognition in Ghana and Egypt, describing the honours as well-deserved.

Goddafi, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Goddafi Computers and Communications and a former member of the Pastor Umo Eno Campaign Organisation, gave the commendation on Tuesday during a live phone-in programme on a private radio station in Uyo.

He said the twin awards; the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize (LAAP) presented to the governor by the Millennium Excellence Foundation in Kumasi, Ghana, and another recognition by the African Women Summit in Cairo, Egypt, were a clear reflection of Governor Eno’s performance in office, particularly his inclusive and people-focused governance.

Describing the governor as a “true messiah for the people of Ikono,” the Ikono-born ICT expert said Pastor Umo Eno’s track record in just two years in office speaks for itself.

“Governor Umo Eno has done in two years what others could not achieve in four. These recognitions are not by chance. They are earned. And I dare say, he deserves even more,” Goddafi stated.

He noted that the Lifetime Achievement Prize, which placed Governor Eno in the league of continental leaders such as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, was not just a boost for the state but a clear sign that Akwa Ibom was now firmly on the continental development radar.

“From Kumasi to Cairo, Governor Eno is being celebrated not for politics but for real impact, education, healthcare, agriculture, rural development, women empowerment and transparency in governance. These are the things the world is watching, and they are the same things our people here in Ikono are already benefitting from,” he said.

Citing the ongoing 7.9km Ring Road III project, the flag-off of the Nsai Use–Nkwot Edem Edet Road with its twin-span bridges, and the 21.5km Ikot Anyan–Nung Ukim Road project, Goddafi maintained that such massive interventions in rural infrastructure under the ARISE Agenda showed the governor’s sincerity and capacity.

“This is why I have always said he is not just a governor. He is the messiah that God sent to wipe away the tears of our people. These awards are proof that the rest of Africa agrees with us,” he added.

He praised the governor’s town square meetings across federal constituencies as a novel way of building participatory governance, describing them as a bold departure from the aloof style of leadership common in the past.

“No governor in the history of this state has sat with the people like this, taking notes and promising to factor their needs into the state budget. That is what leadership should be. That is why I score him 100 percent,” the businessman said.

Goddafi also used the opportunity to encourage other Akwa Ibomites at home and in the diaspora to support the governor, saying the only way to sustain the current tempo of development was through collective support across partylines.

“As far as we in Ikono are concerned, we have made the right choice. We stood with Pastor Umo Eno in 2023, and we are standing with him still. By the time he leaves office in 2031, he will go down as the best governor Akwa Ibom has ever had,” Goddafi declared.

Stop Blackmailing Our Village Head, Ekpri Nsukara Offot Warns Rebellious Indigene, Others

The people of Ekpri Nsukara Offot Village in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, have risen in strong defence of their Village Head, Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo, warning one of their sons, Mr. Udeme Eyo Asuquo, and his associates to desist from what they described as a smear campaign against the traditional stool.

In a communiqué issued at the end of an enlarged village meeting held at the Palace of the Village Head on Saturday, April 26, 2025, the community expressed disappointment over what they called a pattern of false allegations and blackmail against Eteidung Asikpo, which they traced to unresolved grievances over the outcome of the village head selection held in May 2023.

The meeting, attended by the Village Council Chairman, Family Heads, Councillors from all five families, youth leaders, eminent residents, and members of the motorcyclists’ union, firmly rejected a recent advertorial authored by Mr. Asuquo and published in The Pioneer Newspaper (April 21–22 edition), where he accused the village head of using “cult boys” to intimidate indigenes.

According to the communiqué, the publication is “totally false, malicious, and a calculated attempt to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of Eteidung Asikpo.”

The community disclosed that the so-called clash referred to in the publication was a minor internal squabble within the Association of Motorcyclists, caused by an external troublemaker, Mr. Okokon Okon Sampson, who, without any mandate, stormed their park with supporters to illegally dissolve the executive by ringing a bell and declaring himself leader.

The move was resisted, leading to a fight in which he and others sustained injuries. The matter, they said, had nothing to do with the village head.

In their words, “The Village Head acted with compassion by calming the agitated youths and even provided medical assistance to those injured. It is therefore unacceptable and wicked for anyone to twist this into a tale of cult violence.”

The community further accused Mr. Asuquo of plotting to discredit the village head following the failure of his preferred candidate to emerge as Village Head in 2023. “The truth remains: you may desire kingship, but only God crowns. Eteidung Asikpo was duly selected by the kingmakers and issued a certificate of recognition by the State Government,” the statement read.

It also recalled a frivolous petition Mr. Asuquo submitted to the Police Force Intelligence Department (FID) Abuja, which led to the Village Head being invited. The meeting, which had the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, chiefs, and legal representatives in attendance, reportedly found no substance in the petition. When the matter was referred to the Uyo Traditional Rulers Council, Mr. Asuquo reportedly failed to appear.

Describing his actions as "reckless and unbecoming of a true son of the soil," the community warned Mr. Asuquo and his allies to desist from any further attempts to blackmail the village leadership or face legal consequences.

The meeting ended with a vote of confidence passed on Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo in recognition of his excellent leadership and peace-building efforts.

FULL SIGNATORIES TO THE COMMUNIQUÉ:

Comrade Morris Silas Bassey, Chairman, Village Council

Obong Edem Mark, Vice Chairman, Village Council

Elder Domingo Bassey Etim, Secretary, Village Council

Obong Enefiok Paul Peter, Family Head, Nung Udo Akpakpan

Obong Effiong Henry, Family Head, Nung Abasi Imo

Obong Francis Essang, Family Head, Nung Okpo

Obong Michael Jerome, Family Head, Nung Ukpong

Obong Edet Otu Udosen, Councillor, Nung Ukpong

Obong Paulinus Denis Asikpo, Councillor, Nung Abasi Imo

Obong Francis Effiong Nyong, Councillor, Nung Essang

Pastor Mathias Asuquo, Councillor, Nung Okpo

Obong Godwin Sam Inyang, Councillor, Nung Ukpong

Mfon Obong Obong, Councillor, Nung Abasi Imo

Ibong Asuquo Udoeyop, Councillor, Nung Udo Akpakpan

Pius Okon, Youth President

Elder Ekanem Akpan, Resident

Cletus Ime Paul, Youth

Kubiat John Essien, Youth

Emmanuel P. Okon

Youth

Tony Effiong Nyong

Youth

Isaac Okon Udo

Youth

Comrade Ekemini Ekpe Jonah 

 Chairman, Association of Motorcyclists

Comrade Christian Edmond 

Secretary, Association of Motorcyclists

Charles Christopher Edet

Motorcyclist

Christian Edmond Knight

Motorcyclist

Ekemini Ekpe Idiok

Motorcyclist

Isaiah Usen Sam

Motorcyclist

Special Report! HOW OBONG UKO UMOH IS CHANGING GOVERNANCE NARRATIVE IN ETINAN

 

When he campaigned across the 64 gazetted villages and 12 wards of Etinan Local Government Area, Obong Uko Umoh did not just seek votes, he made a significant promise. He told his people that if entrusted with their mandate, he would usher in what he called 'The New Iman Ibom': a rebirth that would restore the dignity of Etinan, rekindle hope, and lift the people from the trenches of neglect to a land of visible transformation.

For the Iman Ibom people, just as it is in our country, most political promises have often been like rainclouds that gather but never pour. But the former Nigerian Pulse publisher turned Council Boss is proving that leadership is not about rhetoric, but about results.

As former U.S. President John Quincy Adams once said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” And indeed, less than six months into his tenure, Uko Biafra, as he is popularly called, is inspiring a new rhythm in local governance, a rhythm defined by impact, empathy, and serious commitment.

Hon. Uko Umoh assumed office as the Executive Chairman of Etinan Local Government Council in October 2024, and without any immodesty, he hit the ground running.

In a recent interview with journalists, he divulged that one of the first things he did as Council Boss was to order a comprehensive audit of all government projects in Etinan: abandoned, uncompleted, and vandalized. That audit, he said, birthed the Implementation Committee, which laid the groundwork for his gargantuan achievements. He made it clear that it is wiser and cheaper to complete viable projects than to abandon them for political points.

Fast forward to his second month in office: the Etinan Council Secretariat, which had remained in darkness for over a decade, was connected back to the national grid. That single gesture rekindled belief across the LGA. It was no longer politics as usual. Something had changed.

While the projects at the Council Secretariat were ongoing, Umoh's wind of transformation was also blowing across every village and ward. He began grading roads, not just in the central urban corridors, but deep into the rural settlements. His focus was not optics; it was access. He knew that a real government must be felt, not just heard.

Beyond infrastructure, he turned his attention to his people. The people of Etinan have benefitted from comprehensive medical care - many underwent surgeries, various ailments were treated, eye conditions were addressed, and several other health needs were met for a good one week. In addition, Uko Iman launched a job data initiative in a bid to register unemployed but qualified Etinan sons and daughters. It wasn’t for show. It was a real connection to real opportunities at the federal and state levels. From there, the people of Etinan began to see leadership that listens and responds.

Then came April 29 and 30, 2025: two days that marked a turning point in community impact and rural transformation in line with Governor Umo Eno's ARISE Agenda. Eight life-changing projects were inaugurated and handed over to the people across eight communities - four each day, focusing on two of the most essential needs of rural dwellers: water and electricity. These included: Water rehabilitation project, Iwor Etor (Southern Iman Ward 5); Transformer rehabilitation project, Ekpene Ukpa (Urban Ward 2); Water rehabilitation project, Ikot Eba (Urban Ward 2); Transformer rehabilitation project, Ikot Ibok (Southern Iman Ward 3); Water rehabilitation project, Afaha Akpan Ekpo (Urban Ward 5); Transformer rehabilitation project, Etinan by Motor Park (Urban Ward 1).

In Iwor Etor, for instance, just like in other communities, the joy was indescribable. The water and electricity projects brought tears to the eyes of elders, youths, women, and royal fathers who came out in large numbers to give their performing Chairman and entourage a rousing welcome. For years, they had relied on streams and makeshift sources. But now, clean water flows at their doorstep. The village sang in praise, not just for the water, but for being remembered.

At Ekpene Ukpa, the streets lit up with celebration as the community received its own functional transformer. It was the first time in recent memory that electricity returned to their homes. Night no longer felt like a curse.

In Ikot Ibok, the mood was electric. The village renamed their hero “Ekwueme” - meaning “the one who says and does.” Their water source, once a muddy pond, had now been replaced by a properly reticulated system. They couldn’t hide their joy.

The same story played out in Ikot Eba, Etinan Village, Ikot Nkang, and Afaha Akpan Ekpo. Each community received either water or electricity - some, both. But in all locations, the message was clear: The New Etinan is not only possible - it is here!

In support of educational advancement and in line with the ARISE Agenda, the Executive chairman recently purchased and distributed 500 JAMB forms to eligible students, with a promise of full scholarships to those who score 350 and above.

So far, Obong Umoh has graded over 80 kilometers of roads across various wards and villages, making long-abandoned village routes motorable and easing movement for rural dwellers.

Currently, Uko is also constructing a state-of-the-art motor park, the first of its kind, and one that will stand out in the entire South South. At the Etinan Roundabout, the chairman is developing a world-class plaza that is fast becoming a central attraction. The once-quiet area now bustles with activity as Iman Ibom people from nearby villages gather there, bringing new life to the space. This development is not only discouraging rural-to-urban migration for entertainment, but is beginning to draw people from Eket, Nsit Ibom and Uyo into Etinan.

For the first time in a long while, the people of Etinan are not asking what the government is doing. They are seeing it, feeling it and living it. Little wonder stakeholders across Etinan, who have seen this shift, in a rare show of unity, recently passed a vote of confidence in his leadership. They have seen the commitment. They have witnessed the delivery. And they are confident that Etinan is in good hands.

In the months ahead, Uko Iman has promised to turn his attention to health centres in the area, breathe life into the agriculture sector and, above all, “stomach infrastructure,” among others. The Ekwueme Etinan will do it.

Oh yes! Hon. (Obong) Uko Umoh may have started as a publisher of news, but today, he is writing a different kind of story, the kind that the people of Etinan will tell for years to come.

Uko is no longer just changing the narrative in Etinan, he has become the new narrative himself, turning promises into actions and restoring the confidence of his people. Again, The New Iman Ibom he spoke about is no longer an idea, it is now what the people live and see daily; a visible shift in leadership, in service, and in what it truly means to care.

©

Henshaw NYONG in Uyo.