Akwa Ibom
How Umo Eno Set The Legacy Of The Worker’s Friendly Governor

How Umo Eno Set The Legacy Of The Worker’s Friendly Governor
How Umo Eno set the legacy of the worker’s friendly governor. It was Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, who famously said, “The test of good government is its concern for the welfare of the people.” This is the guiding principle of Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State.
Living up to this strong commitment to put the people first, and in an intentional demonstration of people-centric leadership style, Governor Eno has introduced welfarist policies that place the administration in its true humanitarian mould. And workers in Akwa Ibom State are prime beneficiaries, including those who have retired from service.
From approving the new minimum wage of 80 thousand Naira to paying backlogs of benefits and empowering persons and sectors, the administration has solidified its reputation for prioritizing public service and fostering inclusive growth, and labour and favour are beyond pun and rhyme but synonymous in Akwa Ibom State. A plethora of evidence abounds.
Governor Umo Eno has not just approved the payment of a new minimum wage of N80,000 for public workers in Akwa Ibom, effective January 2025, he has done that with retrospective adjustments from November 2024. This monumental decision ensures that workers can meet their financial needs amidst rising economic pressures. This is a reflection of the welfarism disposition of the governor, deservingly earning him a workers-friendly governor.
Comrade Etido Solomon, a public affairs analyst, noted that, “In comparison to other states, Akwa Ibom’s new minimum wage places it in the top tier of worker-friendly states in Nigeria, surpassing the federal government’s benchmark of N70,000 and reflecting its commitment to worker welfare.” With this new N80,000 minimum wage, Akwa Ibom showcases Governor Umo Eno’s dedication to ensuring the financial well-being of public workers, securing its place as one of the leading worker-friendly states in Nigeria.
This joyous development follows the submission of a meticulous staff verification report by Elder Effiong Essien, the Head of Service, which was conducted to ensure transparency and eliminate discrepancies in the payroll system.
For Governor Eno, it is not just about paying the minimum wage, but about addressing the overall welfare of the people, including retired workers. He is demonstrated this commitment for the umpteenth time, never relenting in making workers happy, not tired of making retired workers excited.
Phoebe Samuel, an Uyo-based retired civil servant, stated, “ We have a Governor who is not looking at payment of pensions and gratuities as charity , but a right of retirees earned through years of dedicated service and sacrifice. He is a leader that values retirees and has demonstrated that that he is a son a public servant who worked , retired and often went through agonies of owed pensions and benefits”
Governor Eno clearly values retirees and is committed to their welfare. Little wonder that he has already paid N47 billion of the N97 billion backlog of gratuities and other entitlements owed to public workers, pledging to continue to offset further. This historic intervention brings relief to retirees and active public servants who had long awaited their dues.
By prioritizing these payments, the administration addresses decades-long grievances and restores trust in government, as well as making the civil service attractive, lucrative and rewarding.
Another remarkable gesture by Governor Umo Eno is the payment of N1.2 billion as wardrobe allowances for teachers in Akwa Ibom State . This initiative not only improves the working conditions of teachers but also underscores the Governor’s dedication to fostering education and empowering educators who shape the future of the state. His belief is that no society grows beyond its investment in the education sector. Hence, developing the infrastructure should be placed side by side with the welfare of teachers who are major stakeholders in the education sector.
To further boost morale and operational efficiency, the administration has provided Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to all Permanent Secretaries in the state. This move equips senior officials with the necessary resources to perform their duties effectively, while also recognizing their invaluable contributions to the state’s development. This is a major spur to optimum productivity, which will be in the best interest of the State.
Pastor Eno’s administration continues to set a benchmark for worker-centric governance. By addressing critical issues such as wage increments, delayed entitlements, and improved welfare for educators and senior officials, the Governor has positioned Akwa Ibom as a model of effective leadership and an exemplar for good governance.
The Governor’s actions have been met with widespread acclaim from public workers, labour unions, and other stakeholders. Many have praised his administration for delivering on promises and implementing policies that significantly improve the quality of life for workers.
In the words of Ubong John, a teacher , “Governor Umo Eno has proven to be a leader who listens to the needs of his people. His policies have given us hope and confidence in the government.”

Umo Eno
The Pastor- Governor’s benevolence towards public workers in the State is a testament to his vision and love for the people .By approving one of the highest minimum wages in the country, payment of backlogs of benefits, empowering teachers, and providing essential tools to senior officials, his administration has set a new standard for governance.
As Akwa Ibom continues to reap the benefits of these initiatives, Governor Umo Eno’s legacy as a transformative and compassionate leader is solidified, earning him a place in the annals of the state’s history.
Post Script: Verification, Etal
The Payroll Verification exercise ordered by Governor Umo Eno revealed that out of 55,120 , 52.177 persons turned up. 2, 943 did not show up. From the verified numbers, 6, 193 have issues with the verification. So far, 45,984 have been cleared for payment of the new minimum wage with effect from November 1 , 2024.
Meanwhile, Governor UmonEno has given a grace of one month by extending the tenure of the verification committee to allow those who have had genuine reasons for not being available to show up whilst the pensions register is being verified and cleaned up.
There could not have been a better way for welfarism in him to find expression as a workers-friendly governor!
Akwa Ibom
Umo Eno Is Committed To Blue Economy, Maritime Development: Oil , Gas

Umo Eno Is Committed To Blue Economy, Maritime Development: Oil , Gas
Umo Eno is committed to blue economy, maritime development: Oil , Gas . Akwa Ibom Oil and Gas Professionals have been assured of the commitment of the state government to harnessing the potentials of the blue economy and the extensive maritime development.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port, Comrade Ini Ememobong, reiterated the commitment of the state government to harnessing the potentials when he hosted members of the Akwa Ibom Oil and Gas Professionals to a courtesy call in his office on Thursday, March 13.
He said the recent commissioning of the Surge Protections project and development of Surge lines in Oron, was a demonstration of Governor Umo Eno’s dedication to maritime development, emphasising that the action would bring greater focus on maritime transport and recreation in the area.
Highlighting the significance of the Ibom Deep Seaport, which he described as a foundation for future development, Comrade Ememobong acknowledged the importance of a collaboration between the Ministry and the maritime oil and gas professionals and assured them of his readiness to work together with them, in order to drive growth and development in the maritime sector so as to achieve the long-term objectives of the state in the maritime sector.
The Commissioner stated that the industrial city envisioned by the Governor aims to build indigenous capacity and ensure local participation in its development, saying, “This is where the local content law comes into play, requiring that a certain percentage of the project’s workforce, services, and materials be sourced locally.”
“To activate this law, however, there needs to be available capacity among local individuals and businesses.
This is why His Excellency has prioritised capacity procurement, which ensures that the necessary skills and resources are in place before project execution begins. By doing so, the government can guarantee that local communities are well-prepared to take advantage of the opportunities arising from the industrial city’s development,” he emphasised.
Comrade Ememobong seized the occasion to commend the technical committee, led by Mrs. Mfon Usoro, in driving the Ibom Deep Seaport project forward, saying the committee is ready to collaborate with key stakeholders to turn the vision of the Ibom Deep Seaport into a reality.
Earlier, while addressing the Commissioner, the leader of the delegation and Secretary General Port State Control for the West and Central African Region, Captain Sunday Umoren, expressed his team’s enthusiasm in supporting the development of Akwa Ibom State’s maritime sector.
As indigenes of the state, with expertise in various sectors of the maritime cluster, they seek to give back by investing in human capacity building, in view of the upcoming Ibom Deep Seaport.

Umo Eno
“We are here to render our services to you; we will respect your support in planning because the deep seaport is coming: the port is just a notch, but there are other aspects to port development, which if we don’t position ourselves very well, we may end up having a deep seaport in Akwa Ibom but not making the best out of it.” He said.
Other members of the team were the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Project and Director of Project, Ibom Deep Seaport, Engr. Akaninyene Ekong; Former District Surveyor NIMASA, Marine Surveyor Engr. Eyo James; and Project Lead, Shell UK, Adjunct Professor John Moores University, UK, Prof Maurice Asuquo.
Also on the team were the Chief Engineer, Jad Construction limited, Warri, Engr. Iniobong Ebong; Marine Pilot, Nigerian Ports Authority, Bonny/Port Harcourt Pilotage District, Rivers Port Complex, Nkopuyo Abraham.
Akwa Ibom
Uniuyo Theatre Arts Presents ‘Dance Of The Ghosts’, Haunting Commentary On Nigeria’s Social Ills

Uniuyo Theatre Arts Presents ‘Dance Of The Ghosts’, Haunting Commentary On Nigeria’s Social Ills
Uniuyo Theatre Arts presents ‘dance of the ghosts’, haunting commentary on Nigeria’s social ills. The University of Uyo’s (UNIUYO) Theatre Arts Department, recently, presented a thrilling performance of Ben Binebai’s “Dance of the Ghosts,” directed by Sunday Umanah-Tusi.
This impressive performance was a practical component of the Year One course, THA 113 – Practical Orientation Production.
In the thought-provoking play “Dance of the Ghosts,” Ben Binebai crafts a powerful political allegory that reflects the Nigerian state’s struggles with leadership, mistrust, and the pursuit of power. Set in the fictional Ebiogbo Kingdom, the play exposes the harsh realities of a society where many live in fear, poverty, and frustration.
Through the lens of Ebiogbo Kingdom, Binebai shines a light on the disconnect between the people and their leaders, as well as the mistrust and backstabbing that often characterize the pursuit of power.
The play advocates for collective action and protest against irresponsible and autocratic leadership, promoting a message of social change and conflict resolution.
Overall, “Dance of the Ghosts” was a captivating production that left the audience spellbound. With its talented cast, creative team, and eerie atmosphere, this play is a must-see for anyone interested in the supernatural and the unknown.
The production was a masterclass in collaborative storytelling, with a talented team of creatives bringing the world of ghosts to life.
The set design, crafted by Umanah-Tusi, Edikan Samuel, Emmanuel Alexander, and others, transported the audience to a realm beyond the living. Dora Nnanake and Emmah Edet’s costumes added a touch of eeriness to the proceedings, while Katty Otioro and Sylvia’s makeup designs made the ghosts look eerily real.

Uniuyo Theatre Arts
The lighting, designed by Uwem Nesfield, cast an otherworldly glow over the stage, immersing the audience in the world of the ghosts.
The choreography, crafted by Jackyafricana Abasiodiongo Ekomabasi, Precious Ammang, and Queendalyne Effiong, added a dynamic energy to the performance.
The stage management team, led by Blossom, Jeffrey, and Sarah, ensured a seamless transition between scenes, keeping the pace of the play steady.
The playwright, Ben Binebai is a renowned Professor of Drama, Dramatic Theory, and Criticism at the Niger Delta University (NDU) in Amasoma. A prolific writer, Binebai has penned numerous works that showcase his expertise in drama and theatre arts. His play “Dance of the Ghosts” is a testament to his ability to craft thought-provoking stories that reflect the complexities of Nigerian society.
Akwa Ibom
Umo Eno Commissions Model school In Oron, Charges Shool Heads On Maintwnance Culture

Umo Eno Commissions Model school In Oron, Charges Shool Heads On Maintwnance Culture
Umo Eno commissions model school in Oron, charges shool heads on maintwnance culture and directs head teachers to live in school
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has charged heads of schools and other institutions to ensure preservation of government infrastructures within their custody and to ensure that the intended benefits of government investments in the sector are delivered to the targeted beneficiaries.
He also tasked headmasters and headmistresses of model primary schools built across the State to utilize the live-in facilities to enhance their care for the pupils, and protection of the facilities in line with the aspirations of his administration’s ARISE Agenda.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the Model Primary School, Uko-Oyukim in Oron Local Government Area, Governor Eno said a special education monitoring team was about to be activated to monitor the model schools, warning that any headteacher found not living on campus or whose school facilities are not well managed would be replaced.
He, therefore, tasked the Akwa Ibom State Infrastructure & Assets Management and Maintenance Agency to step up their vigilance over the educational facilities, adding that he was willing to bring to bear his private business experience as a hotelier, where he would work round the clock to ensure every guest enjoys utmost comfort, to make Akwa Ibom children receive the best from government investment in the education sector.
“Very soon, we are setting up education monitoring teams, and the team will help us ensure that all of these facilities are intact. They will monitor all these schools we are opening, from the washroom to the classrooms, all the facilities, the curriculum and of the work they are doing.
“The Headmasters or Headmistresses will also ensure that non of these facilities are destroyed. We must continue to maintain the standard. I am setting up a Governor’s Monitoring team, but they will work with the Honourable Commissioners to ensure that they give us the right information.
“If we come to your school, particularly our schools that are remodelled, and we find out that the standards are dropping, we will change the head Master or Mistress immediately.
If we come to the school and discover that you are not living on the school compound, we will send you back somewhere else.
“We can not use your money to put this edifice in place, only for it to go down in few months,” the Governor stated.
Speaking on behalf of Oron stakeholders, the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, described the emergence of Governor Umo Eno as God’s blessing to Akwa Ibom State and particularly thanked the Governor for accepting to be used to extend God’s love to Oron people.
According to Senator Eyakenyi, Governor Umo Eno’s value for education which fueled his drive to pursue and obtain a PhD has been demonstrated in his identification of primary education as being fundamentally imperative and therefore investing in giving Akwa Ibom children a good start up.

Umo Eno Commissions
The Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Umoh, presenting an overview of the project, commended Governor Umo Eno’s model primary school initiative, maintaining that such underscores his administration’s dedication to transforming the educational landscape thereby fostering academic excellence and social development.
He said the Uko-Oyukim Model Primary School, designed to accommodate 495 pupils in 19 fully furnished classrooms on a 25:1 pupils to teacher ratio, was fully equipped with library, early childcare development facilities, solar-powered ICT laboratory, modern sick bay, spacious auditorium, dedicated staff quarters, seperate gender-specific sanitary facilities, with comprehensive human kinetic facilities that enhances education and sports development.
Pupils of the school, little Miss Happiness Antai and Master Godwin Asuquo, conveyed the feelings of the school community through a special address and a ballad which expressed the gratitude of the pupils, teachers and their parents to the Governor for the kind gesture he has extended to them through the state-of-the-art facilities.
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