By Solomon Essiet
You and Your Governor
Writing about Governor Umo Eno during the Christmas season is always refreshing. This is a leader whose public life reflects a deep culture of giving, empathy, and people-centered governance. True to character, the Governor ensured that the spirit of Christmas reached all 2,664 gazetted villages in Akwa Ibom State, spreading joy and goodwill across communities.
The excitement among the people was unmistakable, and it is with equal enthusiasm that this week’s edition of You and Your Governor brings you a snapshot of the Governor’s activities during the festive period.
Highlights of the Week
During the week under review, Governor Eno undertook several engagements, including:
- Attending a Christmas Dinner at the Marina Waterfront, Nwaniba (Sunday, December 21)
- Celebrating with Sir Monday Ebong Uko on his birthday (Tuesday, December 23)
- Conducting an unscheduled inspection of the ARISE Palm Resort (Tuesday, December 23)
- Reopening the newly remodeled Ibom Plaza for Christmas celebrations (Tuesday, December 23)
- Worshipping at All Nations Christian Ministries International (Thursday, December 25)
- Felicitating with Prelate Isaiah Isong on his birthday (Friday, December 26)
- Identifying with Isantim Kenneth Okon on his birthday (Friday, December 26)
- Hosting Akwa Ibom people at the Governor’s Day Christmas Celebration at his country home in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium LGA (Friday, December 26)
Governor Eno and the Rebirth of Tourism in Akwa Ibom
Within the week, Governor Eno visited two key tourism sites in Uyo, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to repositioning tourism as a viable economic pillar under the ARISE Agenda.
The first stop was the Marina Waterfront along Nwaniba Road, where the Governor had earlier envisioned a space capable of hosting premium social and cultural events. Acting on that vision, the facility was prepared and successfully hosted a Christmas Dinner on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
According to the Governor, plans are underway to replicate developments around the Oron Jetty at the Marina Waterfront, with the goal of transforming it into a major leisure and tourism destination. Much like Lagos Marina, Uyo’s Marina Waterfront holds enormous potential, and ongoing efforts are steadily positioning Akwa Ibom as one of Nigeria’s most attractive tourism hubs.
The second major site visited was the Ibom Plaza, which was officially reopened on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. Originally constructed over 25 years ago by former Governor Arc. Obong Victor Attah, the plaza once stood as a vibrant recreational and cultural centre. Over time, neglect set in, and the facility deteriorated, becoming unsafe and uninviting.
Governor Eno’s intervention has reversed that decline. Through deliberate planning and investment, the plaza has been restored, bringing renewed life to Uyo’s city centre. To enhance safety, a police outpost has been constructed within the facility, ensuring protection for visitors and businesses alike.
Today, Ibom Plaza once again stands as a symbol of urban renewal, community life, and inclusive development. Its revival reflects the Governor’s broader commitment to reconnecting abandoned infrastructure to purposeful use and economic productivity.
GOVERNOR’S DAY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
The Governor’s Day Christmas Celebration held at Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, was a colourful and memorable event. The celebration featured electrifying performances by top music stars, including Flavour and Disasta, keeping the crowd entertained throughout the evening.
Governor Umo Eno, joined by members of the State Executive Council, National Assembly members, State House of Assembly members, captains of industry, and political leaders, danced and interacted freely with guests, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the occasion.
Speaking through the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki, the Governor noted that hosting a Christmas celebration had long been his personal tradition, even before assuming public office.
In further demonstration of his commitment to empowerment, the Governor presented ₦500,000 business support grants to selected indigenes of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, drawn across all wards, to strengthen small businesses and livelihoods.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, thanked attendees for their support and urged continued commitment to peace, unity, and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Akwa Ibom State Government.
The event attracted a wide spectrum of dignitaries, community leaders, business executives, entertainers, and residents, reinforcing its status as a unifying celebration.
MORE ON THE “NEW” IBOM PLAZA
Speaking at the reopening ceremony, Governor Eno disclosed plans to further beautify and expand Ibom Plaza in line with the tourism objectives of the ARISE Agenda. He commended the Chairman of the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), Hon. Anietie Eka, and his team for delivering the project within schedule.
“We needed to reclaim the plaza and make it a place where people can gather like a true city square, to watch movies, football, and enjoy leisure activities. This is only the beginning. The best is yet to come,” the Governor said.
He revealed that a broader master plan is being developed for the area, including potential flyover construction and supporting infrastructure. He also thanked the Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Baba Azare, for approving a security outpost at the plaza to safeguard lives and property.
To maintain order, the Governor announced operational guidelines, including opening hours from 7:00 a.m. to midnight, with strict enforcement against loitering after closing hours. He emphasized that the facility would be professionally managed, with restrooms and amenities properly maintained by UCCDA.
The Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, described the renovation as a bold restoration of a historic landmark, aligning with the original urban renewal vision of Arc. Obong Victor Attah. He praised Governor Eno for elevating the plaza to contemporary standards of urban beautification.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, described the reopening as a landmark achievement that reflects the administration’s commitment to cultural revival and tourism-driven development. He noted that the remodeling has strengthened Akwa Ibom’s positioning as a competitive tourism destination.
Providing an overview of the project, Rt. Hon. Anietie Eka explained that the plaza had degenerated into a hub for criminal activity before intervention. He highlighted new features including art galleries celebrating heritage and heroism, enhanced security infrastructure with patrol vehicles, a large LED screen for public entertainment, and solar-powered lighting across the facility.
Conclusion
From revitalizing public spaces to empowering citizens and celebrating cultural life, Governor Umo Eno continues to demonstrate a people-first approach to governance. His Christmas engagements this week reflect a broader philosophy of inclusive development, urban renewal, and human-centered leadership.
This is where we draw the curtain on this week’s edition of “You and Your Governor.”
Stay with me as I return next week with more updates straight from the Governor’s office.
Pastor Solomon Essiet, ACIA
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State
