By Solomon Essiet
You and Your Governor
Governor Umo Eno has remained firmly focused on the goals of his administration, steadily implementing the ARISE Agenda while avoiding the distractions of critics who refuse to acknowledge the progress being made under the Golden Era administration. From his first day in office, the governor has continued to demonstrate a commitment to people-centered, forward-looking governance.
One quality that continues to define Governor Eno is his deep affection for children. During the gubernatorial campaign, he was often seen interacting freely with young people, and that same warmth has remained evident even in the busy environment of governance. His approach to leadership reflects the biblical admonition in Matthew 19:14, where Jesus instructed his disciples to allow little children to come to Him.
On two separate occasions during the week under review, Governor Eno broke protocol to interact with children who approached him while he was carrying out official duties. In one instance, while inspecting projects, he paused his schedule to engage with school children who had gathered along the route, reminding those around him that children represent the future of society.
Below are some of the governor’s key activities during the week:
- Governor Eno congratulated DCP Anthony Okon on his emergence as the new Police Public Relations Officer – Sunday, March 8
- The Governor worshipped at Liberty Gospel Church, Calabar – Sunday, March 8
- He paid an unscheduled inspection visit to the 60-Unit House of Assembly and Commissioners’ Quarters at Dakkada Luxury Estate – Sunday, March 8
- He inspected additional sites including AkwaGIS Building, Command and Control Centre, AKICORP House, the Governor’s Office Annex, and the IBC Complex
- Governor Eno met with the Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Professor Otoabasi Etim, and members of his management team – Monday, March 9
- He condoled with Pastor Okon Ikene over the passing of his wife – Wednesday, March 11
- The Governor visited the Agric Equipment Leasing Company facility in Nwaniba – Thursday, March 12
- He hosted pupils of King’s Kids Christian Montessori School during an excursion to Government House – Friday, March 13
- The Governor also hosted the Akwa Ibom Muslim community for Ramadan Iftar – Friday, March 13
MATTERS ARISING
GOV. ENO AND HIS OPEN LOVE FOR CHILDREN
Those who have followed the life and ministry of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, long before he became governor, often describe him as someone who genuinely enjoys being around children. His passion for mentoring young people dates back to his time as a Sunday School teacher at The Apostolic Church, Maboju, in Lagos State.
Whether interacting with his grandchildren or children he meets in public spaces, the governor relates to them with the same warmth and simplicity. That consistency has become one of the defining traits of his public persona.
In a country where some leaders only display such gestures during political campaigns for media optics, Governor Eno appears to act naturally and without ceremony. His interactions with children have continued even after assuming office, reinforcing the impression that his compassion is genuine.
A notable example occurred on Thursday, March 12, 2026, while the governor was leaving the Agric Equipment Leasing Company facility in Ekpri Nsukara, Nwaniba, after an inspection visit. As his convoy prepared to depart, he noticed a group of school children returning home from classes. Despite the usual security protocols and convoy movement, the governor asked that the vehicles slow down so he could interact with them.
Known for his generosity, he ensured the children did not leave empty-handed, giving them small gifts before continuing his journey.
Encounters like this can have a lasting impact on young minds. A story often told by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, illustrates this point. Adeboye once recalled how seeing a well-dressed man with polished shoes visiting his community inspired him as a child to dream bigger about his own future.
Moments like the one shared between Governor Eno and the children along that road can plant similar seeds of aspiration.
PUPILS VISIT GOVERNMENT HOUSE
Later in the week, on Friday, March 13, 2026, pupils of King’s Kids Christian Montessori School, Uyo, visited Government House as part of an excursion programme.
According to the governor, when he received the school’s request for the visit, his schedule for the week was already tight. However, he deliberately created time to receive the pupils because of his belief that children should be exposed early to the workings of leadership and public service.
Beyond simply granting them access, Governor Eno also ensured that the children received school bags, exercise books, and other educational materials as gifts during the visit.
The pupils were taken on a guided tour of the Government House complex, including the Executive Council Chambers and the governor’s office, where they were introduced to how government decisions are made and implemented. The tour was coordinated by the Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson.
During the interaction, Governor Eno encouraged the pupils to remain focused on their studies and reminded them that their generation would one day shape the future of the state and the nation.
“We are happy to receive you because children matter to us,” the governor said. “You are the future of the world, and what you see and learn today can shape your tomorrow.”
He assured them that the responsibility of government is to maintain a peaceful and secure environment where young people can pursue their education and fulfil their dreams.
The pupils later presented the governor with an Award of Leadership Excellence, expressing gratitude for the warm reception.
INSPECTION OF AGRIC EQUIPMENT LEASING COMPANY
During the week, Governor Eno also inspected the Agric Equipment Leasing Company facility in Nwaniba, a project designed to support mechanised farming across the state.
Speaking to Government House correspondents after the inspection, the governor expressed satisfaction with the progress made at the site and commended the contractor for maintaining a steady pace of work.
According to him, the facility is central to the administration’s plan to expand mechanised agriculture and increase food production in Akwa Ibom State.
More than 25 tractors equipped with tracking systems, along with other farm equipment and support vehicles, are expected to be deployed through the programme.
“These machines will be leased to farmers across the state at subsidised rates so they can expand their farming operations,” the governor explained.
He added that the programme will help farmers improve productivity while strengthening food security within the state.
Governor Eno also spoke about the government’s tree-crop revolution initiative, noting that preparations for the distribution of palm seedlings to farmers had already been completed.
“With the rainy season approaching, we will begin distributing seedlings to farmers across the state in the next two weeks,” he said.
INSPECTION OF MULTIPLE PROJECT SITES
Governor Eno also conducted an unscheduled inspection of the 60-unit House of Assembly and Commissioners’ Quarters at Dakkada Luxury Estate along Airport Road in Uyo.
The governor stopped at the site while returning from a church engagement in Calabar. During the visit, he directed the contractors, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), to accelerate construction by taking advantage of the dry season.
He also inspected several other ongoing projects, including
- AkwaGIS Building
- Ministry of Internal Security Command and Control Centre
- AKICORP House
- Governor’s Office Annex
- IBC Complex
The governor explained that regular site inspections are necessary to ensure that projects are delivered according to schedule and standards.
Governor Eno has consistently emphasised that he prefers first-hand inspection rather than relying solely on reports.
With several projects nearing completion, the coming weeks are expected to see multiple commissioning ceremonies across the state.
As the week’s activities demonstrate, Governor Eno continues to combine project monitoring, agricultural development, community engagement, and youth inspiration as part of his approach to governance.
This is where I draw the curtain for this week.
Until next week, when I return with more updates from the office of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
Pastor Solomon Essiet, ACIA
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State
