GOV ENO WILL NOT CHANGE
By Aniekan Umanah
What is the origin of kindness? If we were as eager to share kindness as we are to receive it, our society would undoubtedly be a better place. When someone believes that spreading love and showing kindness are the wings that propel their destiny, attempting to hinder that flight becomes a sacrilege.
What did Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, do wrong by celebrating the brilliance of a young Nigerian, Precious Bodunde? Is Bodunde’s only “crime” not being an indigene of Akwa Ibom State? Governor Eno does not subscribe to such parochial thinking. From all indications, he remains committed to changing lives for the better, regardless of ethnicity.
It is important to understand that Governor Eno’s background as a clergyman informs his inclusive approach. As an ordained pastor, he cannot discriminate among his flock. Christ Himself came for all, irrespective of color or location.
Whether as a private citizen or as a governor, Pastor Umo Eno has made kindness and support his lifestyle. He didn’t start this philosophy in Government House, and there’s no sign that he will stop. If anything, he is doing even more now.
Critics should note that what Governor Eno gives comes from what he can afford. Before becoming governor, he quietly supported people using personal resources, not government funds. His actions are rooted in a background where tribal or ethnic sentiments cannot deter him from celebrating and supporting excellence in others.
Governor Eno’s charity has indeed started at home. He recently allocated billions of naira to empower 5,000 Akwa Ibom youths. Through the Ibom LED program, he trained and empowered 1,200 youths, providing ₦500,000 to 800 participants and ₦750,000 to another 400. He also earmarked ₦310,000 million for SME support funds, benefiting 62 youths at two per Local Government Area.
In education, Governor Eno paid ₦79 million in fees for four Akwa Ibom students at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria. He awarded ₦10 million to Ketimfon Ndanyommong, the winner of the 2023 Heirs LIVE essay competition. Additionally, he established a grant program for postgraduate students (₦350,000 each), undergraduates (₦250,000 each), and regular students (₦10,000–₦20,000), with ₦30,000 for students in professional courses.
Further, the governor provided ₦2.5 billion for 5,000 youths under an unemployment benefit and business grant initiative, of which ₦50 million has already been disbursed in the first three months. Youths across the state’s 31 LGAs have benefited from training and empowerment through DASAC, and physically challenged individuals, like a shoemaker who received ₦1.5 million, have also seen direct support.
The governor’s interventions are too numerous to list, but they reflect his commitment to uplifting lives and supporting excellence.
This is why those criticizing his ₦10 million support for Precious Bodunde, simply because she hails from Edo State, are being unfair. Charity may begin at home, but it doesn’t end there , not for someone like Governor Eno, who has also benefited from Nigerians outside Akwa Ibom State.
Governor Eno’s charity is not just about his philanthropy. For instance, he sponsored Akwa Ibom youths for international educational exchange programs in the UK and Singapore. Barely three weeks ago, during the 2024 Christmas Carol, he gifted a patriotic flag flag bearer and Akwa Ibom Arise Ambassador, Usen Akpan Mathew N5 million. The list of his good deeds goes on. Doing good is second nature to Governor Umo Eno.
Plans are also underway for the first-ever “Night of Firsts” in Akwa Ibom State, where the best in various fields will be honored. The governor values creativity and excellence, providing platforms for youths to showcase their potential.
Governor Umo Eno exemplifies transnational leadership, rooted in the Akwa Ibom spirit of being one’s brother’s keeper. Even Akwa Ibomites benefit from this open-mindedness.
Take, for instance, the recent invitation extended to Akwa Ibom-born Minister Nathaniel Bassey to perform at a pre-inauguration breakfast for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Should Bassey have declined because he is from Akwa Ibom? Should Americans criticize Trump for not using an American artist? Clearly, such thinking would be unreasonable. Good leaders think as global citizens.
In Nigeria, examples abound of leaders who transcend tribal lines. Rivers State Governor Siminilaya Fubara appointed 23 non-indigenes to caretaker committees, with Akwa Ibom citizens among the beneficiaries. Abia State Governor Alex Otti appointed a non-indigene from Edo State as Head of Service. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu established a creativity fund for Nigerians nationwide, coordinated by Richard Mofe-Damijo, who is not a Lagos indigene.
Similarly, Tony Elumelu empowers Africans across the continent, touching humanity at its core. Governor Umo Eno’s recognition of Precious Bodunde fits within this broader framework of celebrating excellence and uplifting others.
Let us not forget the compassionate home he built for the father of a young NYSC member from Ikom, Cross River State and indeed hundreds of homeless families across the State. . If that was wrong, the world would have condemned him instead of applauding his gesture.
It is unthinkable to demand that Governor Eno stop doing good. He will never change from his ways of kindness, and for good reason.
