Gov Umo Eno’s Agenda for the Elderly, Vulnerable

By Sixtus Patrick Etukudo

“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” – Nelson Mandela

American psychologist, author, and science journalist Daniel Goleman, known for his work on emotional intelligence, often says, “True compassion means not only feeling another’s pain but also being moved to help relieve it.”

The current administration in Akwa Ibom State, led by Governor Umo Eno, has placed a high value on social welfare, focusing on supporting the vulnerable and the elderly across the entire state.

Pastor Umo Eno has implemented various programmes and initiatives to enhance the well-being and quality of life of these individuals.

Nine months into Pastor Umo Eno’s administration, the governor organized a three-day intensive free medical outreach. The outreach provided medical services, offering free consultations, treatments, and medications.

I still remember Mrs Ruth Aniefiok Edet, who resides on Edah Street in Anua Offot, Uyo Local Government Area. For over three years, she suffered from appendicitis. Due to the high cost of surgery, Mrs Edet was unable to afford the amount of over 400,000 Naira. However, upon hearing about the free medical outreach by Pst. Umo Eno, Mrs Ruth Aniefiok underwent surgery and has since returned to her normal business, offering prayers of blessings to the governor.

I also know of Miss Veronica Ime, who resides in Use Offot, Uyo Local Government Area. She suffered from an eye disease for some years and couldn’t see clearly. At her age, depression set in as she worried about where to get funding to treat herself or risk going blind. Miss Veronica Ime, among thousands of others, was fully treated, and her sight is now fully restored. The free medical outreach issued a total of 6,823 glasses and performed over 700 successful surgeries. The medical outreach remains evergreen in our memories as lives and families were saved.

On March 22, 2024, the Bulk Purchase Agency was inaugurated, with full instructions from Pst Umo Eno to address food insecurity and support the vulnerable in the state. The agency, complying with the governor’s instructions, reached all local government areas in the state, with an emphasis on the vulnerable. This is what you see when a leader with a conscience leads.

On June 24, 2023, Governor Umo Eno, during a meeting with the University of Uyo chapter of the National Association of Students with Disabilities at the Government House in Uyo, announced a 100 million Naira educational intervention fund. This fund aims to support physically challenged students of Akwa Ibom State origin studying in public tertiary institutions across the state.

“Access to health insurance means access to quality care, peace of mind, and a healthier future for everyone.” – Unknown

September 24, 2024, marked a positive U-turn in the lives of Akwa Ibomites. Pastor Umo Eno established the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA). The scheme ensures that vulnerable and elderly individuals have access to quality healthcare services without the burden of medical costs. By providing financial protection and access to quality healthcare, Governor Umo Eno’s gesture goes a long way in improving the well-being of the vulnerable and the elderly. Additionally, the governor has taken bold steps to upgrade health facilities across the state for proper healthcare service delivery.

On January 25, 2025, out of respect for the elderly and senior citizens in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, recognizing the role of elders in society and set up a structure to specially cater to their needs. The facility will include a hospital, library, and other amenities to ensure that the elderly have moments of togetherness while bringing back good memories. In his way, the governor is honouring senior citizens who have contributed significantly to the growth and development of Akwa Ibom State.

“The essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. It’s got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet.” – Rev. Theodore Hesburgh

Governor Umo Eno’s recognition as Governor of the Year by Thisday newspaper embodies his style of leadership and principles.

He has demonstrated a clear vision for the development and well-being of every Akwa Ibomite. Two years down the line, he has consistently communicated his vision through speeches, public engagements, and public policy announcements. To Thisday newspaper, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, is a leader who understands and embodies the essence of contemporary leadership. To the people of Akwa Ibom State, he is a leader who is translating his vision into reality.

Sixtus Patrick Etukudo writes from Use Offot, Nwaniba road, in the beautiful city of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.