Gov. Umo Eno’s weekly recap: Protecting our common patrimony, lifting communities

You & Your Governor with Solomon Essiet

“We may not be big on propaganda. We may not be big on addressing press conferences. We may not be big on gathering people to tell them lies, but we know one thing: we are firm on the ground, and we are in this government together… and we will defend what belongs to us.”
— Umo Eno at GIFA 2nd Anniversary.

As Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno also serves as the Chief Security Officer of the State. The week under review reflected his dual commitment to protecting the State’s common patrimony while advancing people-focused development initiatives.
From defending Akwa Ibom’s oil assets to expanding social welfare interventions and inspecting strategic infrastructure, the Governor demonstrated leadership anchored on responsibility, compassion, and accountability.

A Week of Engagement and Governance
The Governor began the week with an inspection of ongoing projects upon his arrival in Uyo on Sunday, February 15. Rather than resting after travel, he proceeded directly to the Victor Attah International Airport area to assess progress on the Airport Hospital and later inspected the Dakkada Luxury Estate to ensure compliance with specifications and timelines.

Within the same week, he:
Felicitated Mr. Ime Uwah on his birthday
Condoled with his aide, Engr. Solomon Eyo, over the passing of his father
Released N2.3 billion for gratuity payments.

Attended the 2nd Anniversary of the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA) at Ibom Hall, Uyo.

Joined the Government House monthly prayer at the Latter House Chapel
Attended the burial of late Rev. (Dr.) Emmanuel Akpan Ossom in Nsit Ubium LGA.

Celebrated Pastor ImoAbasi Jacob on his 67th birthday, condoled with the family of the late Sir Wilker Jackson
Received reports on the peaceful conduct of APC Chapter Congresses across the 31 LGAs.

On the 76 oil wells
A major issue that dominated public discourse during the week was the controversy surrounding the reported transfer of 76 oil wells.

Governor Eno reassured citizens that there is no cause for alarm, stressing that no propaganda or sentiment can overturn two valid Supreme Court judgments affirming Akwa Ibom State’s ownership of the oil wells.

Speaking to Government House correspondents upon his arrival at the Victor Attah International Airport, he expressed strong confidence in the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, noting that the President places high premium on the rule of law.

“There are two Supreme Court judgments that give Akwa Ibom State the right to those oil wells. We do not share maritime boundaries with Cross River State but with the Republic of Cameroon, and the Supreme Court has said so twice,” the Governor explained.

He emphasized that the matter is based on established legal facts, not sentiments.

It will be recalled that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) officially refuted reports alleging that the oil wells were ceded to Cross River State, describing such claims as false and misleading.
Governor Eno reiterated that facts remain sacrosanct and cannot be overturned by propaganda.

Gov. Eno: The Working Leader
Governor Eno’s leadership style remains hands-on and project-driven. His immediate inspection of the Airport Hospital — ahead of the planned commencement of international flights — and his visit to Dakkada Luxury Estate underscored his commitment to infrastructure development.

Such actions, taken without delay or ceremony, reinforce his reputation as a Governor who prioritizes delivery over rhetoric.

GIFA Anniversary: Water for 369 Wards
At the 2nd Anniversary celebration of the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), the Governor announced a significant grassroots intervention.

He directed the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and AKRUWATSAN to partner with GIFA to ensure that a functional water borehole is established in each of the 369 wards of the State.

Describing the initiative as people-oriented, he said the partnership would expand access to clean water and directly improve living conditions in rural communities.

He commended the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and Chairman of GIFA, Noble Lady Helen Obareki, for sustaining the vision of the late Pastor Patience Umo Eno.

The Governor also appreciated Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, CON, for her mentorship and congratulated her on being named Leadership Newspaper’s “Person of the Year” 2026.

The event featured lectures, testimonies, cultural performances, and award presentations.

In fulfillment of his promise to clear the backlog of gratuities, Governor Eno approved the release of an additional N2.3 billion.

With this latest release, total gratuity payments now stand at nearly N80 billion out of the inherited N111 billion backlog dating back to 2012.

Beyond gratuities, the administration continues to expand its ARISE social interventions: 335 ARISE Compassionate Homes completed and handed over target of 500 homes within the first term
50 elders receiving N50,000 monthly support on a rotational basis across 369 wards.

Over 10,000 vulnerable citizens are enrolled in the ARISE Medical Insurance Scheme free of charge.

These welfare programmes continue alongside investments in tourism, aviation, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and power.

A Government Firm on the Ground
Governor Umo Eno’s week reflects a clear governance pattern — defending state resources, accelerating development projects, strengthening social welfare, and maintaining political stability.

His message remains consistent: development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, unity, and respect for the rule of law.

Akwa Ibom’s common patrimony is being defended. Communities are being lifted. And governance, in action, continues.

This is where we draw the curtain for this week. Join us next week for more updates from the Office of the Governor.