Igbo Unity Day: Eno pledges support for inclusive governance

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering unity and inclusivity, ensuring that all residents, regardless of ethnic background, feel valued and empowered to contribute to the state’s growth and development.

The Governor gave the assurance while addressing members of the socio-cultural group, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo worldwide, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, at the Igbo Unity Day Celebration held at Uyo.

He noted the fact that some of their members were born in the State, and having established their businesses in the State as well, should be treated as part and parcel of the State.

Governor Eno disclosed that his administration has earmarked N800 million for the empowerment of the non-indigenous communities of Ndi Igbo, Arewa, Yoruba, and the Niger Delta, amongst others, in the State.

He commended the leadership of the Igbo community for engineering unity amongst themselves, and for embracing peace and unity, which has become the hallmark of the current administration, stressing that with unity, a lot could be achieved for their overall good.

The Governor, who was born in Enugu State, also commended the Igbos for their entrepreneurial spirit, which he described as impressive and exemplary.

“Let me congratulate and celebrate the Igbo community in the State for your great spirit of enterprise and faith in our collective democracy.

“The Igbo people here are part of our social fabric; they have added value to our community through their remarkable spirit of industry and brotherhood,” he stated.

He emphasized that “Akwa Ibom State is fast becoming a melting pot where various cultures and tribes come together in a symphony of love, unity, and peaceful co-existence.”

According to him, the State has been able to achieve the feat because of the Government’s intentional pursuit of peace, security, and hospitality, which the State now represents nationally.

He appreciated Ohaneze Ndi Igbo for honouring him as their grand patron and for declaring their unanimous support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and himself in 2027.

The Governor pledged to continue to partner with the Igbo community as well as all the non indigenous communities to sustain the existing harmonious relationship, as long as they live in peace, obey the laws of the land, and do not involve or perpetuate criminality.

Earlier, the President of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Hon. Kayceey Chidiadi, commended Governor Eno for his visionary and impactful leadership, stressing that the peaceful and unifying attributes of the Governor have permeated their forum and are responsible for the peace and unity in the community, which had eluded them for many years.

He expressed gratitude to the Governor for appointing their members to his government, admitting that such privilege has never been extended to them since the creation of the state.

Hon. Chidiadi assured the Governor that the Igbo community was united in support of his re-election as well as that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The high point of the event was the conferment of Grand Patron of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo on the Governor in recognition and appreciation of his benevolence and inclusive governance.

The Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Udeme Otong, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, members of the State Executive Council, political stalwarts, captains of industry, among other dignitaries accompanied the Governor to the event.