How the Towns of Akwa Ibom Went Agog for Governor Umo Eno’s 61st Birthday
By Ima Nkanta
The 61st birthday of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno may have come and gone but the euphoria that greeted it still reverberates, as those who missed the fanfare on the 24th April, 2025, are catching up. What makes the occasion remarkable is not because the celebrator is the Governor but his idea that well-wishers should celebrate on his behalf with the vulnerable people on the streets, orphanages and needy homes across the State.
And like a wildfire, the boom began. The city of Uyo and the suburbs witnessed most competitive trails of foods, clothing materials and beverages being hauled into the homes of the needy. Across the local government areas of the State, the same atmosphere hallmarked the occasion of Pastor Umo Eno’s birthday celebrations. Political and religious groups were not left out, as spontaneous response was noticeable.
At the special children home of the Ministry for Women Affairs, children were exceptionally excited with different dance steps, as the rain of unusual benevolence of men and women poured in.
In a demonstration of love for the kids and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Rev’d Dr Enobong Ibok stormed the Special Children Centre, Ministry of Women Affairs, IBB Way, Uyo to celebrate with the children.
The occasion which coincided with the 61st birthday of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD., on Thursday April 24, 2005, was marked with fanfare, as the clergywoman led the women, including the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Mrs Inibehe Silas Etukudo, youths and children in dance and chants of birthday wishes to the Governor.
The highpoint came when the clergywoman, Dr. Enobong Ibok, donated food items, toiletries and beverages to the Centre for the welfare of the children.
Applauding the State Governor for the initiative for individuals and groups who wish to celebrate his 61st birthday and present gifts to him, to visit orphanages, prison and hospitals to meet pressing needs of inmates, Rev’d Dr. Ibok remarked that as a believer in the Pastor Umo Eno administration, she was elated to implement the thought of the Governor by celebrating with the children.
She urged the children not to lose hope as her non-governmental organisation, Enobong Ibok Charity Foundation, was determined to partner the special children centre and provide relief items and foods.
Elated, the Honourable commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon Inibehe Silas Etukudo, poured notes of appreciation for the Governor and Rev’d Dr Enobong Ibok for her choice of the special children centre for the birthday celebration. The children who also showed their dancing prowess sang numerous birthday tunes for the governor and prayed for more celebrations in years to come.
Rev’d Dr Enobong Ibok is the president of Eyak Ibong Akam Ministries and Enobong Ibok Charity Foundation. She is also a member of Akwa Ibom State Christian Leadership Advisory Council (AKSCLAC). Aside from hosting prayer meetings monthly and regular fellowship, Ibok is noted for her humanitarian heart for the poor and rural communities. Last month, she rolled out various life – enhancing items for hundreds of the less-privileged persons.
Hon. Dcns. Glory Eka Effiong, Ibeno LGA Chairman
The Chairman of Ibeno LGA, Hon. Deaconess Glory Eka Effiong, was also caught up in the celebratory mood. She marked the occasion with the less-privileged. In an emotion-laden birthday wish to the Governor, she said: “Your Excellency, It is with profound reverence and admiration that I, on behalf of my family, the government and the peace loving people of Ibeno Local Government Area, extend our sincerest felicitations to you on the occasion of your 61st birthday anniversary.
Your Excellency, your life’s journey is a compelling exemplar to the transformative power of vision guided by faith and tempered with humility. Under your enlightened and people-oriented leadership, Akwa Ibom State has not merely progressed; it has ascended. Through the prism of your ARISE Agenda, we have borne witness to a renaissance of purpose in governance – one rooted in ethical clarity, economic reawakening, and social harmony.
The elevation of Ibom Air to continental acclaim, your aggressive drive for infrastructural connectivity, and your tireless empowerment of rural dwellers – particularly women and farmers – signal more than policy; they reflect a covenant with posterity. Of special note is your unmistakable commitment to gender inclusion and your robust appreciation of the role of women in governance. By creating space for women to not only participate in leadership but to thrive within it, you have set a progressive standard that history will regard with high esteem. You have affirmed, by your actions, that women are not merely support structures but strategic partners in the enterprise of state-building.
In the enduring words of John Quincy Adams, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” By this measure, you have excelled. You have not only inspired, but you have ignited the collective will of Akwa Ibomites to believe in a future greater than our past. Indeed, your leadership evokes the wisdom of Margaret Thatcher, who once declared, “Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.” Your authority has spoken not through declarations, but through quiet strength, inclusive action, and measurable transformation.
Permit me, Your Excellency, to reaffirm my steadfast loyalty and the resolute solidarity of the people of Ibeno Local Government Area. We do not merely admire your leadership—we mirror it, uphold it, and proclaim it. We remain fully aligned with your noble vision and are determined to champion and promote every stride your administration makes in the direction of equity, development, and excellence.
As you celebrate yet another remarkable year of divine grace and impactful service, may Heaven replenish your strength, enlarge your wisdom, and fortify your health. May your legacy, which is already inscribed in the annals of our State’s progress, continue to illuminate the path forward. Once again, happy 61st Birthday, Your Excellency.
Hon. Dcns. Glory Eka Effiong, Ibeno LGA Chairman, celebrating the Governor’s 61st Birthday with children in Ibeno
The Government media captured the events as well. “Across the State, the spirit of charity took wings. Members of the State Executive Council, led by their Dean, Rt. Hon. Frank Archibong, celebrated with the children of the Special Children’s Centre in Uyo and later joined traditional rulers in yet another celebrations. Similarly, Dr. Ubuo Effiong Ubuo, Commissioner for Water Resources, filled petrol tanks for motorcyclists, a gesture so simple, yet potent in meaning.
The First Lady designate, Lady Helen Obareki, was not left out. With aides and staff of her office, she brought cheers to the Mother Charles Walker Children’s Home in Uyo, wrapping the visit with warmth and genuine affection.
A team led by the Governor’s Chief Photographer, Idara Adiakpan, journeyed to Q.I.C Leprosy Hospital in Ekpene Ibom, where forgotten ailments met remembered kindness.
Even in their personal capacities, aides to the Governor followed suit. Emma Akpabio took the gospel of compassion to Ikot Akpan Eda, where matriarchs were served bread and tea, gifted wrappers, and reminded of their value.
In another gesture, the Governor’s Special Assistant on Religious Matters, Pastor Ini-Ima Umoh, celebrated by showing kindness to the Government Children’s Home, 30B Chubb Road, Ikot Ekpene.
Overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and goodwill messages, the Governor in a thank you note, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, his wife, vice president and the senate president who all felicitated with him on his birthday.
The Governor equally acknowledged the floods of messages and the demonstration of love shown him by many who visited the needy to celebrate with the inmates on his behalf.
As wait another moment for massive show of compassion to the vulnerable persons in our communities, the celebration of the 61st birthday of the governor is an important reminder of the teaching of Christ on the imperative of visiting the needy on his behalf.
We don’t have to wait for another April to visit the needy, in your neighbourhood, workplace, church, etc., there is someone earnestly praying for a touch of compassion. A little drop of water will bring comfort to his or her wanting soul. Proverbs 19:17 say, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
