Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has stirred controversy after introducing his daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki, to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as his choice to take over the role of the late First Lady, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.

On September 26, Governor Eno announced the passing of his wife, Pastor Patience Eno, and requested privacy for his grieving family. However, just 10 days later, during a condolence visit by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the governor revealed that his first daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki, would assume responsibilities in the Office of the First Lady.

This decision sparked public debate over the appropriate title for her new role, with some interpreting her appointment as First Lady, others suggesting “Acting First Lady,” and some referring to her as the “Coordinator of the Akwa Ibom First Lady’s Office.”

The Mkpat Enin Grassroots Women have expressed their gratitude to Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State for his commitment to empowering women by providing them opportunities to serve at the local government level.

The commendation was given by Rose Ekanem, the group’s coordinator, who praised the governor for appointing Mercy Bassey as the Transition Committee Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Council.

Ekanem highlighted Mercy Bassey’s leadership skills, social network, and capacity-building efforts, noting that these qualities have proven her competence in grassroots governance. She urged Governor Eno to continue supporting Bassey, endorsing her as the most capable candidate for the Council Chairman position under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The group believes that Bassey is well-positioned to further her vision of sustainable development and food security in the region.

The Mkpat Enin Grassroots Women also called on the local community to support and vote for Mercy Bassey in the upcoming election. During a meeting, the group’s president referenced an African proverb to emphasize Bassey’s long-term positive impact on Mkpat Enin, describing her as a leader who has significantly improved the lives of the people.

Under Bassey’s leadership, numerous initiatives have been undertaken to transform the Council Secretariat. She has reconstructed dilapidated facilities, provided essential amenities, and intervened in abandoned state government road projects, rehabilitating them to improve transportation and safety. Her inclusive leadership has brought transparency, peace, and development to Mkpat Enin.

Some of Bassey’s notable achievements include:
– Grading roads connecting multiple villages to enhance rural living conditions.
– Cultivating a variety of food crops on council land to boost local food security.
– Building a Traditional Ruler Council House at the Secretariat.
– Rehabilitating the cottage hospital at Odoro-ikot by replacing the roof, providing borehole water, toilets, lighting, and new hospital beds to promote health and save lives.

The Mkpat Enin Grassroots Women emphasized that Mercy Bassey’s efforts have not only addressed immediate infrastructure and health needs but also laid the foundation for long-term sustainable development in Mkpat Enin. They believe that her continued leadership will bring even more positive changes to the community.

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has attributed the successes of his first year in office to divine grace and the massive support of the Akwa Ibom people.

Speaking at the first anniversary celebration of his administration held at the Uyo Township Stadium, Governor Eno expressed gratitude to his predecessor Mr. Udom Emmanuel, his campaign team, and the electorate from various ethnic and socio-political backgrounds for their unwavering support.

He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Old National Anthem Bill into law, recognizing its reflection of the nation’s aspirations and its alignment with the Akwa Ibom State anthem. Additionally, he acknowledged the collaboration with the President of the 10th Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, which he noted has contributed to reducing political tensions in the state.

Governor Eno highlighted several achievements in his first year, including advancements in rural development, education, housing, job creation, agriculture, human capacity development, and infrastructure. He emphasized that his administration has kept faith with its promises and outlined ambitious plans for the future, focusing on the five pillars of the ARISE agenda.

In agriculture, he mentioned the completion of the Ibom Model Farm and Resort in partnership with Songhai Farms of Porto Novo, which aims to increase food production and ensure price stability for staple foods. He also discussed linking existing infrastructure to a comprehensive value chain and consolidating current policies and programs.

Governor Eno announced the approval of a second round of one project per Local Government Area (LGA) and the construction of more strategic rural roads. He detailed several significant projects slated for the upcoming years, including the ARISE Shopping City in Uyo, a mall designed to attract global brands, and the commercialization of existing facilities in Lagos and Abuja.

He also mentioned plans for medium-density housing estates for professionals, the activation of the industrial park with multiple industries, and upgrading the Ibom Specialist Hospital with a new renal center.

Community-focused initiatives include building an elderly recreational center, an international market in Ikot Ekpene, and developing Oron Beach. In education, the administration plans to construct more model schools and implement a student exchange program to London, along with establishing an ICT center at Ibom-LED for exams and recruitment tests. The consolidation of the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre is also a priority.

Regarding aviation, Governor Eno reaffirmed the state’s commitment to its flagship airline, Ibom Air, announcing the arrival of a second A220-300 Airbus in July. He outlined plans to complete the Smart International Terminal Building, the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, and the Taxiway to build a comprehensive aviation ecosystem in Akwa Ibom.

Prominent stakeholders from various sectors, including former Military Administrator Yakubu Bako, Senators Ekong Sampson, Effiong Bob, and Emmanuel Ibok Essien, traditional leaders, local government representatives, the legislative arm, the judiciary, and the PDP, expressed their satisfaction with Governor Eno’s leadership and accomplishments. The event featured cultural displays and musical presentations, and several individuals and supporters were honored as ARISE Ambassadors for their significant contributions to the state.

Governor Eno’s first-year anniversary celebration highlighted both the achievements and the ambitious plans set to transform Akwa Ibom State in the years to come, reinforcing his commitment to the ARISE agenda and the continued development of the state.